Johnny Bergen joins Kodiaks men's volleyball team

Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks men’s volleyball is excited to add Picture Butte High School product Johnny Bergen to the 2025-26 roster. 

Bergen, a six-foot-two outside attacker and former member of the Lethbridge Volleyball Club, will join his brother Corny on the team. Both were very successful student-athletes in their high school years. 

Bergen’s game elevated in the summer of 2023 when both he and Corny were attempting to make a club team in hopes of playing post-secondary volleyball. It was his hard-working attitude that caught the attention of Kodiaks head coach Greg Gibos.

“Every time I’d go watch Johnny play a match, his energy and effort level were above everyone else,” say Gibos. “I remember talking with our other assistant coaches, and we were adamant that we had to find a place for Johnny within our program. I think he’s going to really influence our practice gym as his energy is contagious. He’s another explosive athlete with a strong shoulder and has really increased his vertical over the last two seasons.”

The Kodiaks have a strong tradition of community involvement, and Bergen has already contributed in meaningful ways. 

“Another thing that really stands out about Johnny is his desire to give back to our community; he’s been coaching in youth summer camps, and I know one of his major goals is to continue to inspire the next generation of volleyball players,” says Gibos. “We can’t get enough of these types of people in our gym, as he understands that being a Kodiak is more than just yourself.” 

As he prepares to join his younger brother on the Kodiaks, Bergen recognizes how important his family has been on his development. He credits his two older brothers for inspiring him and getting him involved in the gym, adding they taught him how hard he had to work in order to be successful.

Bergen says he is excited to represent his family and can’t wait to play in front of them at the Val Matteotti Gymnasium. 

“I’m just so thrilled to be a Kodiak; it’s a dream come true to work with these athletes and coaches, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” says Bergen. “I promise to give everything I’ve got to make an impact both on and off the court.” 

Pre-season for the defending Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference silver medalists begins in September. Follow Kodiaks social media for updates on future scheduling.