Trinity Western’s Epp headlines U SPORTS men’s volleyball major award winners

Philipp Lauter was selected as the U SPORTS rookie of the year for his exceptional play with the Brandon Bobcats this past season.

The middle hitter showed his place among the league’s elite in his very first season, posting a remarkable .380 hitting percentage on the year, good for second in the Canada West conference, while his 39 service aces led the league. He also ranked second in the conference in total blocks with 75.

Lauter was twice named a CW Player of the Week and a U SPORTS Athlete of the Week during this impressive rookie campaign.

Lauter’s agility, ability to read plays and reputable serve make him a formidable opponent and instant game-changer for Brandon and will undoubtedly be a formidable piece for the Bobcats for years to come.

“Philipp had a fantastic rookie season and is more than deserving of this recognition,” said Brandon Head Coach Grant Wilson. “As excited as we are for him in receiving this award, what’s more exciting is what lies ahead, as we feel he is just going to get better with more experience in the annual Canada West grind.”  

Nominees 

• CW: Philipp Lauter, Brandon (Winner)
• OUA: Maxime Gratton, McMaster
• RSEQ: Jonathan Portelance, Sherbrooke

In addition to being one of the top liberos in Canada, Darian Picklyk is a leader off the floor as well.

The fourth-year Winnipeg Wesmen is highly regarded by his teammates, coaches, and staff of the Wesmen Athletics department as a positive voice and leader both in competition and away from it.

Darian values his Ukranian heritage and culture, and has been involved in Ukranian dance for more than 17 years, performing at community events locally, nationally and internationally. He is part of the Selo Ukranian Dancers a renowned organization started three decades ago by his parents that serves to unite the local Ukranian community while providing entertainment at a variety of cultural events. He also volunteers at the Kyiv Pavillion in Winnipeg’s iconic Folklorama festival.

This season, Darian was the driving force behind a men’s volleyball charity effort to provide food hampers and toys for less-fortunate families in the community. He is also a regular blood donor who works to encourage his teammates to follow his lead and donate as well.

In addition to his community work, Darian is also a volunteer club volleyball coach, helping young players in the 204 Volleyball Club develop their skills.

“Darian is one of the finest young men we have had go through our program in all areas: academics, volunteerism and community activism. He is well-liked by teammates and opponents, while being a top player in our league,” said Bisons Head Coach, Larry McKay. “There aren’t enough superlatives to do justice to Darian. When it needs doing, he does it. When he acts for common good, he gets others to come with him. He has strong leadership qualities and uses them for the betterment of others.” 

Nominees

• CW: Darian Picklyk, Winnipeg (Winner)
• OUA: Amit Sayal, Western
• RSEQ: Scott Mann, UNB

Ben Josephson is the U SPORTS Fox 40 Coach of the Year for the fourth time in his career, adding to his previous wins in 2011-12, 2013-14 and 2019-2020.

Josephson led TWU to a near-perfect regular season, as the Spartans rolled to a conference-best 15-1 record in Canada West. The Spartans coach helped guide the Spartans to a dominant performance offensively in which TWU led the conference with a .330 hitting percentage, while also finishing second in aces per set (2.19) and points per set (16.5).

Utilizing the talent teeming from the Spartans roster, Josephson put together a rare 6-2 system that has made TWU a uniquely challenging opponent. With this offence in place, Josephson’s set-up saw TWU’s Derek Epp earned the Canada West Player of the Year honour while fellow Canada West All-Star Brodie Hofer led the conference in hitting percentage (.398) and was second in Canada West with 4.35 kills per set.

“Ben, as the consummate professional, has once again brought our team to a place where they can compete for a national championship. Ben has so many incredible qualities as a coach,” said Jeff Gamache, Athletic Director of Trinity Western. “He connects with his athletes, he is technically brilliant and he has a tremendous work ethic.  But perhaps the thing that stands out the most this year is his creativity. Through the challenges of COVID-19, he simply went ‘into the lab’ and came out with a super unique 6-2 system that has maximized the talents of this year’s group.  Ben is also a collaborator and a mentor.”

Nominees

• CW: Ben Josephson, Trinity Western (Winner)
• OUA: Dave Preston, McMaster
• RSEQ: Mohamed El Fethi Abed