KAMLOOPS - After showing exceptional leadership through unimaginable tragedy, Thompson Rivers WolfPack men's volleyball head coach
Pat Hennelly has been named the Canada West Coach of the Year for the first time in his illustrious career.
"We are so proud and pleased to see Pat recognized as the Canada West Coach of the Year. Pat's recognition by conference colleagues is well deserved and speaks volumes to how respected his body of work is this season," said WolfPack director of athletics and recreation Curtis Atkinson. "Pat's steady leadership, compassion, work ethic, and ability to support our student-athletes - while still pushing them competitively - was inspirational to watch."
Leading the 'Pack since 2005-06, TRU's first season at the Canada West level, Hennelly has achieved three appearances at the U SPORTS National Championships and ten trips to the conference playoffs during his time at the helm while also compiling over 150 regular season victories.
Exemplifying the idea that being a coach is about much more than results on the field of play, Hennelly provided outstanding compassion and so much more in the face of the tragic car crash on Nov. 29 that took the life of
Owyn McInnis and caused both
Riley Brinnen and
Owen Waterhouse life-altering injuries.
"I am extremely happy that Pat has been recognized for his leadership and hard work throughout this entire year as well as through what was the most difficult of situations," said WolfPack manager of high performance Scott Clark. "A well-deserved congratulations to coach
Pat Hennelly."
While TRU missed out on the playoffs by just one game this season, they earned victories against squads that were ranked in the top five in the conference at the time of their match five different times throughout the campaign.
Sam Flowerday also led the nation and set a new program record with 418 kills.
During his time with TRU, Hennelly has coached: 72 U SPORTS Academic All-Canadians, 15 CW All-Stars, 7 CW Award winners, 12 U SPORTS All-Canadians and 3 U SPORTS National Award winners.
While the WolfPack just narrowly missed out on the postseason this year, the 'Pack did defeat squads that were ranked among the top five teams in Canada when they played five different times.
