KAMLOOPS – Head coach Pat Hennelly and the Thompson Rivers WolfPack men's volleyball team have added another massive piece to their roster with the announcement that Walker Sodaro has committed to TRU.
 
A 6-2 setter, Sodaro brings a sparkling resume to the WolfPack that includes multiple team and individual accolades.
 
"Walker is one of those guys that ends up winning almost everything he competes in; he's proven it at the high school level – in particular last year when one of their top players Sebastien Manuel went down injured – Walker picked his team up and took them to that gold medal," said Hennelly. "Walker is what we look for in a setter, he's a guy that can lead by example and is an absolute competitor."
 
Sodaro was named the B.C. Provincial Championship MVP last year when he led his Kelowna Secondary Owls to the championship title. He also helped his Jr. Heat club team to a national silver medal, earning a nod as a national all-star in the process.
 
"I want to come play for the 'Pack because I felt like it was the best fit for me, my volleyball future and my academics. I'm also really excited to work and learn from coach Hennelly and the team," said Sodaro. "I can bring a very competitive spirt and a win at all costs mentality, I am willing to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed."

Volleyball is a family affair for Sodaro. His brother Mason is in his second year as an outside hitter / libero for the WolfPack, his father Mike is the head coach of the KSS Owls while his mother Kim was also a great player.
 
"I can honestly say with Walker you get a very athletic setter and a leader with a winning attitude and mindset," said Mike Sodaro. "He has an incredible skill set and will bring his best to every practice, scrimmage, and game."
 
Hennelly views the newly-signed Sodaro as someone that can have an immense long-term impact on the program, as the WolfPack continue to climb their way back to the top of university volleyball in Canada.
 
"He's obviously well known in the volleyball circles, it's going to help us recruit for this class and in the future," said Hennelly. "He's a blue-chip prospect and our success has always come from getting a few international players and tying in Canadian standouts like Gord Perrin, Brad Gunter and Colin Carson. I see Walker as a lynchpin of our program for the next five years that will help us get back into the top third of Canada West and nationally ranked in the country."
 
A starting setter for Team B.C. this summer, Sodaro continues the trend of Kelowna student-athletes crossing the Connector to suit up for the 'Pack. Sodaro will make it six Kelowna players on the TRU roster when he joins the team next year.
 
"We've struggled in Kamloops to put together consistent high school volleyball, so I consider Prince George and Kelowna as our local talent pool," said Hennelly. "Recruiting those Kelowna guys has obviously been helped through my connection with Mike Sodaro. We're continuing to look down the road, we're talking to Tyler Valuck who is a middle blocker on the KSS team, Lincoln Wagner is a guy in Grade 11 that we're having conversations with, so bringing in a local hero like Walker will only help us with our Kelowna recruiting in the future."
 
For Mike Sodaro it is a combination of Pat and everything else that TRU has to offer that made the decision to join the 'Pack an easy one not only for six of his former players but also both of his sons.
 
"I feel Pat is one of the best coaches in Canada, so what a great opportunity for my players to get away from home, have trust in their coach, and know that this is about more than volleyball. TRU offers a great university, with a volleyball coach who wants to make them great young men as well as athletes," said Mike Sodaro. "I wish all of my Kelowna boys all the best and I see great things in the TRU men's program over the next few years." 

Sodaro will now look to make another run at the Provincial Championship with KSS before joining the 'Pack for the 2023-24 season.
 
"I'm very excited to play and train with my brother and the rest of the Kelowna boys," said Sodaro. "I'm also looking forward to getting to know the rest of the team." 
 
Walker Sodaro
Position: Setter
Height: 6 ft 2"
Hometown: Kelowna, BC
Last team played for: KSS Owls