Huskies’ Silva named ACAC Men’s Volleyball North Division Player of the Year

The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) announced Wednesday that Athus Silva of the Keyano College Huskies has been selected as the 2024-25 ACAC Men’s Volleyball North Division Player of the Year. 
 
Silva had a season for the record books, leading the entire conference with 71 blocks, a new career-best mark for the Campinas, Brazil product. In addition to the defensive side of his game, Silva collected 117 kills, 25 digs, and eight service aces. Silva’s performance helped the Huskies clinch the top spot in the ACAC’s North Division for a second-straight season with a 17-2 record, including a perfect 9-0 home record. 

“Athus has dominated the middle for us for five years,” Head Coach Keegan Kuhr said. “To continue to have his dominance here for the stretch run has been so important. I can’t be thankful enough that he chose to come to us and stay with us for as long as he did.” 
 
In his fifth year of eligibility, the Social Work student-athlete recently laid claim to the ACAC’s all-time blocks record, closing out his ACAC regular season career with 321 blocks. He also accumulated 606 kills in his illustrious ACAC career, adding in 132 digs, and 71 service aces.  
 
In 2023-24, Silva was recognized as an All-Canadian by the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). With his additional nomination tonight, Silva marks his fourth-straight appearance on the ACAC All-Conference Team.  
 
The Player of the Year honour marks the fourth in the history of the Men’s Volleyball program. João Cunha captured the award in 2023-24 while Alwyn Piche earned the honours in 2008-09 and 2012-13.
 
This prestigious award was recognized at the 2024-25 ACAC Men’s Volleyball Championship hosted by Lakeland College in Lloydminster, Alta. on Wednesday night. 
 
Five Huskies earn All-Conference Team selections 
 
In addition to Silva’s nomination, four other Keyano Huskies Men’s Volleyball student-athletes earned selections to the ACAC’s All-Conference team for a total of five.  
 
Outside Hitter João Cunha (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) earned his fourth selection, while outside hitter Rafael Parada Lima (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and libero Anderson King (Edson, Alta.) each earned their second selection.  
 
Middle blocker Preston Yole (Île-à-la-Crosse, Sask.) earned his first selection to the team.  
 
The tournament starts Thursday, February 20 with the Huskies taking on the Briercrest College Clippers in the second quarter-final at 3:00pm MT