Kodiaks men’s volleyball sign outside attacker Matthew Debeljak

The Lethbridge College Kodiaks men’s volleyball team has signed outside hitter Matthew Debeljak to its 2024-25 roster.

Debeljak is a 2023 graduate from Bowness High School in Calgary. He decided to take a year off to build strength, despite having multiple offers to start playing at the post-secondary level last year. He will start in the college’s Exercise Science program in the fall.

He is an accomplished athlete, having won a provincial championship in 2022, recognition as an Alberta Volleyball All-Star and, most recently, a silver medal with the YYC Eagles at the U18 provincial championships.

Kodiaks men’s volleyball head coach Greg Gibos has had his eye on Debeljak for some time. Debeljak has been training at a high level in Calgary this year as most of the Eagles players are university- or college-bound.

“He’s an extremely smart and tactile player who can score at an extremely high level,” says Gibos. “He’s got one of the heaviest arms in Western Canada, and his serve is already at an Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) level.”

His persistence and push to play post-secondary at the highest level is what stood out most to the Kodiaks coaching staff. They believe with him taking the year to get stronger, he’s going to quickly make a difference on this team.

“I chose to become a Kodiak because I wanted to be part of a positive and competitive environment that will challenge and help me to progress as a volleyball player,” says Debeljak. “I really enjoyed practising with the team and working with the coaches and I think Lethbridge College is the best place for me to play volleyball while pursuing my studies.”

Debeljak gives credits to his parents for their unwavering belief and allowing him to chase this dream. “My drive is something that separates me, and I can’t wait to push myself as a Kodiak.”

Kodiaks coaches actively recruit high school athletes around Alberta and neighbouring provinces. If one of the Kodiaks coaches hasn’t spoken to you yet, don’t worry. Simply fill out the recruitment form (gokodiaks.ca/recruitment), and they would be pleased to learn more about you.