Fellowship Hall

Redeemer's Talsma chosen OCAA top athlete

Ryan Talsma, a fourth year volleyball player for the Redeemer Royals, has been named the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) 2009-10 Male Athlete of the Year. This award caps an exceptional year, and career, for Talsma, who was also named the OCAA Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year, and who finished his career at Redeemer as a three-time All-Canadian, and as the OCAA leader in Kills and Total Points. Ryan also ends his career as one of the most nationally recognized OCAA volleyball players of all time.

Beyond his many accomplishments as a player, Ryan was also recognized for what he brought Redeemer, things that did not necessarily show up on the score sheet.  “Ryan is a beautiful person with an amazingly humble and mature character,” noted Dave Mantel, Redeemer’s Athletic Director. “His workmanlike attitude, without showy celebrations, has helped to set a tone for the team in every game and in every moment. Ryan has always showed sincere appreciation for the efforts of his teammates, rarely missing an opportunity to share the team’s successes. He truly appreciates everyone around him, showing a level of respect for others and the game of volleyball itself.”

Ryan received the award from Lindsay Bax of the OCAA. The award also included a framed photo and a financial award provided by VSP Sports, the sponsor of the award. This is the second time a Redeemer athlete has been selected as an OCAA Athlete of the Year – in 2000-01, Anita Kralt was given the honour in recognition of her accomplishments in both soccer and basketball.

Redeemer University College is a fully accredited liberal arts and sciences undergraduate university located on an 88-acre campus in Ancaster, Ontario. Its 900 current students seek to join the more than 3300 alumni who work in a wide range of businesses, social service agencies, public institutions and a host of other ministries. Approximately 34% of Redeemer’s graduates have gone on to pursue professional or academic studies in more than 70 graduate schools across Canada, the United States, and around the world.

Ryan Talsma -- 2009-10 Athletic Bio

School: Redeemer University College, Ancaster
Hometown: Orono, ON
High School: Durham Christian High School
Sport: Men’s Volleyball
Position: Right Side
Number: #1

2009-10 Accomplishments:

OCAA Male Athlete of the Year
Redeemer University College Male Athlete of the Year
CCAA All-Canadian
OCAA Player of the Year
CCAA Academic All-Canadian
OCAA All-Academic
OCAA Team Bronze Medalist
OCAA Championship Tournament All-star
OCAA West Region League 1st Team All-star
OCAA All-Star Game Representative
 
OCAA Career leader with 719 kills
OCAA Career leader with 967 total points