Annala's Award

It was a history making season for the COTR Avalanche men’s volleyball team in 2025-2026.

They won the school’s first ever men’s volleyball PACWEST gold medal following an impressive 17-3 regular season. After winning gold, they represented the Conference at the CCAA national championship in Edmonton and played their way into the gold medal match. They earned a national silver medal, the school’s best finish in program history.

One of the major reasons for their success was the 1-2 punch offensively of returning athlete Dylan Annala and All-Canadian Diego Policarpo. They clubbed their way up the PACWEST kill leaderboard with Annala finishing with 309 in the regular season, the most in the Conference.

Following his first season at COTR, Annala attended TRU last year before returning to COTR this past season with a renewed hunger for the game and for success.

His play was consistent throughout the season and playoffs as he was named the PACWEST men’s volleyball Player of the Year. He added 379 total offensive points along with 31 service aces, 39 blocks and 73 digs on the defensive side.

“Dylan gave us a high-level scorer,” says Cisco Farrero, Avalanche head coach. “Over this year he built himself into a significant weapon athletically and mentally. He has an unwavering belief in himself and his ability to perform in the big moments. I challenged him to be consistent and reliable, and he responded by taking his game to a new level.”

His efforts this season were noticed by his teammates, coaching staff and the athletes he competed against each time the Avalanche hit the floor. His reputation as a winner is infectious and for that, Dylan Annala has been named the PACWEST Athlete of the Year Across All-Sports for 2025-2026.

He becomes the second consecutive Avalanche athlete to win this honour following Policarpo last year.

Congratulations Dylan Annala!

*the women's Athlete of the Year Across All-Sports will be announced on Monday