2011 16U MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

At 6’6”, Ryan Nickifor touches over 11 feet and has a powerful effect on every volleyball game that he competes in. “I do believe that Ryan has been the most offensively dominating player in the 16U age class. He is truly the top athlete of his age,” states his club coach Mark Maris. 

Ryan began his volleyball career in Grade 9 at Clover Bar Junior High School, where he was named the MVP of his team.  During the club season, he joined the Park club where he was named Captain of the 15U team despite being a year younger than his teammates.  Ryan transitioned to Bev Facey High School where he was selected to the Senior team as a Grade 10 student.  The squad had an impressive season, as they were Metro League Premier Conference Champions and 4A Provincial Bronze Medalists. Ryan was individually recognized as the Rookie of the Year. 

In February of 2010, Ryan was a member of the Zone 5 Gold Medal winning team at the 2010 Alberta Winter Games. During the club season he competed for the Northern Alberta Volleyball (NAVC) program. His 15U Bears team had a highly successful year in which they won three Premier Medals (2 Silver and 1Gold) before taking home the Provincial and National Championship Banners. Ryan performed admirably at each event and was selected to both Championship All-Star Teams.

Ryan was chosen for the 16U Men’s Team Alberta program in the summer of 2010 despite being an underage player.  He was moved from the Middle position to play Right Side for the program. When Ryan’s Team Alberta head coach Matt Clegg was asked to comment on his former player he noted: 

“What impresses me the most about Ryan is that for how gifted and dominant he is, he never seems to take his talent for granted.  When I had the opportunity to work with him at Team Alberta, as well as watching him play this club season, I've observed a hard worker with a team-first commitment that I feel drives only the most elite athletes in our sport.” 

The 2011 club season had Ryan suiting up for the NAVC Gold Bears once again- the only twist was that he moved from the Middle Position to play Right Side. This move allowed him to expand his offensive abilities and saw the NAVC Gold Bears attain Gold in all three Premier events, capture the Provincial Championship, and finish 5th at the Canadian Open.  Ryan’s selection to the Provincial Championship All Star team was only a precursor to his selection as the Mikasa 16U Male Athlete of the Year.