VANCOUVER – They've come from far and wide. The six new Thunderbirds who will suit up for the men's volleyball team this coming season represent the province, the country and the globe. All six come with their own experiences and dedication to the sport.

Cameron Fennema hails from Victoria and is entering his third year of eligibility. Jean-Benoit Gagne joins the T-Birds from Limoilou College in Quebec, he is entering his second year of eligibility, and making the longest trek to campus, Henrik Hole of Norway. This will be the Norwegian's first year of university volleyball.

The final three recruits are all entering their first year of eligibility. Jordan Deshane (Surrey, B.C.), Zach Albert (Toronto) and Trenton Leisen (Edmonton) have all come off stellar high school and club careers.

Here is a closer look at the newest T-Birds. 

Cameron Fennema, a 6-foot-5 outside hitter, joins the T-Birds from Camosun College and will work on a Sociology degree in the Faculty of Arts. His list of achievements helps you understand why head coach Richard Schick is so thrilled to have Fennema in blue and gold.

"Cam's size, strength and overall athletism are all things that made him extremely attractive to us. He's focused on what he wants to do academically and the experience and success he has gained at the college level will help prepare him for life at UBC," said Schick.
 
This past season, Fennema won Most Valuable Player honours at both the PACWEST Provincial Championships and the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association national tournament after leading Camosun to gold in both events.

Gagne (Forestry) brings versatility. The 6-4 Quebec college transfer can play in the middle and as an outside hitter. Coach Schick loves his experience.

"Much like Cam, JB has experienced success at the collge level. He's a big jumper who can play any position up front."

Gagne helped Limoilou to the RSEQ (Quebec) provincial title in 2015. The team made it all the way to the CCAA championship game before falling to Fennema's Camosun squad.
 
Hole brings a wealth of experience to UBC as he gets set to start his Thunderbird career. The 6-4 setter is traveling all the way from Norway, where he established himself as one of the best young players in the country. His hardware speaks for itself.

Schick likes what Hole brings to the court.

"Bigger body, international experience. He has had experience setting and attacking, his versatility will be a contributing factor to out program," remarked Schick.

Hole's top achievements: 
Norwegian U19 & U20 national team captain
Norwegian U19 Championship - Gold
Norwegian U19 Championship - Best Setter
Nordic U19 Championship - Gold
Nordic U19 Championship - Best Setter

Jordan DeShane makes the short trip from Surrey to join the T-Birds. The 6-5 future Sauder School of Business student plays in the middle and has earned accolades at both the high school and club levels. DeShane played at Fraser Heights Secondary, where he was named a Provincial Championship All-Star in 2014. DeShane also committed himself to the Eagle Club Volleyball Team, where he was named a Provincial Club All-Star. Despite the fact, DeShane is a relative newcomer to volleyball and Schick sees a lot of potential.

"We really like Jordan's ability to take the information we are giving him and putting it into action," he said. "He's only been playing volleyball for two years and is a sponge when it comes to learning new things. Jordan's quickness and size will be a huge asset as a young middle blocker." 

Zach Albert (Arts) joins the Thunderbirds from Toronto, where he enjoyed a tremendous amount of team success. Albert helped lead his high school team at Toronto District Christian School to a Provincial Silver. The 6-3 outside hitter also starred for the Pakmen Club Team that won Gold at both the Penn State Invitational and the Chicago Invitational.

According to the head coach, Albert's competitiveness is one of the things that makes him stand out.

"Zach's a very skilled player. We really like his compete level and his eagerness to learn. He's a student of the game and makes up for his smaller stature with his smarts, big jump and whip of an arm," said Schick.

Trenton Leisen (Kinesiology) hails from Edmonton where he played for Strathcona High School and the Northern Alberta Volleyball Club (NAVC) Gold team.

"We expect him to help fill the void left due to the graduation of five-year starter Ian Perry," said Schick. "Trenton is a solid passer, outstadning defender and a natural leader who has been a major contributor on his high school and club teams." 

All six new T-Birds are expected on campus later this summer. The Thunderbirds open the season with a preseason game versus Mount Royal on September 25.