Kodiaks men’s volleyball signs Team Canada recruit

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks men’s volleyball team is thrilled to welcome the newest member of the 2026 recruitment class, Cruz Chittick from Mayerthorpe, Alta. 

Chittick joins the Kodiaks with one of the most impressive resumes in the province. A member of the Mayerthorpe High School Tigers, he will now join a talented core of young athletes looking to make a major impact moving forward. 

Chittick has three seasons representing Team Alberta, including making the U16 as an underage athlete. Not only has Chittick represented Alberta, he’s also donned the maple leaf as a member of the Canadian Youth National Team. He attended the Pan American Cup in Colima, Mexico, where the team qualified for the semi-finals. Chittick currently plays U18 club for the prestigious Northern Alberta Volleyball Club which will be in contention for a national championship this season. 

“When we are looking for future Kodiaks, we are looking for people who are the total package, and Cruz is exactly that,” says head coach Greg Gibos. “With his experience within our national team system, we know he’s one of the best liberos from a skill level.” 

Beyond his on-court abilities, Gibos says Chittick’s character really stood out during the recruitment process.  

“He wants to inspire the next generation of volleyball players from Mayerthorpe and try to grow the game in his community,” he says. “Every single person I talked to about Cruz mentions how special of a human being he is, and I know he’s going to accomplish great things during his time as a Kodiak and inspire future generations of Tigers. We are truly lucky to have him join us in Lethbridge.” 

Chittick also has strong family roots and appreciates how much they have contributed to his athletic journey. 

“My parents always taught me that having ambition and pushing yourself is key to chasing your dreams, and I’m excited this brought me to post-secondary volleyball,” he says. “My sister was the one who introduced me to the sport, and my brother is constantly motivating me to be better.” 

Chittick says the Kodiaks’ culture and shared values makes Lethbridge Polytechnic the right fit. 

“The Kodiaks reflect the same passion that I have for growth, competitive excellence and teamwork, and it’s what really excited me about the prospect of becoming a Kodiak,” he says. “The athletes on the team, and the fellow recruits who are coming in have such a strong desire to build something incredibly special here, and I want to be a part of that. I think I can bring my passion and energy to continue to evolve the Kodiaks into one of the top teams in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association and inspire many generations of future volleyball athletes.” 

He is the second announced recruit for the 2026 grad class along with fellow Team Alberta teammate Gabriel Gouttin of Catholic Central High School in Lethbridge. 

The Kodiaks are on the road in Saskatchewan this weekend to take on the Briercrest College Clippers.