Kodiaks men’s volleyball adds an outside to their roster

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks men’s volleyball team has signed Picture Butte High School graduate, Corny Bergen. He is a versatile six-foot-two dynamic outside attacker with a vertical of 1.12 metres and a spike approach above 11-foot-six as a U18 athlete. 

Bergen has hit over 100 kilometres per hour on his serve and is one of the purest back row attackers in the 2025 class. He is a graduate of the U17 Canada Games Team Alberta program and currently plays club volleyball for the Junior Kodiaks program – gold medalists in the first Alberta Premiere event. Bergen was named MVP of his high school league and MVP of the prestigious GANZA All-Star Game. Hosted by the University of Alberta, the event showcases the best volleyball players from across the province. 

“Corny is simply one of the most exciting outside prospects not only in Alberta, but in the country,” says head coach Greg Gibos. “He plays with such a freedom, pure enjoyment and dedicated work ethic. Not only is he extremely physically gifted, but he’s the hardest working athlete in the gym every day that he’s there. He’s going to do incredible things as a Kodiak, and I can’t wait to have him full time in the gym training with us.” 

Bergen credits the support of his family and coaches for getting him to this point, especially his brother, who played a pivotal role in his volleyball journey.  “One of the major factors in my growth was my brother – getting to compete with him and fall in love with volleyball was truly one of the most significant aspects of my motivation as an athlete,” he says. “I’ve had tremendous coaches along the way and I’m just so thrilled to get to achieve my dream of playing post-secondary volleyball.” 

Bergen says the Kodiaks culture is what set Lethbridge apart when he was making his post-secondary decision. 

“The program is just full of great people,” he says. “Every time I interacted with a member of the team it was such a positive experience, and I know I’m joining a program that will truly care about me. Getting to play in front of my friends and family and hopefully inspire other southern Alberta athletes to continue playing volleyball is going to be such an honour.”

“It’s honestly such a perfect fit for Corny and our program,” says Gibos. “Rarely does an athlete make such strong connections on their visit, and it felt like he was already a member of the team with his ability to connect with others. He’s one of the best talents southern Alberta has produced, and he has the potential to play professionally whenever that time comes for him. He’s going to be worth attending a match next season to see how special he can be.”

The Kodiaks are looking to improve on their 17-2 record last season which culminated in a silver medal at Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference Championships.