If it worked once, why not do it again.   That could very well have been the approach Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men's volleyball head coach Pat Hennelly could have taken as he addressed an impending opening at his middle position.

Five years ago,  Hennelly went to Kelowna Secondary to recruit Sam Taylor Parks.   Since that time, all Taylor Parks has done has develop not only into a quality student/athlete but  one of the most dominant middle blockers in Canada West.   Hennelly is continuing that 'Kelowna pipeline' with the announcement that his third high school recruit for the 2020-21 Canada West season is 6'5" middle Riley Brinnen.

Brinnen helped his Kelowna Owls squad to a second-place finish at the 2019 BC "AA' high school provincials.  He will be taking Police and Justice studies with a long-term eye at earning a degree in Criminology at Thompson Rivers.

"The academic program, along with Pat's volleyball program and being close to home are the main reasons why I chose Thompson Rivers,' says Brinnen who was also considering going to UBCO and PACWEST Schools: College of the Rockies (Cranbrook), Okanagan College and Capilano College.

Brinnen believes his speed, mobility, blocking and his ability to aim hits and tips as his main strengths.

Brinnen's high school coach Michael Sodaro says Brennen is a raw talent.  "Riley is an excellent blocker and a hard worker. He has improved a ton in the two years that I have worked with him.  His hitting has gotten stronger and when he gets a hold of one, he hits hard."

Sodaro had Brinnen rotating with the Owl's two other middles.  "I wish I had one more month with him as he was progressing really well late in the year."

He adds, " Riley became an excellent player at KSS and was just starting to get a feel for the speed of higher level play at the top level in high school. He is becoming more confident and stronger as a player. It was a lot of work to get him to be confident and aggressive-but I think he has come into his own."

The WolfPack's newest recruit is happy to continue the 'Kelowna Secondary pipeline' to Thompson Rivers and is looking forward to taking the mantle from Taylor Parks in the TRU Middle.  " I had only heard about Sam from coaches and teachers at KSS but I got to meet him when I came to Thompson Rivers for a visit.  I've only seen him play for a couple of points but I will try and match his game play. Sam is an amazing player and I hope to play as well as he does some day."

Sodaro sees some of Taylor Parks—who was a Canada West rookie of the year in 2015-16 and is now one of TRU's co captains—in Brinnen. "Riley is an extremely athletic young man like Sam and has does the ability to be a dominant university player much like him.  Riley is a huge blocker and a great team player."
He adds, "Riley was one of the grade 12's who welcomed the grade 11's to the team and became friends with them."
 
"Continuing the pipeline from KSS feels great,' Brinnen explains. " I am glad to be a part of it.  I love how that WolfPack are involved so much in the community as well. I can't wait to be a part of the program."
 
Says Hennelly about his latest recruit, "We are looking forward to having Riley join our program. Riley is a great athlete a bit later to the game of volleyball than most recruits, but that is what is intriguing about him. I believe Riley has all the physical tools and attitude to be a great middle in our league. I know his coach, Mike Sodaro at KSS, really well and credit to Mike to keep pushing and believing in Riley. I also played high school sports against Riley's dad Chris. I think the competitive edge and athleticism runs in the Brinnen family. "

The other WolfPack high school recruits for 2020-21 are: Jonas Vanhuizen (6'3" setter, Langley, BC-Langley Christian/Fraser Valley Volleyball Club/Team BC), and  Reilly Podovelnikoff (6'9" middle/outside hitter, Castlegar, BC-Mount Sentinel Secondary/Team BC).
 
SIDE OUTS:  Sodaro on the Kelowna Secondary Owl to Thompson Rivers connection:  " I am very proud to send another top prospect to coach Pat and cannot wait to see the improvement of the WolfPack program over the next few years. I think it is a great transition from KSS to TRU for players who want to leave Kelowna but don't want to be too far from friends and family."

Sodaro feels Brinnen will be welcomed by TRU fans.  "I think he is a great addition to the Pack and will be a great leader within the community and the team. He is a great dancer—especially after big blocks and is entertaining on the court."