Golden Bears Volleyball, Promising Championship Aspirations

Towards New Heights

Golden Bears Volleyball is paving a bright future, driven by a burning desire to conquer new heights in the sport. One promising rookie shared, “ My goal is to reach the top of the sport,” demonstrating not only his personal ambition but also the team’s collective determination to win.

With the prestige of a top volleyball team in the country, attracting top talent becomes an easier task. The Golden Bears recently demonstrated their scouting prowess by hosting an all-star game , which brought together 25 of the best high school players from across the province. The event not only helps to discover new talent, but also gives rookies a chance to showcase their abilities.

All-Star Event: Where Talents Gather

Head coach Brock Davidiuk hosted the 11th Ganza All-Star event on December 7, creating an environment for up-and-coming players to compete alongside the current roster. Despite the success of the event, questions remain surrounding the libero position . With three standout candidates and a fourth on the way, the coaching staff faced a difficult decision.

While each player has his own strengths , none seem to fully meet the demands of the high-speed offensive strategy the Bears pursue. The team is strong on offense, led by Isaac Heslinga , who has dominated Canada West with 207 kills in just 12 games. In contrast, Isaiah Olfert from the University of Winnipeg West has only managed 148. To balance out the offensive prowess, the Bears are in dire need of a quality libero to command the backcourt and improve defensive stability .

Opportunity Comes From Jack Drake

Jack Drake , a 2025 commit, brings hope to the Bears’ backfield. Known for his pinpoint ball-tracking and relentless pursuit, Drake is eager to contribute immediately. “ The atmosphere here is incredible , and playing at that level brings me the most joy,” Drake said. “That’s where I aspire to be — at the pinnacle of competition.”

Boost Your Attack With Evan Linder

One of the standout additions to the Bears’ offensive line is Evan Linder . A junior, Linder made a splash at the Ganza event with a serve that reached 66 mph, giving him a game-winning shot. At 6’8”, Linder’s impressive athleticism promises to be a big contributor to his championship seasons.

Lineup Changes and New Opportunities

With five players leaving the team next offseason, the Bears are quickly narrowing down their options. Among the coveted spots is pass rusher Ethan Berardocco . Despite his skill set, Berardocco will join a group that rivals Luke Weddell , who is currently ranked third in Canada West in assists.

Rising Star Tyson Dezutter

Looking further ahead, the Bears are keeping an eye on outside hitter Tyson Dezutter , a rising star on Team Canada’s U17 and U19 teams. Dezutter won a gold medal at the 2024 provincial tournament, and his stellar performance in the latter stages of his high school career has made him a strong candidate for the National Excellence Program (NEP), a key recruiting resource for the Bears.

The Legacy of Jacob Sargent

Notably, Jacob Sargent , now in his third year with the Bears, has joined the team after achieving significant success with NEP. Dezutter seems to be able to fill the void left by Sargent and other talent in the coming years. This transfer will ensure continuity and growth for the Bears.

Championship Aspirations: The Future of the Golden Bears

With promising talents like Jack Drake, Evan Linder, and Tyson Dezutter, the Golden Bears are on a steady path to new heights. Championship dreams are not just a goal, they are part of the DNA of this team. The combination of experience and young talent creates a strong squad, ready to face any challenge.

Building a Bright Future

Through investment in young talent and the continued dedication of the coaching staff, the Golden Bears are building a strong future in volleyball. The team is not only aiming to win championships, but also to bring joy to fans and develop the sport locally.

Journey to the Top

As a symbol of volleyball excellence in Canada, the Golden Bears, with a strong desire from current and future players, are poised to reach new heights. Rising stars like Jack Drake and Evan Linder breathe new life into the team, opening up great opportunities for the future.

The combination of experienced veterans and young talent will play a vital role in overcoming challenges and achieving glory. With unwavering determination and passion, the Golden Bears will surely continue to grow and shine in the years to come.