Recognized as one of the top Grade 12 boys high school players in the province, MEI’s Tyson Ardell will soon be bringing his talents to the University of the Fraser Valley.
The Cascades men’s volleyball team introduced the 6’6″ middle as the first signee for head coach Nathan Bennett as he builds the roster in preparation for a move from the Pacwest up to the Canada West conference this coming fall.
Ardell brings a blue-chip pedigree – he led his MEI Eagles to the B.C. AA provincial championship last fall, earning tournament MVP honours in the process. He’s also spent three summers with the B.C. provincial team (2016, 2017 and 2019), and last summer helped Team B.C. win gold at the Canada Cup in Halifax.
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“In my eyes, Tyson is the best middle blocker in his class coming out of B.C.” Bennett stated. “We’re ecstatic that a local player of his calibre is willing to be the first recruit to join us as we move into Canada West. Tyson’s history of being a major piece of teams that have been successful is important for our program moving forward, as he’ll bring leadership at a young age.”
“I chose UFV because it’s close to home, and it’s a special opportunity to be part of a new U SPORTS team,” said Ardell, who plans to pursue a kinesiology degree at UFV. “My goals are to bring energy to the team and have a fun five years of volleyball.”
The Cascades are in the midst of their final season in Pacwest competition, and make the jump to Canada West/U Sports in October.
The men currently have a record of 5-12 this season and sit in fifth place in the Pacwest. The team now has a bye week, but return to action when they head to Victoria for a pair of games against the Camosun Chargers on Jan. 24 and 25.
Also traveling to Victoria is the Cascades women’s team, who are ranked fourth in the conference at 8-9.
Both the men’s and women’s teams are coming off of two losses on home to the VIU Mariners this past weekend.
