KAMLOOPS – Local product Brandon Johnson has made a little history with the announcement that the libero from Kamloops has committed to play for the Thompson Rivers WolfPack men's volleyball team in time for the 2024-25 season.
 
While TRU has had players from Kamloops suit up for the squad in the past, Johnson is the first highly sought-after local player to commit to the 'Pack during the program's U SPORTS era (2005-present).
 
"We have never had a highly recruited high school player at TRU from Kamloops," said WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly. "Brandon is the first and hopefully not the last. I have been interested in recruiting Brandon for the past three years and what stands out in his game is his ball control, especially passing the ball."
 
A leader on the court with the Kamloops Volleyball Association Pack at the club level as well as at South Kamloops Secondary, the commitment fulfills a lifelong dream for Johnson.
 
"Being a Kamloops local I grew up watching the TRU men's and women's volleyball teams, and watching these games were my original inspiration to start playing volleyball," said Johnson. "I'm honoured to be recruited to play for the team that started my volleyball journey and hopefully I can inspire more kids to get into volleyball by doing so."
 
Playing volleyball since grade four, a shoulder injury at the age of 14 forced Johnson to switch to the libero position, a change that has proven fruitful for the 6-0 defensive specialist.
 
"I'm not the biggest or strongest out on the court, I have a more precise and technical skillset," said Johnson. "I'm hoping these skills will carry over into the passing and defensive side of the TRU men's volleyball team." 
 
Alongside his play with South Kamloops Johnson has earned some other amazing opportunities through his play on the court. He was named captain at the provincial level for Team BC and also competed at the Beach Volleyball National Championships in Toronto.
 
Excelling in the classroom as well as on the court, Johnson will be a big addition to the team for a multitude of reasons according to Hennelly.
 
"Brandon has continued to improve is an excellent student and teammate, he has all the traits we look for in a recruit and will fit in with our culture and likely improve it as he moves through his eligibility. I am very pleased to have Brandon join our program."