Max Haronga of the Douglas Royals has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year.
Haronga received the award at the 2020 CCAA Men’s Volleyball National Championship banquet, hosted by St. Thomas University in Fredericton, NB.
“The CCAA Player of the Year is best characterized by his intensity, consistency of purpose, achievement, teamwork and a student-athlete who exhibits tremendous work ethic and leadership skills to motivate his teammates to excel and perform at their best,” said Ray Sarkis, CCAA Men’s Volleyball Convenor. “Max is the athlete who best exemplifies that description and is very worthy of this award.”
Haronga, a second-year outside hitter, dominated offensively in the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST), leading the conference with 3.62 kills per set, 4.34 points per set and 40 service aces. The 2019 PACWEST Rookie of the Year also placed in the Top 10 with 117 digs.
He led Douglas to a first-place finish in the PACWEST with a 19-5 record. The Royals, who were ranked as high as No. 2 in the CCAA, settled for a bronze medal at the PACWEST Championship.
Haronga’s quiet, lead by example leadership role complimented an offensively potent Douglas squad, which comprised of several veterans.
As member of the Royals Men’s Volleyball program, he participates in various community service events which engage local high school volleyball programs and community volleyball club teams. Haronga is also involved in several Royals Athletics led initiatives such as the CCAA Make Some Noise for Mental Health and the Royals Scholarship Brunch.
“He is a special talent,” said Brian McLennon, Director, Athletics and Recreation at Douglas College. “It was a privilege to watch this young outstanding student-athlete mature in front of our eyes, take leadership of the national contending team and yet remain humble, unassuming and poised.”
Other nominees for the CCAA Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year award were Karym Coleman of the Briercrest Clippers (Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference), Jake Gomes of the Humber Hawks (Ontario Colleges Athletic Association) Guillaume Bisson of the Griffons de l’Outaouais (Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec) and Christian Christie of the St. Thomas Tommies (Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association).
CCAA Player of the Year winners receive a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA Championship banquet.