2011 18U MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Blake has been described as an “all-around athlete who enjoys being active and loves competitive sports.” His 2011 resume includes being a member of both the Senior Men’s volleyball and basketball teams at Ross Sheppard High School, and the Northern Alberta Volleyball Club Gold Bears Men’s 18U team. In addition to his heavy sports schedule, Blake has also maintained a good academic standing.  

“Along with his great skills, Blake brings a wonderful attitude and atmosphere to the team. A true leader, he is able to motivate the team and set high expectations for his teammates,” states Dave Jones, his coach of four years. “Blake’s smile and humor have greeted me at many practices and games over the years: he loves to work hard.” 

Reviewing his prior volleyball accomplishments shows that Blake was a member of the 2009 Team Alberta 16U Men’s program that won a Silver Medal at the Western Elite Championships. The 2010 season was tremendously successful for Blake’s 17U NAVC Green Bears, as the team not only captured the Provincial title, but finished 5th at the Canadian Open in Abbottsford. That summer, the team traveled to Austin, Texas where they captured the gold medal in the USA Junior Men’s Club National Championships (formerly called the Junior Olympics).  

The NAVC Bears also had an impressive 2011 season as his team captured a medal at every Premier event (1 gold, 2 silver) before taking home the Provincial Banner and the Canadian Open Bronze Medal. Hinchey was named to the All-Star Team at both championship events.  

Blake was integral to the Bears performance this season.  “As an outside hitter in his first year, he was able to grasp the position and improve and gain success in every match he played.  He became a fantastic blocker and a very efficient and successful attacker with a variety of shots,” reflected his coach.  “He has worked incredibly hard this year to be a great passer and will ask for extra reps when it comes to serve and pass drills. We always said…‘When Blake is passing, Blake is unstoppable’.”

For the respect Blake shows to his coaches, teammates and to the sport, he has been named as the 18U Male Athlete of the Year. We wish Blake continued success as moves on to his post-secondary career, joining his brother Austin at NAIT with the Ooks team this fall.