MVB | Kodiaks add St. Pierre

May 18, 2021 - The Kodiaks men’s volleyball program is excited to add another dynamic athlete to its 2021-22 roster, as head coach Greg Gibos has announced the commitment of 6-foot setter Ben St. Pierre.

St. Pierre is a graduate of the Notre Dame Cougars volleyball program in Red Deer, Alta., who also played club volleyball with the successful Central Alberta Kings (CAKVC) program. Gibos describes St. Pierre as an extremely athletic setter, noting he already has a spike approach of 10 feet 10 inches.

During his time with the Kings, St. Pierre led the team to a second place finish at the prestigious Best of the West tournament, as well as numerous top five finishes in Volleyball Alberta tournaments. He was also a member of the Zone 4 Alberta Winter Games team.

Gibos says St. Pierre will fit seamlessly into the program’s culture, both on and off the court.

“Ben is another really exciting addition to our program,” says Gibos. “Ben’s biggest strength is his ability to connect with his teammates. Every person I spoke to mentioned how great of a teammate he was. Clearly this is an important aspect of being a setter, but it’s even more important when representing the Kodiaks. Our program is built around individuals who are not only high-level athletes but are playing the sport because they have a passion and desire to make a bigger impact on their team, community and culture.”

Kodiaks reputation key to St. Pierre’s decision

There are few fiercer rivalries in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) than the one that exists between Red Deer College (RDC) and Lethbridge College, especially between men’s volleyball programs that are both perennial contenders. So, what made a Red Deer kid want to head south to play for the Kodiaks? St. Pierre says it was a mixture of the team’s reputation for success, both on the court and in the community.  

“Whenever you bring up Lethbridge College, the first thing people talk about is how it feels like a family,” says St. Pierre. “I’m someone who loves his teammates and really appreciates creating bonds both off and on the court. Another key aspect was their involvement in their volleyball community. I’ve seen their athletes coaching the local club team and watching provincials there in 2020, you can see how much the community rallies around the Kodiaks.”

No doubt, the Kodiaks ability to sell out the Val Matteotti Gymnasium for the Gold Medal Match of the 2020 ACAC Men’s Volleyball Championships left a very favorable impression in volleyball circles throughout Alberta. St. Pierre says he can’t wait to join the team and help the Kodiaks get back to the big stage.

“I’m excited to make an impact not only on the volleyball court, but in the community and with my teammates. Of course, [the Kodiaks] are one of the most successful programs in the CCAA lately, and I want to perform at the highest level.”

St. Pierre attributes his success as a student and an athlete to a pair of influential leaders in his life, including his father, Marc.

“My dad is one of the biggest influences in my life,” says St. Pierre. “He really taught me how to treat everyone with respect and supported me through my childhood. He’s a really special person in my life and I’m thankful for the growth he provided me.”

Growing up in Red Deer, St. Pierre also had influential coaches such as AJ Mahoney (Notre Dame head coach) and Ryan Beatson (CAKVC coach and RDC alumni).

“Both Ryan and AJ really help push me through every practice, and improve both on and off the court. I’m excited to represent both of them at the next level of my career.”

Kodiaks excited for depth at setter

Gibos is excited to see St. Pierre join returning Kodiaks student-athletes Nash Shipton and Liam Frost at the setter position.

“I think we have three of the best athletes in the setting position in the conference, and I trust each one of them to run our offense,” describes Gibos.  

Competition for playing time will be fierce, but St. Pierre believes he’s ready for the challenge.

“I’m just excited to get in there and push everyone to get better,” says St. Pierre. “I believe I am a really hard-working player and I look forward to learning from everyone involved in the program. My goal is to help our group of setters improve and work hard every day I’m in the gym.”

Kodiaks Notes

• St. Pierre will join the Business Administration program at Lethbridge College when classes begin in the fall.
• When asked about other hobbies, St. Pierre says he enjoys a good round of golf when he’s not training or on the volleyball court. Golf is a passion that Gibos says is also a favourite of several current members of the Kodiaks MVB team.

Kodiaks Ready to Roar Next Season 

The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) has been granted approval to draft schedules and commence preparations for the delivery of a 2021-22 post-secondary athletics season. Further information will be announced as planning evolves.

Learn more about the Kodiaks at gokodiaks.ca and follow along all season on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.