2022-23 Avalanche Awards Winners

Women's Volleyball

Most Valuable Player - Hannah Klassen

Hannah was the teams most consistent player this season and was forever a threat to the opponent, especially in her blocking and serving. She brought joy and excitement to the gym on a daily basis and stepped up as a leader when required throughout the season, keeping the whole team pointed in the right direction. 

Most Improved - Krista McKnight

Krista has a great deal of passion towards the game of volleyball and absorbs information like a sponge. Krista's technical skill development has allowed her to reach a very high level on the court, and her growth mindset has generated success in the classroom where she's excelled this year.

Rookie of the Year - Abby Betker

Abby came into the year with enthusiasm and a willingness to take on whatever role was asked of her. She dug deep, working to make some technical changes to her game and seemingly overnight began to earn more and more on court opportunities. Abby was a force to be reckoned with in the second half of the season and has a bright future ahead of her. 

Avalanche Award - Claire Newsome

Claire took it upon herself this year to go above and beyond in service to her teammates and to this program. She lead by example in all aspects of what a top student athlete needed to be doing, and then contributed even more within the community. She was the team captain and created an environment that allowed her teammates to thrive on and off the court.

Men's Volleyball

Most Valuable Player - Vittor Mateus

The 3rd year setter had an incredible season winning Pacwest Player of the Year, CCAA All-Canadian, Pacwest Setter of the year and was named First team conference all-star. Vittor totalled 659 assists, 40 kills, 33 blocks and 146 digs. Vittor, a team captain, was also named to the Pacwest championships tournament all-star team. Vittor's outgoing personality and incredible on-court performance has made him the face of our program across the conference and across the CCAA.

Most Improved - Ethan Braam

After redshirting his first year as an outside hitter, Ethan transitioned to a new position as a middle blocker this fall and thrived in his role. A tireless hardworking athlete, Ethan put his nose to the grindstone and developed incredibly from the start of the season. Ethan had 32 kills, 17 blocks, 17 digs and 10 aces this season building himself into a solid starting-caliber middle blocker.

Rookie of the Year - Hunter Jacobucci

A middle blocker hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Hunter was named to the Pacwest All-Rookie team in his inaugural season. A strong student with incredible focus and commitment to all facets of being a student athlete, Hunter tallied 109 kills, 22 blocks, 18 aces and 28 digs in his rookie season and was one of the best middle blockers in the conference.

Avalanche Award - Gustavo Bertoli

 This season Gustavo showed an incredible commitment to our program and to not only self-improvement but the growth of his teammates. Gustavo has built himself into a very strong student in the classroom, a leader in the weight room and continued to be an excellent outside hitter in our conference.  Gustavo was named to both the Pacwest Championships tournament all-star team and a second team conference all-star. Gustavo accumulated 157 kills, 25 blocks, 18 aces and 86 digs in this, his 4th season of eligibility.

Freshman Athletic Award - Hunter Jacobucci

(Sponsored by Brianna & Dylan Thompson, COTR Alumni)

Hunter shows an unmatched commitment to his growth as a student-athlete both on the court and in the classroom. He is already a highly visible member of our college community and has drawn the praise of many of his instructors. Hunter brings an incredible focus to every aspect of being a student athlete and has future captain written all over him. Hunter's commitment to his academics is only rivaled by his commitment to his development as a volleyball player. Extremely coachable, with a high volleyball IQ and a passion for self-improvement, Hunter was named to the Pacwest All-Rookie team while being one of the top middle blockers in the conference. 

Spirit Award - Rose Howard & Jaden Hood

(Sponsored by Dianne Teslak, VP of Finance and Corporate Services)