Former Highland Raider, Comox Valley Strikers and Team BC captain Jackson Dakin completed his university CIS career with Ontario’s highest volleyball awards.
In his fifth and final year playing for the Queen’s Gaels, Dakin was named to the Ontario first all-star team and is the recipient of the prestigious 2012-13 Dale Iwanoczko award. He is the first Gael to be given the top honour as Ontario’s “outstanding student-athlete dedicated to volleyball, academics and community involvement” since2001. When graduating from Highland Secondary in 2008, Dakin was the recipient of both the Clyde Woolman and Osler Shield awards, setting the precedent for his university performance.
Celebrating his last home matches, Dakin was honoured by his well-respected and experienced coach Brenda Willis. She had the following to say about her star player: “It is often said that your team is only as good as your setter. Well for the last five years, Queen’s has been blessed with one of the most intelligent and physical setters ever to have played in the Ontario university league.”
While setting for the Gaels and acting as team captain, Dakin has been a full-time student and has earned an honours degree in Engineering Chemistry and is now completing his Masters in Chemical Engineering.
Dakin is a four-time academic All Canadian and Principal’s scholar. He has been a member of the Queen’s Varsity Disciplinary Committee as the male student rep and has helped coordinate and represent the team in numerous community service projects.
Last season, Dakin led Queen’s offence to a fourth place finish at Nationals, its highest finish ever in CIS competition. This season, he has been instrumental in quarterbacking a very young team to a strong season in the toughest men’s volleyball league in the nation.
During his university career Dakin has played in two national CIS championships, been invited to the National B Team selection camp, has played in Canada from coast to coast, in Florida and Europe, has amassed 325 digs, over 200 blocks, 94 kills and over 2,000 assists.
"Jackson's success speaks to hard work, talent and a community of parents, teachers and coaches who dedicate themselves to the development of our kids," said a Dakin family spokesperson.