2010 18U ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Zachary Brown has been the Captain of almost every team he has ever been a part of; he has been repeatedly given this role by earning the respect of his coaches, teachers, and peers with his strong communication skills and acceptance of everyone he deals with.  

Zachary is a multi-talented individual; he was named the Captain and MVP of his high school basketball team two years in a row and also plays for his schools’ golf team. However, his abilities extend far beyond the athletic realm.  Zachary is also a recipient of the Alexander Rutherford scholarship for achieving Honors standing in his Grade’s 10, 11, and 12 classes. 

Originally named to his high school Senior Boys Volleyball team in Grade 10, Zach was named team captain by his Grade 11 year.  By Grade 12, he was leading his Bev Facey team to a Bronze medal at the 2009 ASAA Provincials. His individual efforts throughout the high school year were recognized as he was selected to the Edmonton Journal All-Star team.  

Zach has already spent a number of years representing Alberta in our Provincial team program.  In 2008, he was the Captain of the 16U team who finished 2nd at Western Elites. In 2009, he bested that result by winning Western Elites as Captain of the Team Alberta 17U Men. This summer, he will yet again represent our province as a member of the 19U Men’s Provincial team.

In the 2010 club season, Zach led his NAVC Bears 18U team to three AVA Premier Gold medals, the Provincial Championship Title, and a Quarterfinal berth at Nationals. Zach had the opportunity to show his versatility during the Provincial Championship event when he was asked to make the switch from the Leftside to the Right-side to help his team.  He proceeded to lead the team in kills in each match of the day; Zach’s efforts at Provincials garnered him an All-Star Selection.  

Zach is “always striving to get better,” commented his Bears coach Brad Poplawski, he is “always seeking out more information so that he may improve as a volleyball player… (He) displays excellent ball control and attack proficiency… and has such a love for the game.” 

Zach is already finding ways to give back to the volleyball community.  He earned his Local Officials certification and has officiated multiple high school and junior high school matches in his community.  He also played an integral role as an assistant coach with the Park 15U Girls team this season. Zach has “proven that he can take his skill on the court and transfer that knowledge to other players… under Zach’s instruction, the girls thrived.”  

A heavily touted recruit, Zach has chosen to complete his post-secondary education at MacEwan University where he is sure to excel as a Griffin.  

Congratulations on the well-deserved honor of being Alberta Volleyball’s 18U Male Athlete of the Year!