Head coach Ryan Marsden and the Olds College Broncos men’s volleyball coaching staff have been busy recruiting a strong freshmen class of seven athletes from across the world to complement the eight-returning student-athletes.

In part one of the introduction to the recruiting class, we introduce you to a trio of Indigenous student-athletes from Saskatchewan. The three volleyball players, Thundersky Walkingbear, River Thomas, and Tyler Donnally, are very close friends who are honoured to come out of their communities and want to represent their Indigenous community and make them proud.

Here’s what you need to know about these recruits:

Thundersky Walkingbear: Right side/Left side, 6’ 3”

Hometown: Thunderchild, SK

High School: Mount Royal Collegiate

Most recent club: 18 U Huskies Volleyball Club

Academic Program: Business Management, Sports Management

Achievements and accolades: Sask Volleyball 2017 Beach Male Athlete of the Year Youth, 18U Provincials gold, North American Indigenous Games 19U gold, Sask Cup 1 and 2 gold.

“I’m excited for the friends I’ll make and also super excited to play as a Bronco. And, also the experiences I’ll learn from being a Bronco,” said Walkingbear.

“Thundersky is a huge recruit for our program,” said Marsden. “He has a massive vertical and hits the ball extremely high. He never seems to crack under pressure and is such a good team player. His positive attitude was evident every time that I watched him perform. His immediate impact to the program will make us competitive.”

River Thomas: Middle, 6’ 5”

Hometown: North Battleford, SK

High School: John Paul II Collegiate High School

Academic Program: Open Studies

Achievements and Accolades: Currently, is a Corporal with the Combat Engineers within the Canadian Military. Reserves with 38 CER in Saskatoon.

“I’m excited to take my skills to the next level, maximize my potential and work alongside a prestigious coach and be playing my best friends,” said Thomas.

“River is a big player. He is tall, but also very physical. His maturity will be a welcome addition to our program,” said Marsden. “We expect River to make an immediate difference within our team. His calm demeanor on the court will help those around him.”

Tyler Donnally: Outside Hitter, 6’

Hometown: Lloydminster, SK

High School: Eagleview Composite High School

Most recent club: Rustlers Volleyball Club

Academic Program: Sports Management

“I’m excited to be a Bronco because this is where some of my role models growing up had played,” said Donnally. “Me and a few of my really good friends from back home will be starting our college volleyball together. The coaching staff is amazing, as well as the beautiful town of Olds are reason I’m excited to a part of this program.”

“Tyler jumps well. His passing and defence are his biggest strengths,” said Marsden. “His ability to pass a large portion of the court will be helpful for the Broncos. He is a great team player but expects hard work from both himself and those around him.”

To learn more about the Olds College Broncos and the volleyball teams, go to gobroncos.ca; like the Facebook page and follow @OldsBroncos on Twitter and Instagram.