MCAC announces second annual True Sport Team for men’s volleyball

The Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) is pleased to announce the second annual True Sport Team for volleyball teams in the 2022-23 season.

The True Sport Team was developed to recognize student athletes who demonstrate the principles of True Sport on the field of play, in the classroom and in the community.

MCAC – 2022-23 True Sport Team for men’s volleyball

David Nelson – Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) Blazers men’s volleyball

Nick Friesen – Providence University College (PUC) Pilots men’s volleyball

Kaylen Desmarais-Joseph – Université de Saint-Boniface (USB) Les Rouges men’s volleyball

The True Sport seven principles that guided the selection for the Team:

1.   Go For It – Rise to the challenge – always strive for excellence. Be persistent and discover how good you can be.

2.   Play Fair – Understand, respect, and follow the rules. Play with integrity – competition is only meaningful when it is fair.

3.   Respect Others – Show respect for everyone involved in creating your sporting experience, both on and off the field of play. Win with dignity and lose with grace.

4.   Keep It Fun – Find the joy in sport and share it with others. Remember what you love about sport and why you play.

5.   Stay Healthy – Always respect and care for your mind and body. Advocate for the health and safety of yourself and those around you.

6.   Include Everyone – Recognize and celebrate strength in diversity. Invite and welcome others into sport.

7.   Give Back – Say thanks and show gratitude. Encourage your sport group to make a difference in the community.

All the nominated student-athletes will be invited to apply for the Bill Wedlake True Sport Awards. These awards were established to recognize Bill Wedlake, the first Executive Director for the MCAC and his commitment to living the True Sport Principles with the MCAC. At the end of each season, two student-athletes will receive a $250 award.

Head coaches comments about True Sport recipients:

David Nelson (CMU Blazers MVB) – “David has been a positive force on the team since joining last season. He fills whatever role is asked and does so without complaint. Outside of volleyball, he selflessly gives his time and energy to student leadership positions and coaching at volleyball camps while still excelling in his studies.” – CMU’s Coordinator of Sports Info and Communications Josh Ewert

Nick Friesen (PUC Pilots MVB) – “Nick is the ultimate teammate. He embodies what is means to be a Providence Pilot for the men’s volleyball program. Nick is on our leadership team for a reason. When he speaks, his teammates listen. When he gives everything he has on the court, his teammates follow. Nick uses his God-given talents to help lead this program and has a high individual persistence to continually get better, no matter what time of the season it is. He strives for me, he craves to help bring excellence to the program no matter his role. We are thankful to have Nick within our ranks on the Providence men’s volleyball program.”

Kaylen Desmarais-Joseph (USB Les Rouges MVB) – “Kaylen demonstrates a great balance of hard work, fun, and respect, personally with his teammates.”