The pipeline between the City of Prince George and the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men's volleyball team continues.  Head coach Pat Hennelly has dipped into the talent pool in that Northern BC city to pluck out two of his latest recruits.

Kyle McKee and Cole Johnston  of the Prince George Youth Volleyball Club have both signed letters of intent to join the TRU program in September. Both graduate this spring.  McKee from Duchess Park Secondary and Johnston from DP Todd Secondary. Both are middles/outside hitters.
Johnston is 6'7 while McKee is 6'5'.

"The visit was amazing," says Johnston about his time spent at TRU and with the WolfPack team. "Everyone seemed to really care and put great effort in. The guys are super nice and the team was great."

Johnston plans to take courses aimed at getting a Bachelor of Computer Science degree.
"TRU has a prestigious volleyball program and has strong connections with Prince George," stated McKee.  " It has great options for my career path so this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. The fact that many Prince George players have come to TRU didn't influence my decision but it gives me a sense of comfort for the school and the team."

McKee aims to earn a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering degree.

Both players have worked with PGYVC president Dan Drezet and former WolfPack star Colin Carson over the past few years. 

"Cole definitely has the size to play at a high level. He does a good job utilizing that massive wingspan and is extremely athletic," states Drezet. " Cole has come a long way in a short period of time in the sport of volleyball. He is a quick learner and a very popular teammate. We expect to be Cole one of the top middles in BC this club season.
Carson was an all-star setter while with TRU and a member of Canada's Junior National team.  " I was an assistant coach for one year with Cole but he reminds me a lot of Jordon Foot (fellow TRU alum from Prince George who graduated last year and is playing professionally in Germany). "

"I had the pleasure of coaching Kyle in his grade 11 school and club season. He was very well liked and respected as a person and player on both those squads. Kyle helped Duchess Park to a third place finish at the "AA" provincials and then PGYVC to a fifth place finish at Nationals.  He was a starter on both those teams. He can be quiet off the court but is an extremely hard worker who has a good volleyball IQ. His maturity will lend well to his ability to adapt and thrive in the U SPORTS setting.  Kyle and Ryan Hampe (current member of the TRU squad) played together for both seasons I coached them and that relationship will definitely help him feel more comfortable as he moves to Kamloops.  If Kyle is able to dedicate himself to the weight room in the summer, it will go a long way in minimizing the gap between himself and the returning WolfPack veterans."

Carson's comments aren't lost on McKee, " The leap of competitiveness that I am making will require me to devote a lot of time to my physical health and ability (working out, cardio) as well as my mental health. Emotions and attitude define who you are as a player and they affect your game significantly. I am ready for the challenge."
When asked about what qualities they possess which will make them valued members of the TRU program, Johnston stated  " I have a pretty good vertical and can hit"  while McKee states, "Leading by example, responsibility, making adjustments, versatility, setting and  smart shots."
McKee played two years with Team BC (2017 and 2018).   Johnston was with Team BC at the U-16 level.

Both players know they will have to work hard in order to earn playing time in their first year.  " I don't expect much action in my first year of post-secondary," Mckee states. " But my goal is to make my voice heard by my coaches and teammates and be someone they can rely on."
"I can't wait for the upcoming season to learn and improve playing for the WolfPack,' adds Johnston.

Says Coach Hennelly about his latest recruits, "Great to welcome two more products of the PGYVC club program. I have been watching both Cole and Kyle over the past couple of years. They are both big bodies and they type of athletes we needed in this recruiting class. Getting middle blockers was a key for this group with all of our middles going into 5th year. Cole has the size to be a force at the net. He has a long wingspan and moves well for a big man.  Kyle has a lot of potential and is a solid teammate. Kyle has to catch up a bit physically but feel he has the right attitude and is an excellent student. 

It is always nice to have an alumni like Carson coaching and giving some insight. 
Dan Drezet is a good friend and has been around our program enough to know what we are looking for. "

Johnston and McKee become the   players from Prince George to wear WolfPack colors following in the footsteps of: Graham Allard, Tim Flannigan, Spencer Reed, Nic Balasz,  Carson, Foot and Hampe.  PG natives Elise Foot and Hali Drezet have played for the TRU women's squad.  Drezet is into her third year and is a starting libero.
"PGYVC is extremely proud to have another two products heading to Kamloops, " says Dan Drezet. "We would like to congratulate both Cole and Kyle and with them the best."

The two athletes become the  fourth and fifth committed players for Thompson Rivers next season joining: Kobby Nyarko (6'0", left side, Calgary, AB-Sir Winston Churchill), Brody Kopec (6'5" outside, Red Deer, AB-Notre Dame High School/U18 Kings), and  Cole Behiels (6'0" outside hitter, Edmonton, AB-Jasper Place).