Kodiaks men’s volleyball signs Lethbridge local as first recruit of the 2026-27 season

The Kodiaks men’s volleyball team is thrilled to welcome local Catholic Central High School athlete Gabriel “Gabi” Gouttin as their first recruit for the 2026 class. The six-foot-two outside attacker joins the program with experience at both the club and provincial team levels. Gouttin has been a league all-star and an award winner with Team Alberta. 

“Gabi is not only physically one of the best prospects in the 2026 class but is truly one of the best people I’ve come across during my time in volleyball,” says head coach Greg Gibos. “We are certainly attracted to a certain type of athlete and Gabi checks every box and more. He’s selfless, an extremely hard worker and a future captain of this program. While being one of the best pure attackers in this class, he’s also someone who volunteers his time with youth, and truly understands what it means to be part of this volleyball community in southern Alberta. I honestly can’t say enough positive things about having Gabi join our program; he is a massive addition to every facet of a post-secondary program. He’s an elite student, an unbelievable athlete and is genuinely interested in growing volleyball in southern Alberta.”

Gouttin has several individual accolades not only in southern Alberta, but as a representative of Team Alberta. He made the U18 Junior Kodiaks as a U16 athlete and has been a mainstay with the Lethbridge Volleyball Club. Along with current Kodiak Corny Bergen, Gouttin and the Junior Kodiaks made the U18 national quarterfinals, with Corny and Gouttin leading the event in points. Gouttin was awarded the prestigious Maple Award at this year’s Canada Cup, which is given to an athlete who demonstrates the attributes of a great teammate and future leader within our provincial team program. 

Gouttin’s play at the club level has had him selected for Team Alberta both as a U16 and U17 athlete where he has won a silver medal at the Canada Cup. 

“Gabi’s experience playing at the highest level will be instrumental into his success here, as he has so much experience playing against the country’s best,” adds Gibos. “I’ve chatted with a few other athletes about Gabi joining us here in Lethbridge, and every person mentions how special a teammate he is. His presence is going to build this program for both the short term and in the future.” 

Gouttin credits his family and siblings for helping him reach his dream of playing post-secondary volleyball. 

“My brother Victor is a soccer player at the University of Calgary, and my sister Amélie swims for the University of Lethbridge,” he says. “However, one of the major factors for my growth and decision to play for the Kodiaks is [my teammate] Malcolm Fisher. He’s been an incredible mentor and coach who changed my views of volleyball. His positivity and dedication make me want to be the best athlete I can and represent this program I fell in love with.” 

For Gouttin, the community is what excites him the most about being a Kodiak.

“Lethbridge is a special place for volleyball right now, and every time I’ve been in the gym I can feel the support of southern Alberta. Being able to play in front of my friends and family, and for coaches like Greg and Jordan [Teliske], is a dream come true. I want future generations of Kodiaks to be inspired and chase their volleyball dreams.” 

Gouttin, who has a strong francophone background, looks forward to bringing an enthusiastic leadership style to the Kodiaks. “Part of me has always wanted to lead others and be the best version of myself for my teammates. I can’t wait to showcase this and help the team as a leader, team barber and support system.” 

Gouttin will join a young and talented Kodiaks roster that is poised to be compete at the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Championships with the hopes of bringing an ACAC banner home to Lethbridge Polytechnic. The Kodiaks are currently 3-0 and will travel to Calgary to play the SAIT Trojans Friday before hosting their last home game of the semester Saturday also against the Trojans.