Image credit: TRU WolfPack

By Aaron Schulze

Pat Hennelly

WolfPack men’s volleyball head coach Pat Hennelly named U Sports Coach of the Year

Mar 14, 2024 | 7:00 AM

KAMLOOPS — One week after being named Canada West’s men’s volleyball coach of the year, Pat Hennelly received similar honours on a national level.

The head coach of the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) WolfPack men’s volleyball team was named U Sports Coach of the Year for men’s volleyball Wednesday (March 13) night. In a news release, TRU says Hennelly is the first WolfPack coach to earn U Sports coach of the year honours.

“Pat’s leadership was critical for us in navigating this season, and he has set the standard for caring for the whole student-athlete – emotionally, physically, academically and mentally,” Curtis Atkinson, TRU’s director of athletics and recreation states. “I am thrilled that schools across the country recognized Pat for what we saw day-to-day – a coach who cares deeply about his student-athletes and who is committed to creating an environment where they can succeed. We are so proud of Pat, and it is fitting that he has been recognized with this most deserving award.”

Hennelly was credited by the WolfPack for showing compassion and leadership following the McGill Road car crash that took the life of player Owyn McInnis and resulted in life-altering injuries for players Riley Brinnen and Owen Waterhouse in November 2023.

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On the court, the men’s WolfPack volleyball team finished with an 11-13 record in 2023-24, good for ninth in the Canada West standings but just on the outside of the playoff picture.

Since leading the WolfPack’s men’s volleyball team since 2005-06, TRU’s first season at the Canada West level, Hennelly has reached three appearances at the U SPORTS National Championships and 10 trips to the conference playoffs while piling up 150 regular season victories.