Ontario Man Named Top College Volleyball Coach in Canada

The Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association (CCAA) recently named Wayne Harris Coach of the Year, placing him as the top men’s volleyball coach in Canadian college sports.

Redeemer’s Wayne Harris -- Coach of the Year

Harris coaches men’s volleyball at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario. It is the first time in the Redeemer Royals’ history that an award of this kind has been received.

Harris gave credit to the team members and colleagues he works with. “It means…that we played this game we love with passion, precision, and purpose. It means that I was able to work with outstanding, 'coachable' young men and an excellent co-coach. This award belongs to the 16 of us who shared a vision and worked tirelessly towards building the team we became,” he said.

The award marks the finish to an outstanding career. Harris plans to step down as head coach at the end of this season. Over the past 30 years, he is one of the most successful coaches in Redeemer’s history, with his teams earning three provincial medals in five seasons. His goal as a coach was to have every player committed to the team.

Harris was nominated for this award once before in 2009-2010 after winning the Ontario Collegiate Athletics Association Coach of the Year award.

Redeemer’s Athletic Director, Dave Mantel, said that the students and staff were thankful for the positive impact Harris had on the Redeemer community.

“Wayne is praised for his leadership, knowledge, and attitude toward the athletes… [he] is always respectful of everyone and demanded the same from his team…his regular appearances on our campus will be greatly missed.”