The Wolfpack has added a young Coast recruit to its den.
Last Friday (April 23), the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Wolfpack announced the signing of Roberts Creek's Stuart Richey to its men's volleyball team.
Stuart, 17, joins sister Kyla at the university level. Kyla is a three-time Canadian champion at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Mother Jan, a Sunshine Coast teacher and club volleyball coach, also went to UBC and won a national championship.
"I have been to a number of TRU games over the last two seasons," Stuart said, who hasn't played high school volleyball since Grade 8 because of a lack of teams on the Coast. "I like the intensity that Pat [Hennelly, Wolfpack head coach] brings to the program and the passion that the team has. Attending the nationals at TRU in March made me really want to attend a CIS school and play volleyball."
Although he hasn't played high school volleyball for a while, that doesn't mean Richey hasn't participated competitively. He attended the Baden Cup Volleyball BC program from grades 8 to 10. He made the Team B.C. U17 squad in 2009 and is a current member of the Focus Xplosion club team in Burnaby.
Hennelly said he is pleased to welcome Stuart into the fold.
"I saw Stuart play in person at our boys' elite camp this past August," said Hennelly. "I was impressed with his athleticism and work ethic. He is also a quick learner. I know his exposure to the sport has been limited, but I think he will fit in very well with the team and be a positive member."
Hennelly admits that from a recruiting standpoint, it is easier to go after a prospect if he has had a sibling or family member play at the elite level.
"I think it helps to have a sibling play at the elite level," he said. "The player and family know what to expect and how hard they have to work. I know there are more players whose parents have played coming through the ranks and I think it helps to grow up around the sport."
Richey was also looking at Camosun College and Capilano University as educational options before deciding to sign with TRU. He is a multi-sport athlete, playing rep soccer for six years as well as competing in wrestling and track at Elphinstone Secondary School. He plans to take business at TRU.
"Obviously with just two club seasons of volleyball experience and a summer of training with Team B.C., I am on a huge learning curve with my development," Stuart said. "I expect I will red-shirt next year, but I am going to fight hard for court time. I want to become an impact player for the Wolfpack in the future."
