The NAIT Men's Volleyball team comes into the 2023-2024 season looking to finish what they started. Last season, the team finished just off the podium at the ACAC Championships and ended their regular season campaign with a 19-10 record. Four players received All-ACAC awards, and multiple program records were broken.
The team's highly regarded recruiting class brings in three true freshmen and four transfers looking to make a statement in their first year with the team. Under the leadership of new Head Coach Phil Dixon, this group has all the talent needed to make waves on a national stage.
"This 2023-24 NAIT recruiting class will bring more depth to our pin attackers' position with the addition of Wyatt, Josh, Emmett, and Kai. This dynamic group of attackers, in addition to setter Mason Gorski, will raise the competitive environment in practice on a daily basis, which hopefully transfers to a better battle-tested group by the end of the season, when we need to be playing our best volleyball," said Head Coach Phil Dixon.
Let's meet the NAIT 2023-2024 Men's Volleyball recruiting class.
Kai Hildebrandt- Morinville, Alberta
The first recruit of this year's class is Kai Hildebrandt. The 6'3 Middle Blocker/ Outside Hitter played for Morinville Community High School and plans to study in the Business Administration Program while at NAIT. Coach Dixon says his "versatility is his top skill. He will add to our depth as both a left and right-side attacker". Hildebrandt's ability to be terminal from anywhere in the front row will make him a great utility player for this year's team.
Finn Howard- Christchurch, New Zealand
The first international recruit coming to the team is Finn Howard. The 6'7 Middle Blocker spent time training with the U20 New Zealand Junior National Program alongside current Ook Jarod Robert. He also played for the New Zealand National Team. His size and speed will give him the advantage against other ACAC Middle Blockers.
Josh Annett- Sherwood Park, Alberta
The Ooks pick up another strong local in Josh Annett. The 6'8 Middle Blocker played for Bev Facey High School and NAVC Griffins. Annett was also a selection for the Golden Bear Ganza All-Star game. He plans to study in the Bachelor of Technology program while at NAIT. Annett's height and ability to read the setter give him all the skills needed to be a great Middle Blocker in the ACAC.
Mason Gorski- Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan
The Ooks bring in one of the most highly regarded transfers in program history with Mason Gorski. Gorski comes to the Ooks after spending the last two seasons with the King's University Eagles, where he averaged 9.78 assists and 0.41 service aces per set. The Setter earned two ACAC All-Conference All-Star Awards, ACAC North Rookie of the Year in 2022, and ACAC North Player of the Year in 2023. He will study in the Instrumentation Engineering Technology program.
Josh Watson- Christchurch, New Zealand
The second New Zealander in this year's recruiting class is Josh Watson. The 6'3 Outside Hitter comes to the Ooks after a standout year with the Northwestern Polytechnic Wolves. In his final year of high school, he won the SBHS Sportsmen of the Year Award, which is one of the most prestigious awards given at the high school level. Coach Dixon says, "Watson will bring a unique set of skills in the attacking and serving pressure areas, having developed under the New Zealand National Team program."
Wyatt Turnbull- Spruce Grove, Alberta
A player joining this year's experienced roster is Wyatt Turnbull. The 6'3 Outside Hitters comes to the Ooks after playing his last four years with the University of Concordia, where he amassed 674 kills and 364 digs while averaging 2.57 kills per set. Coach Dixon says, "Wyatt will provide a steadiness to the outside hitter group as a solid passer, dynamic attacker, and strong defender." Turnbull's experience and stability will be crucial in his last ACAC volleyball season.
Emmett Neuls- St. Albert, Alberta
Another player switching allegiances to be an Ook is Emmett Neuls. The 6'1 Libero/ Outside Hitter played his rookie season with Concordia, where he amassed 25 kills and digs with limited playing time. Neuls also played for Team Alberta and won gold at the 2019 Canada Cup National Championships. Neuls is a steady passer in serve receive and defense, which will be key for this year's championship push.
Stay updated on team developments and catch any extra recruit updates by following the NAIT Ooks Men's Volleyball social media accounts.
Mark your calendars for an exciting start to the season as the Ooks open the season at home on Friday, October 20th, taking on the Concordia Thunder at 8:00 PM.