The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s volleyball team will certainly have more of an “Alberta feel” on its roster in 2015-16. The WolfPack and head coach Pat Hennelly have added their third recruit from the Edmonton area in the last two years with the announcement that 6’5” left side Tristan Dexter of Sherwood Park has decided to commit to the team.  He will join the WolfPack beginning in September 2015. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="375"] WolfPack recruit Tristan Dexter (photo submitted)[/caption] “My family and I spent almost a full day on campus this summer with coach Hennelly,” says Dexter, who will be taking courses aimed at achieving a Bachelor of Arts majoring in psychology and minoring in sociology.  “We toured the campus, spent time with an academic advisor and checking out the community.  I really gained an appreciation for the type of person Coach Hennelly is and the program he and Coach Bennett (Nathan) are running.  I can see the community is a strong supporter of TRU and it’s clear with the many activities the WolfPack are involved in that TRU sees it as equally important giving back to the community as well.  The Tournament Capital Centre and the campus are beautiful. Even though TRU is a CIS school, it has many advantages of a smaller school. This is an environment and program that I see myself thriving in and being extremely proud to represent.” Dexter was captain of his Bev Facey Composite Falcons high school team this year leading a rookie laden squad to the Edmonton Metro quarterfinals.   The year previous, Dexter and the Falcons finished second in Edmonton Metro and Alberta 4A Provincial silver medals. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="200"] Facey head coach Tristan Gerrie (photo submitted)[/caption] Tristan Gerrie has been his high school coach at Facey for three seasons. “Tristan prides himself on his ability to be a true team player both on and off the court. He is a player who you can rely on as a coach, not only to demand his best effort but put his teammates to give their best effort at all times. He strives for perfection, and is willing to work as hard as possible to attain it.  During critical points in games, we could rely on Tristan to put the ball away for us, getting a very needed point-as well as get that essential dig, or make that must needed three.  Most importantly, he drove the team together. Creating a cohesiveness among the team surrounding him.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Dexter with the kill with his club team (photo submitted)[/caption] Last season, he played club volleyball with the Edmonton FOG U-17 Black (Fifth place at Provincials and Nationals in 2014) and Team Alberta U-17 (won national championship). [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Edmonton FOG head coach Phil Dixon (photo courtesy of Kings' College)[/caption] His club coach the past two seasons was Phil Dixon: who has coached the last 34 club and high school seasons in Mantoba, Ontario and Alberta and is currently the men’s volleyball coach at King’s University in Edmonton (ACAC).  “Tristan is a good team player, has good ball control and a great blocker. His grit, determination and desire to get better every time on the court will make him a solid CIS player.” That sentiment is echoed by Gerrie. “ His desire to win, ability to compete and selflessness will act as some of his best qualities moving forward for his CIS career. His desire to win shows in all environments of his volleyball career—from practices, games to his school work: He works as hard as he can in all aspects. This, combined with his already strong volleyball abilities will result in him having a very successful CIS career.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Dexter with a play out of the back row (photo submitted)[/caption] Dexter is also a proficient beach player and was on Team Alberta for both U-16 and U-18.  At U-16 Nationals at Spanish Banks, BC, his team finished ninth and at the U-18 Nationals in Parksville, BC—he was fifth as an underage player. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="333"] WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly (Andrew Snucins photo)[/caption] “We are excited to have Tristan sign with the WolfPack,” says Coach Hennelly. “We feel Tristan has a great skill set to compliment the three recruits we have already signed for September 2015.  Tristan brings a lot of ball control and backcourt skill.  We were looking for a ball control player and Tristan has that skill along with a blocking presence.” “I feel I am a hard worker, very coachable and willing to learn,” Dexter responded when asked to give himself an evaluation. “I bring a lot of positive energy to the court and my teams. I pride myself with being a very versatile player being a strong defensive player, passing well and being a strong blocker.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] another kill for Dexter (photo submitted)[/caption] He is also grounded when it comes to jumping from high school to CIS. “I need to transform from a ‘boys’ body to a ‘man’s”.  That will come with working in the weight room.” Dexter is familiar with both current WolfPack rookie Cole Keddie and fellow 2015 recruit Kyle Behiels.  “ I played against Cole with Team U-16 Team Alberta and know him with the Volleyball Canada Centre of Excellence training program from my first year.  I have played against Kyle pretty much all of my club seasons and was his teammate when I played Team Alberta Indoor for two years.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] WolfPack rookie Cole Keddie (Andrew Snucins photo)[/caption] Dixon feels that Dexter won’t have any problem acclimatizing himself to the TRU environment and the City of Kamloops as a whole.  “Tristan lived in Red Deer (population about 100,000) until he was 15 so settling in at TRU and Kamloops should be an easy one for him.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Fellow Alberta recruit Kyle Behiels[/caption] Hennelly says Dexter’s commitment nearly completes his recruiting efforts for the coming year. “ We may add one more player to this group, which is already one of the strongest recruiting classes we have ever had.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="333"] Sam Taylor-Parks of Kelowna has also committed to the WolfPack for next year (Micheal Sodaro photo)[/caption] Other recruits committed to Thompson Rivers University for the fall are: Behiels (17, 6’8”, middle, Edmonton, AB/Jasper Place Secondary-Team Alberta/Nooks), Sam Taylor Parks (17,6’7” middle, Kelowna, BC/Kelowna Secondary-Team BC/Kelowna Klutch) and Charlie Bringloe (17, 6’6”,outside hitter, Waterloo, ON/Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary-Team Ontario/London VBC).