2023-24 CCAA National Scholars:
The CCAA National Scholar Award recognizes student-athletes who achieve honours standing in academics while competing in intercollegiate athletics.
Jaden Hood (not pictured)
Noah McFadzen
Ella Nichols
Daivan Scherman
Hannah Zurakowski
PACWEST Academic Excellence Award:
This award is presented to student-athletes who have achieved honors standing at their institution based on their cumulative GPA in a minimum of 27 credit hours
Cassie Fahselt
Noah McFadzen
Ella Nichols
Daivan Scherman
Chloe Quaife
Hannah Zurakowski
Ethan Braam
Krista McKnight
College of the Rockies Academic Excellence Award:
Recognizing student athletes with a GPA of 7.5 or higher in 12 or more credit hours.
Riley Bell
Kayla Brasok
Ella Nichols
Alisia Dvorak
Albert Francisco
Noah McFadzen
Chloe Quaife
Daivan Scherman
Scholarship Awards
Freshman Athletic Award (Winner will receive a $500 Bursary at the COTR Academic Awards Ceremony)
The award is presented to a first-year student-athlete who consistently demonstrates contagious energy, outstanding commitment, and excellent sportsmanship, embodying the spirit of being 'Small College Proud' while contributing positively to the Avalanche Athletic Program.
Award Sponsored by Brianna & Dylan Thompson (Athletics & Student Lffe Specialist) and Dianne Teslak (Former VP, Finance)
Stevie Friesen, Women's Volleyball
From day one, Stevie has shown dedication and brought focused energy to the team. Her enthusiasm and work ethic shine on the court, always ready for a big play. She lifts her teammates, encouraging them to be their best. Her sportsmanship and team spirit have made her a fan favorite, embodying the "Small College" values we hold dear. It's been a joy watching her grow this season!
Moving Mountains Award (Winners will receive a $250 Bursary at the COTR Academic Awards Ceremony)
This award recognizes student-athletes who achieve honours standing in academics. This award will be presented to the student athlete that was registered in a minimum 24 credit hours and obtained the highest GPA.
Award Sponsored by the Millis family
Daivan Scherman & Noah Hadwen
Women's Volleyball Team Awards
Most Valuable Player
Hannah Zurakowski
Hannah brings positive energy wherever she goes! Every interaction with her leaves you feeling heard, valued, and inspired. Her passion for volleyball, academics, and her relationships shines through in everything she does. Just being around her brings a sense of focus and calm. Resilient, genuine, and deeply caring, she's been a true asset to our team and community!
Most Improved
Kayla Brasok
Kayla is one of our team's most dedicated athletes. From day one, she set high standards for herself and worked hard to achieve her goals. Her passion for volleyball drives her to be the best, inspiring her teammates with her positivity and work ethic. This season, she made significant improvements, earning a key spot on the floor, and academically, she's one of our highest achievers.
Rookie of the Year
Hannah Gray
Hannah entered the season fully committed and has made remarkable progress! She's always open to feedback and takes action right away, understanding that growth takes time. Her methodical approach has paid off, and her performance has improved week by week, inspiring her teammates to raise their game. Her academic progress has been just as impressive as her success on the court!
Avalanche Award
Winter Knudsgaard
This athlete brings positive energy wherever she goes! Every interaction with her leaves you feeling heard, valued, and inspired. Her passion for volleyball, academics, and her relationships shines through in everything she does. Just being around her brings a sense of focus and calm. Resilient, genuine, and deeply caring, she's been a true asset to our team and community!
Men's Volleyball Team Awards
Most Valuable Player
Diego Policarpo
For the second year in a row, the MVP for College of the Rockies Men's volleyball is Diego Policarpo. In this, his 4th year at the college, Diego put together a historic season and was named Pacwest 1st team conference all-star, Pacwest Outside Hitter of the year, Pacwest Player of the Year, CCAA All-Canadian, Pacwest Tournament all-star and CCAA Tournament all-star as the Avs finished the regular season in first place, won Pacwest Silver and CCAA Bronze. In conference play Diego tallied 394 kills, 30 aces, 21 blocks, 92 digs and 445 points, setting Pacwest records for kills per set and points per set. As captain of the Avs, Diego also sets the tone for the squad with his humble confidence, work ethic and infectious spirit for the game. Beloved across the Pacwest for his sportsmanship, camaraderie and kindness, Diego is truly our one-in-a-million-Brazilian.
Most Improved
Reece Clarke
In a season of incredible performances and growth from September through to CCAA nationals in March it is not easy to define "most-improved" on this Avalanche Men's Volleyball team. This year's winner, for taking his game from Good to Great, from Flashy to Consistent, is Reece Clarke. Reece, a 4th year libero, has been a mainstay in the backcourt for the Avs for a number of successful seasons, but this year he took his game to a new level of consistency and reliability. Reece led the Avalanche with 107 digs and passed a career best on reception. This improvement in reception was built over countless hours in the weight room, watching film, taking extra quality reps and putting in the work on the mental side of the libero position. Reece has built himself into one of the most reliable and consistent liberos in the CCAA.
Rookie of the Year
Noah Hadwen
This season featured a small but spectacular rookie class with each new Av contributing in meaningful ways as the team reached CCAA nationals. For his performance throughout the entire season, the Rookie of the Year is Noah Hadwen. Noah totalled 42 kills on a .522 hitting percentage and was named a member of the Pacwest All-Rookie team for his regular season play. At CCAA nationals in Manitoba Noah put forth 2 spectacular offensive performances and was named player of the match in the Bronze Medal-winning victory. Always humble, willing to be coached and disciplined, Noah will be a dynamic force next season and beyond.
Avalanche Award
Ethan Braam
Our College of the Rockies Men's Volleyball team was awarded the leadership award at the CCAA National tournament, an award very symbolic of the quality of student-athletes within the program. A number of athletes exemplify the commitment needed to pursue excellence and this year's winner is Ethan Braam. Ethan a 3rd year middle blocker in our demanding UVic education program, shows the weightroom commitment and diligence in watching video in order to be a strong middle in the conference. Ethan's always willing to go the extra mile and has become a significant fixture in our college community.