KAMLOOPS – Just one week after claiming the honour at the conference level, WolfPack men’s volleyball head coach Pat Hennelly has now been recognized nationally after he was named the Fox40 U SPORTS Coach of the Year at the national awards gala in Kingston, ON.
Hennelly’s award – the first Coach of the Year at the U SPORTS level in WolfPack history – comes after a season of unimaginable circumstances.
“I can’t think of a more deserving individual than Pat Hennelly to be recognized as the U SPORTS men’s volleyball national coach of the year,” said TRU director of athletics and recreation Curtis Atkinson. “Pat’s leadership was critical for us in navigating this season, and he has set the standard for caring for the whole student-athlete – emotionally, physically, academically and mentally.”
After a tragic car crash on November 29 took the life of Owyn McInnis and caused both Riley Brinnen and Owen Waterhouse life-altering injuries, Hennelly took on the role of much more than a coach on the court to help guide his team.
“I am thrilled that schools across the country recognized Pat for what we saw day-to-day – a coach who cares deeply about his student-athletes and who is committed to creating an environment where they can succeed. We are so proud of Pat and it is fitting that he has been recognized with this most deserving award.”
Just narrowly missing out on the playoff this season with a record of 11-13, TRU scored victories over five teams that finished the season ranked in the U SPORTS Top 10. They picked up wins over the No. 2 Alberta Golden Bears, No. 3 MRU Cougars, No. 6 UBC Thunderbirds, No. 7 Saskatchewan Huskies and No. 9 Winnipeg Wesmen.
Hennelly, who has coached TRU since the program made the move to the U SPORTS level in the 2005-06 season, has led TRU to the CW postseason 10 times and has over 150 regular season wins to his name. He also has three appearances at the U SPORTS National Championship on his resume including a national bronze medal finish.
While the honour is Hennelly’s first time winning a U SPORTS award, he has coached three previous players to national awards: Kevin Tillie (2009-10 Rookie of the Year) as well as Brad Gunter (2013-14) and Colin Carson (2013-14).
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