ALUMNI FEATURE: A giant in her own right, Sawatzky-Koop talks Hall of Fame induction and gratitude

Standing only 5′ 6″, Michelle Sawatzky-Koop isn’t your average volleyball player. The three-time national champion, two-time U SPORTS Player of the Year, Canada West Hall of Famer, Olympian, and soon-to-be Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame inductee said her story, from the provincial team to the Hall of Fame, is a story of persistence and support.
 
“Incredible people have poured into my life and career,” said Sawatzky-Koop.
 
With no club team in Steinbach, Sawatzky-Koop’s volleyball career started with four-hour drives from her home to Virden to practice with Club West, coached by Steve Densmore. Sawatzky-Koop’s parents made the long drive there and back three times a week to make practices.
 
“I don’t even understand that,” said Sawatzky-Koop.” It was mind-boggling.”
 
Sawatzky-Koop said there was a time when she was ready to quit the sport as she felt it wasn’t working out. But then the long drives paid off because soon the summer season turned into the high school season, which became an invitation to play with the Bisons.

 
“Things just started snowballing,” said Sawatzky-Koop.
 
Sawatzky-Koop, who studied piano at the Desautels Faculty of Music, said her years on the team were spent in the gym working overtime. She said together with long-time head coach Ken Bentley (entering his 37th year with the program), they put in the extra training in the gym, working three individuals a week on top of team practices.
 
“Who does that?” said Sawatzky-Koop. “Ken knew what it would take.”
 
Sawatzky-Koop’s time with the Bisons included the team’s unprecedented run of three national championships (1990-92). Things started when the Bisons beat the favoured University of Victoria in a 3-2 match. Sawatzky-Koop said she didn’t know what she was doing then, but she and the team were trying their best. 
 
“We had no business winning,” Sawatzky-Koop said. “They came back to win, and we just got in their way.” 
 
Sawatzky-Koop’s story continued after the Bisons, leading her to represent Canada during their bronze medal finish at the 1995 Pan American Games in Argentina and 1996’s Olympic Games in Atlanta, finishing 9th.
 
Sawatzky-Koop will be courtside this weekend for the Bisons women’s volleyball home opener. Her role as the team’s assistant coach is just the story’s next chapter, which started during the four-hour drives to practices. Sawatzky-Koop wants to return the support she got from many throughout her journey.
 
“I try to come and make a difference,” she said. “It’s what I did when I played, and I think it’s no different now.”
 
Sawatzky-Koop said she is excited to be a support system for the team and head coach, Ken Bentley, and to help lend some experience as a former player. More importantly, Sawatzky-Koop said it’s about connecting to the team on a human level and believing in them.
 
“They’re incredible human beings, these young women,” said Sawatzky-Koop. “I love them.”
 
On November third, Sawatzky-Koop will be inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. She said the experience is humbling to be in the company of many incredible athletes.
 
“I’m sure I’ll cry my fair share of tears,” said Sawatzky-Koop. “Just remembering.”
 

ALUMNI REMINDER:
All UM alumni are invited to see the Bisons in action all season long (basketball, hockey and volleyball) – for free! Simply visit ShowPass and use the promo code UMALUMNI22 to claim up to 4 free tickets to any home game for the 2022-2023 season. Join the fun and cheer on our student athletes!