Simon Friesen of the Capilano Blues has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year.
He received the award this evening at the 2018 CCAA Men’s Volleyball National Championship banquet, hosted by Camosun College in Victoria, BC.
“Simon had an outstanding campaign for the Blues and was consistently great all season in all aspects of the game,” said David Munro, CCAA VP Sport Development. “He is a gifted athlete, an exemplary student and well deserving of this great honour.”
Friesen led the Blues to a 19-5 record and second-place finish in the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST). He led Capilano to victory in possibly the longest set in CCAA history – 44-42 in a 3-2 win over the VIU Mariners in November.
The third-year setter was second in the conference with 10.14 assists per set, establishing himself as the best all-around player in the PACWEST. Friesen also possesses an excellent defensive game and strong serve.
Capilano’s longest tenured player, Friesen masterfully handled the team’s offense in a turnaround season for the Blues. Capilano improved by 18 points this season.
As the Blues captain, Friesen serves as a valuable conduit between the players and coaching staff. He is also the team representative on the CapU Blues Athletic Council and excels in the classroom. He lives out the values of the institution he represents.
Friesen volunteers with Atomic Volleyball on the North Shore and coaches with the BCO Volleyball program. He also assists as a coach during the Blues volleyball summer camps.
CCAA Player of the Year winners receive a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA Championship Awards Banquet.
Other nominees for the CCAA Player of the Year award were Trent Mounter of the SAIT Trojans (ACAC), Cole Jordan of the Fanshawe Falcons (OCAA), Martin Ludovic of the Titans de Limoilou (RSEQ) and Brett Butler of the Holland Hurricanes (ACAA).