The men's volleyball pipeline between Mennonite Educational Institute and Trinity Western University continues to flow, with the delivery of yet another blue-chip prospect from the Eagles to the Spartans.
MEI senior Ben Lieuwen signed with the Spartans on Wednesday, and he's following a well-worn path. In recent years, the likes of Ben Ball, Steve Marshall, John Wiebe and current Spartans libero Tyler Koslowsky have suited up for the Langley-based program.
“TWU has been my dream school ever since I first saw the Spartans play,” Lieuwen stated in a Spartans press release. “It's a great school with a great culture and I'm excited to be a part of it.”
The 6'2" left side has fashioned a memorable high school volleyball career at MEI – he was named a first team all-star at AA provincials three years in a row, helping the Eagles to a gold (2011) and two bronzes (2012 and 2013) in that span.
Lieuwen also tasted club success as a member of the Fraser Valley Volleyball Club. In 2012, he earned MVP honours as his FVVC squad won the U16 national championship.
Spartans coach Ben Josephson said that the level of success Lieuwen's teams have enjoyed is an element that "cannot go underestimated."
"Already a national champion and provincial champion, his experience in those types of matches is something we are excited to add into our mix," Josephson said. "Ben's leadership and motor are two intangibles that will be tremendous assets for our team. He has a great ability to inspire others to play up to their potential and his example as a true competitor is something to be admired and imitated by all.
“Ben also brings some great tangible skills to our team as he has an explosive arm and great ground skills. We look for Ben to be one of our primary controlling players for years to come.”