Photo via Thompson Rivers University WolfPack
Pat Hennelly of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack has been named the U SPORTS men’s volleyball Coach of the Year for the first time in his nearly two-decade long career.
Hennelly, who has coached TRU since it moved to the university level in 2005-06, becomes the first WolfPack coach to win a coach of the year award at the national level.
“I can’t think of a more deserving individual than Pat Hennelly to be recognized as the U SPORTS men’s volleyball national coach of the year,” TRU Athletics Director Curtis Atkinson said.
“I am thrilled that schools across the country recognized Pat for what we saw day-to-day – a coach who cares deeply about his student-athletes and who is committed to creating an environment where they can succeed.”
Hennelly has over 150 regular season wins to his name, along with ten trips to the Canada West playoffs. He also coached the WolfPack at three U SPORTS National Championships, and won a bronze medal in 2007-08.
Just last week, Hennelly was also named Canada West men’s volleyball Coach of the Year for the first time ever, with both awards coming on the heels of one of, if not the toughest seasons in WolfPack history.
“Pat’s leadership was critical for us in navigating this season, and he has set the standard for caring for the whole student-athlete – emotionally, physically, academically and mentally,” Atkinson added, referencing the Nov. 29 car crash that killed Owyn McInnis and injured Riley Brinnen and Owen Waterhouse.
The 11-13 WolfPack just missed out on Canada West playoffs this season, though they beat five teams that finished ranked in the U SPORTS Top 10 – Alberta, Mount Royal, UBC, Saskatchewan, and Winnipeg.
During his time at TRU, Hennelly has coached 72 U SPORTS Academic All-Canadians, 12 U SPORTS All-Canadians, and three U SPORTS National Award winners – Kevin Tillie (2009-10 Rookie of the Year), Brad Gunter (2013-14 Player of the Year), and Colin Carson (2013-14 Student-Athlete Community Service).
🏐🏆 Pat Hennelly of the @GoTRUWolfPack wins the Fox 40 Coach of the Year Award in men’s volleyball!
🏐🏆 Pat Hennelly de TRU remporte le prix Fox 40 Entraîneur de l’année en volleyball masculin ! pic.twitter.com/RRH4KdvaaJ
— U SPORTS (@USPORTSca) March 14, 2024
