The Brandon University women’s volleyball team has scored a Canada West hat-trick with the conference’s award winners and all-stars being unveiled on Wednesday.
The coach of the year is Lee Carter, who led the Lady ‘Cats to a second-place finish during the regular season at 17-5, which is the team’s best record in the program’s nine-year history.
"Anytime you win coach of the year it’s a team award," Carter told CKLQ’s Tyler Crayston. "I’m just one of the spokes in the wheel and my assistant coaches and our leadership team had a lot to do with the season we had and the recognition I’m getting because of it."
Two members of the BU women’s team were also recognized.
German standout Donata Huebert was named the top libero and a first-team all-star while New Zelander Vaovai Aiono was selected to the all-rookie team.
Huebert scored the same honours along with CIS libero of the year in her one previous season in 2010-2011.
This season, she finished fifth in the conference in total digs with 266.
"Just knowing that she’s a first-team Canada West all-star shows you the value that all the coaches put in what she did for us this year. Her leadership, professionalism and just her overall caring about each of the athletes has just rubbed off on our team. I can’t say enough about Donata and where she’s at," said Carter.
Aiono arrived as advertised and finished third on the team with 179 kills and 20 service aces.
"She moved a long way from home to get an education and play some elite volleyball. I think it was a big learning experience for her. I think her upside is going to be huge for us in the years to come," added Carter.
Meanwhile, Brandon product Lisa Barclay of the UBC Thunderbirds is the conference’s MVP and a first-team all-star.
Barclay led the country with 4.26 kills per set and 404.5 total points.
Barclay, Huebert and Carter are now nominated for national awards, which will be handed out next week at the CIS championship in Regina.
