College of the Rockies men's Avalanche volleyball team have signed Jhet Bowen, a 6ft 1.5-inch Setter from Winnipeg, Manitoba for the 2024/25 season.

Bowen, who will come to the Avs from the highly successful Dakota Collegiate, which is perennially a top high school program. He has been recognized for his skill with numerous personal and team awards including MVP and Provincial All-star in 2021, Divisional All-star in 2022, and earning the Leboldus Invitational VMP and South Central Athletic Conference's (SCAC) Divisional All-star.

Team awards this year include MVA Provincial Champions, Div. 1 Tier 1 National Champions, U18 Team Manitoba Gold Canada Cup National Champions, the Leboldus Invitational Champions, and SCAC Divisional Champions.

"To be able to add Jhet to our program is really exciting for us," said coach Cisco Farerro. "He brings athleticism and confidence to our already strong setter position. Jhet was drawn to College of the Rockies for our UVic East Kootenay Teacher Education program and to have an athlete of his caliber and pedigree with us for 4-5 years really solidifies the position long-term. In this past recruiting class, we were able to add 2 athletes (Boston Thiessen and Matthew Janzen) from Team Manitoba's Canada Cup winning team and are excited to add Jhet who is a member of the 2023 Canada Cup winning team. Athletes that are a part of that program have been very well-coached and have played in a lot of big games in front of big crowds. Jhet is also a heck of a human being, and I can't wait to have him in our gym as a long-term fixture in our College community."

Bowen is looking forward to being part of the UVic/COTR East Kootenay Teacher Education program, which will enable him to complete a University of Victoria Bachelor of Education entirely at College of the Rockies.

"I chose College of the Rockies for its outstanding education program held in partnership with UVic, its beautiful location, and the opportunity to compete at a post-secondary level. I am excited and looking forward to becoming part of the Avs family and the amazing group of athletes and coaches."

Bowen will be joining the College in September 2024.