Lethbridge Collegiate Institute graduate Oliver Billyard has signed with the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks men’s volleyball team.
Billyard is fresh off a successful Grade 12 season with the LCI Rams. He was named to the Prairie Sky All-Star team this season and is currently a member of the U18 Junior Kodiaks.
Billyard is a relentless force at the net both offensively and shutting down opponent’s key attackers. The Rams had a successful season with several tournament wins, and a top eight performance at 4A provincials. The Junior Kodiaks have won the premiere event this season and look to continue to battle for provincial glory this season.
Coach Greg Gibos says Billyard is a middle blocker with a spike approach well above 11-foot-three and promises to be a successful, motivated and driven player who will make an incredible impact on the post-secondary’s program, and in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference.
“Oliver has such a strong desire to better himself and wants to push towards excellence. When speaking with him, he always wants to get better, and this is something that will translate into success as a post-secondary athlete and Kodiak,” adds Gibos.
Billyard is excited for the opportunity to continue to play in front of a hometown crowd.
“I can’t wait to walk into the Val and represent my friends and family,” says Billyard. “Part of what brought me to Lethbridge Polytechnic was the incredible atmosphere every night with the support of this community.”
“The team has been awesome to be around growing up, and it’s a dream come true to be able to be a Kodiak,” notes Billyard.
For Gibos, the recruitment of Billyard is a rewarding outcome of Lethbridge’s vibrant volleyball community.
“We’ve got a really great group of U18 athletes here in Lethbridge, and for them to get the chance to play together in club, and then join our program is so rewarding,” Gibos says. “Part of our goals is to inspire the next generation of volleyball players in southern Alberta, and Oliver is going to do just that. He’s got incredible potential.”
