KELOWNA, BC – UBC Okanagan men’s volleyball coach Greg Poitras is wasting no time in preparing for his initial season in the Canada West Universities Athletic Association, the highest level of post secondary athletic competition in the country. Coach Poitras has added another versatile athlete to compliment George Elliot’s Jonathan Russo, whom signed with the Heat late last year and.
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Leigh Goossen, a 6’5” middle blocker / outside hitter, who will graduate from Kelowna Christian School in June and then join Poitras and the Heat this upcoming September at UBC Okanagan. “We are very excited that Leigh has chosen UBC Okanagan,” adds Poitras. “Leigh sort of flew under the radar in the recruiting world and we are very happy he has decided to play for the Heat. Leigh is a talented athlete that has excelled in volleyball and basketball.””
Leigh’s list of accomplishments include a first team All-star at the 2010 Senior Boys ’A’ Volleyball Provincial Championships, captain of his Kelowna Christian School volleyball team and as a member of Team BC at the Western Elite Championship, Leigh was chosen as most improved. Leigh’s stellar career in high was not limited to just volleyball, Goossen excelled on the basketball court and in the classroom as well. Leigh was a member of the 2008 Senior Boys Provincial Champion Basketball team from KCS as a grade 10 student and he boasts a 3.5 GPA and has been on the Honor Roll and Principles list.
These academics are a part of why Leigh chose to attend UBC Okanagan, “UBCO is known for the strong student to professor relationships and academic excellence. I like it that the university has created an environment that encourages success. Being able to live at home will help to keep costs down.”
Leigh’s current coach at Kelowna Christian could not say enough positive things about Leigh adding, “Leigh is one of those rare athletes whose presence on the court can dictate the play of a match. His amazing blocking ability can take an all-star hitter right out of the match. Leigh's offensive threat forces teams to triple block him which gives opportunities to the outside hitters. Goossen is one of only a very few athletes who can play any position, Middle, Power, Off-Side, Setter, or Libero, at the Post-Secondary level. I'm very happy to know that he will be playing for the Heat here in Kelowna. I look forward to watching him be an impact player making exciting plays and helping the Heat as they move up to the CIS level.”
Coach Poitras also looks forward to what Leigh will bring to the program as they battle the likes of the University of Alberta, or the University of Calgary on a weekly basis. “His size and athleticism bode well for him being an impact player in the CIS down the road. Leigh has seen a great deal of back court play and thus has the skills to potentially play as a wing player, in addition to middle blocker. He is one of three Volleyball BC Provincial Team players that have committed to the program.”
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