Kodiaks men's volleyball adds Team Alberta outside hitter

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks men's volleyball team has added outside hitter Eli Vriend for the upcoming season. 

A graduate of Edmonton Christian High School (ECHS), the six-foot-five Vriend joins the Kodiaks from Sturgeon County, Alta. He will enter the Environmental Assessment and Restoration program this fall. 

Vriend enjoyed success throughout his high school and club volleyball career. He earned multiple medals at Alberta high school provincials with the ECHS Lions and won premier events with both the Northern Alberta Volleyball Club and FOG Volleyball Club. He also represented Team Alberta at the Canada Cup, helping the province earn a silver medal as a U16 athlete. 

Kodiaks head coach Greg Gibos says Vriend's physical tools and athleticism made him an attractive recruit. 

“We're thrilled Eli has decided to join us here in Lethbridge,” says Gibos. “We've got a really deep and talented outside group, and Eli comes in as a very physical and dominant athlete. He fits the prototype of a big athlete that has good ball control and a strong shoulder.” 

Gibos says Vriend has the potential to develop into a significant offensive contributor within the Kodiaks program. 

“I know he can be an elite point scorer at our level,” says Gibos. “His work ethic and determination will be extremely high, and it will be exciting to see how his game progresses as a Kodiak.” 

For Vriend, the decision to join the Kodiaks was influenced by the sense of community he experienced during the recruiting process and the opportunity to compete in a strong volleyball environment. 

“Everyone knows how tight-knit Lethbridge is and how much of a community they've built in southern Alberta,” says Vriend. “During my visit, I felt part of that community, and it's exciting that I get to join a team with such high expectations and standards.” 

Vriend says he hopes to bring positive energy to the program while continuing to develop as both a player and person. 

“I'm going to bring an element of positive energy and try to uplift others around me,” he says. “I can't wait to be here in September.” 

Coming from a family-operated organic farm, Vriend says his parents played a significant role in helping him reach the next level of his volleyball career. 

“I really owe a lot to my parents for pushing me and encouraging me as an athlete,” says Vriend. “I'm excited to take the knowledge I learn and bring it back to the family farm [Sundog Organic Farm].” 

Vriend says he is looking forward to beginning his studies and continuing his volleyball career with the Kodiaks this fall.