York University Lions men’s volleyball head coach Wally Dyba announced Aug. 12 that the team welcomes three new recruits to the roster for the upcoming 2015-16 season.
Joining the Lions this fall are middle blocker Toure Nwakwesi, setter Davis Gordon and outside hitter Andrew Shotbolt.
Joining the Lions men’s volleyball team this fall are middle blocker Toure Nwakwesi, setter Davis Gordon and outside hitter Andrew Shotbolt
Nwakwesi, who stands six feet six inches and will be studying law and society, comes to York from Mayfield Secondary School and the Pakmen volleyball club. He spent two seasons with the Pakmen, winning the U16 national championship as well as multiple major tournaments in the United States. He was also a starter for the Mavericks at Mayfield, reaching the ROPSSAA finals in three straight years and earning team MVP honours.
“York is the perfect fit for me,” said Nwakwesi. “It has a vibrant, multicultural community and is recognized for its outstanding academic record and consistent top-tier athletics. York is always growing and improving and I want to be part of that atmosphere just as my late father was when he attended the University.”
Gordon and Shotbolt, both standing six feet two inches, bring a special chemistry to the Lions as they have already been playing together for more than four years. They were both on the Markham Stingers team that won a U16 provincial silver medal. That same season claimed silver at the western national championships and a bronze at the eastern national tournament. They were also together at Bill Crothers Secondary School in Markham, Ont., and won the OFSAA championship in 2014.
Both men were recipients of the Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) award of excellence. Gordon, who will study film at York, also received an academic award at Bill Crothers. Shotbolt will be studying human resources management.
“I am impressed with the opportunities available to us at York,” said Gordon. “Travelling outside Canada to play volleyball is always something I look forward to, and the welcoming atmosphere of the guys on the team and coaching staff has made me very comfortable already.”
“I chose York because it was the one place that felt like home,” added Shotbolt. “When I was on campus I could see myself living there and continuing my academics for the next four years.”
Nwakwesi, Gordon and Shotbolt will make their regular-season debuts on Friday, Oct. 23 when the Lions host the Windsor Lancers in their season-opening match beginning at 4pm at the Tait McKenzie Centre.