Ben Ball’s playing days may be done, but that hasn’t stopped the accolades from rolling in.
Ball was named the university athlete of the year at the 47th Sport BC annual athlete of the year awards.
The award was presented on March 7 at Richmond’s River Rock Show Theatre.
“Winning this award is a huge honour,” Ball said. “Individual awards are kind of funny to me because there are so many people involved with me at TWU; I am nowhere as an individual. My parents supported me through the good and the bad, on and off the court. Our coaches put in countless hours to make sure we reached our potential. My teammates made playing volleyball fun every day and the staff and student body at TWU being so invested and supportive. I feel extremely blessed and wouldn’t trade my five years at TWU for anything.”
Ball, who finished his university career at Trinity Western last March by helping the Spartans men’s volleyball team win their second consecutive Canadian Interuniversity Sport national championship.
He also won the CIS men’s volleyball player of the year and Canada West athlete of the year in 2011/12.
“The awards keep rolling in for Ben and I couldn’t be happier for him,” said Trinity Western coach Ben Josephson.
“For a guy who was so instrumental to our program’s success these past few years, but whose contribution was not fully recognized, it’s great to see it coming to him.
Ben makes it look easy, as all great players do, but he worked tirelessly to prepare himself to perform the way he did. When preparation meets performance great things ensue and this is just another tangible reward for his preparation.”
Ball is now an assistant coach with the Spartans.
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The Spartans men’s volleyball team was also nominated for the team of the year, but that honour went to the Penticton Vees of the B.C. Hockey League.
And Aldergrove’s Haley Stradling, an equestrian athlete, was nominated as the top junior female.
The award went to gymnast Shallon Olsen of Surrey.
Stradling represented Canada at the American Quarter Horse Association Youth World Cup in Germany.
