The NAIT men's volleyball team is gearing up for an exciting season with the addition of ten new players, including four first-year recruits and six transfers. This influx of talent promises to enhance the squad's depth and competitiveness. 

The first-year players joining the team are Cole Barlage, Jacob Smart, Noah Henson, and Xander van Driel. Barlage brings experience as a left side/libero after excelling with NAVC. Smart, also from the local area, is a formidable middle blocker, ready to make his mark in the upcoming season. Henson is coming in from Kamloops, where he recently helped his club secure a bronze medal at the National Championships. Rounding out the group, van Driel hails from Brisbane, Australia, where he captained the U20 Volleyroos, participating in the U20 Asian Championship. 

Other new faces include Chris Rooker, Julien Philips, Kaden Bennett, Joel Nickel, Koda Dunfield and Carsten Bergeron, bringing their own talents and valuable skills to the team. 

With such a significant number of new faces, Head Coach Phil Dixon recognizes the importance of a strong team culture and makes sure the players have ample opportunity to build camaraderie and enhance communication both on and off the court, whether it be through bonding activities like team BBQs or required reading aimed at instilling the team's core values in his players (currently they are working through the book You Win in the Locker Room First by Jon Gordon & Mike Smith). 

One of the biggest challenges for new recruits is balancing the demands of academics with their volleyball commitments. Players have one-on-one check-ins throughout September to assess how the newcomers are managing their first few weeks at NAIT, as well as follow-ups during midterm season. In addition, the senior members of the team, as well as the Ook Leadership Council, are available resources for new student-athletes to seek out. 

Coach Dixon expressed hope that the new players will embrace the "brotherhood" that has been carefully cultivated over the years. As these young athletes continue in their time at NAIT, their experiences on the team will be both meaningful and valuable. 

The team will play its first game on the road on October 25th at 8 PM against the Keyano College Huskies.