Kodiaks add local product Gentile
The Lethbridge College Kodiaks men’s volleyball program is happy to announce the commitment of local Chinook High School stand-out Dario Gentile.
Gentile was a Southern Alberta High School Volleyball League (SAHSVL) all-star last season while leading the Chinook Coyotes to a zone championship. He was also a member of the 2022 Lethbridge Volleyball Club (LVC) Junior Kodiaks who were a force at the provincial level, winning two premiers and placing top five provincially.
The newest Kodiak is also extremely active in the community, having served in several community groups and coached with the STARS volleyball organization that helps U12 and U9 volleyball players get an introduction to the sport.
“Dario is the type of student-athlete any program would be lucky to have as an addition,” says Kodiaks head coach Greg Gibos. “His commitment not only to himself, but to his teammates and community, separates him and will allow him to excel as a leader in our community. He’s an incredible teammate and this trait is what makes successful Kodiaks.”
Gibos loves Gentile’s fearlessness on the floor and knows his positional flexibility will be an asset.
“Dario fulfills several needs for our team as he can play multiple positions during training and allows us to be flexible moving forward. He never steers away from making a dig and his intensity as a defender is what will allow him to be successful at the postsecondary level. I think this comes from a true love of the sport. He just wants to be the best version of himself for his teammates.”
Gentile credits the local community he’s grown up in for shaping his attributes and ideologies.
“I’ve had some incredible teammates and coaches through my life, and I’m excited to represent them moving forward,” says Gentile. “Erik Shoji played a key aspect in my development and I’m appreciative of all the lessons he’s taught me. Another major influence is former Lethbridge College assistant coach [and current Concordia University head coach] Ken McLaughlin. The amount of knowledge and confidence I received from the Pursuit Volley camps has been incredible – and I can’t wait to continue to inspire athletes in my community.”
Gentile joins a Kodiaks team where he has several teammates and meaningful connections.
“Staying and playing in Lethbridge is a dream come true,” Gentile says. “Being able to play in front of my friends and family in front of a packed Val Matteotti Gym helped with my decision to join the Kodiaks. I know so many guys on the team from previous camps and their involvement in our community, and I’m excited to join them as a teammate.”
Gentile will join the General Arts and Science program at Lethbridge College with the goal of working towards a bachelor’s degree in science. Kodiaks Fun Facts
Gentile says he joins the program with the longstanding nickname “Meatball.” This comes from his strong Italian heritage and how he’s often found rolling around on the gym floor trying to make a dig for his team.
A new season on the horizon
Look for “Meatball” to make his Kodiaks debut as the Kodiaks men’s volleyball program will host an exhibition weekend Sept. 22 to 24. The 2022-23 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) regular season will begin in mid-October.