Player Highlight: Brock Tomyn, Men's Volleyball
His collegiate career is already marked by distinction, but Brock Tomyn is hoping to end his time at Lakeland on a high note.
The 5th year left-side and a core of veteran teammates are looking to make another leap for the men's volleyball program. In reflecting on the last few years, Tomyn said it's surreal to think about how much his role has changed.
"I'm feeling old going into my last year," he said with a laugh. "It's a weird feeling, but it makes me that much more appreciative for what lies ahead this season."
"Brock had a breakout season for us las year," Head Coach Taylor Dyer said. "With our entire starting lineup coming back a year older, Brock will be a bog part of Rustler men's volleyball success this season."
Hailing from Prince Albert, Tomyn came up through the Saskatchewan Volleyball program, representing the province at the 2022 Canada Summer Games, in which Team Sask won gold. After coming off the bench for two years, he became a fixture of the Rustlers starting lineup, leading the team in multiple categories and being named an All-Canadian in 2024.
Lakeland was the best offer and close to home when he left high school and become more than that over the past four years. Tomyn's parents amd younger sister, who became fixtures on the sideline during matches, ended up moving to Lloydminster, making the Border City his home year round.
"It's been great having my parents living in town," he said. "They're my biggest supporters and I'm lucky to be able to see them whenever I want."
The men's team has steadily improved over the past eight years, culminating in back-to-back top four finishes. Last year, Tomyn said the group was disappointed in how they performed as hosts of the men's tournament and took several lessons from the experience.
"We noticed that we played a bit tense when hosting for our first time last year," he said. "I think we play our best when we are confident and in the flow of the game, so that should be a focus this year."
"I think this year's team has a lot of potential. If we stay disciplined and motivated we will go far."
Tomyn said he's thought about life after Lakeland, which includes the possibility of playing overseas, but isn't looking into it until his current assignment is completed. After having a standout offensive campaign, the veteran left-side is focused on shoring up the rest of his game.
"I want to be more of a defensive presence this year, so over the summer I've been working on my blocking and 6-back defence a lot," he said.
Tomyn is graduating from Lakeland's Business Administration program. The men's volleyball squad kickoff preseason Sept. 18 against the Keyano Huskies, followed by three days of tournament play. Their home opener is Oct. 25 against the Concordia Thunder.