Oliver Billyard

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks men’s volleyball is thrilled to announce the commitment of Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (LCI) graduate Oliver Billyard. Billyard is a six-foot-six middle/opposite attacker, who is fresh off a successful Grade 12 season with the LCI Rams. He was named to the Prairie Sky All-Star team this season and is currently a member of the U18 Junior Kodiaks.

Billyard is a relentless force at the net both offensively and shutting down opponent’s key attackers. The Rams had a successful season with several tournament wins, and then a top eight performance at 4A provincials. The Junior Kodiaks have won the premiere event this season and look to continue to battle for provincial glory this season.

“Oliver is another exciting product of LCI where we’ve had several athletes come over the last several years,” says Coach Greg Gibos. “He’s a middle blocker with a spike approach well above 11-foot-three and promises to be a successful, motivated and driven player who will make an incredible impact on our program, and in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference. Oliver has such a strong desire to better himself and wants to push towards excellence. When speaking with him, he always wants to get better, and this is something that will translate into success as a post-secondary athlete and Kodiak.”

Billyard is excited for the opportunity to continue to play in front of a hometown crowd.

“I can’t wait to walk into the Val and represent my friends and family,” says Billyard. “Part of what brought me to Lethbridge Polytechnic was the incredible atmosphere here every night with the support of this community. I just want to thank (Lethbridge Volleyball Club coaches) Rob Wood and Dustin McCubbing for their continued support and belief in me. Without them, I don’t think this would be possible.

“I really just want to come in here and become part of such a family-focused team environment here at Lethbridge Polytechnic. The team has been awesome to be around growing up, and it’s a dream come true to be able to be a Kodiak.”

For Gibos, the recruitment of Billyard is a rewarding outcome of Lethbridge’s vibrant volleyball community.

“We’ve got a really great group of U18 athletes here in Lethbridge, and for them to get the chance to play together in club, and then join our program is so rewarding,” Gibos says. “Part of our goals is to inspire the next generation of volleyball players in southern Alberta, and Oliver is going to do just that. He’s got incredible potential – and we can't wait to help him achieve his ultimate potential.”

Billyard joins the defending silver medalist Kodiaks for the 2025-2026 season in the team’s quest to bring home the banner to Lethbridge Polytechnic next season.