Tyler Chernishenko has transferred to the Lethbridge College Kodiaks men's volleyball team. (Photos supplied by Lethbridge College, Kodiaks Athletics)

By Justin Goulet

Volleyball standout Tyler Chernishenko joins Lethbridge College Kodiaks

Aug 11, 2022 | 10:35 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge College Kodiaks are beaming following the transfer of a Mount Royal University volleyball star to the men’s team.

Libero/outside attacker Tyler Chernishenko has transferred to the local post-secondary team for the 2022-23 season following three successful campaigns at Mount Royal University in Calgary. With Mount Royal, Chernishenko was a two-time USPORTS Academic All-Canadian.

Prior to joining the Cougars, he helped captain his Jasper Place Rebels to a 4A provincial championship in 2018. The six-foot-one star out of Edmonton and the FOG Volleyball Club was also a graduate of the Team Alberta provincial team program.

Kodiaks men’s volleyball head coach Greg Gibos said, “For a talented athlete like Tyler to join our roster is truly a great day for our program.”

“Tyler’s commitment to wanting to win a national championship in Lethbridge was evident from the very first conversation we had. We are excited to add another high-level athlete to our program.”

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Gibos said Chernishenko’s ability to play multiple positions gives the Kodiaks plenty of options going forward. The coach said, “Tyler was one of the best liberos in USPORTS the last few years and we believe he gives our roster some flexibility as he can play both outside and the libero position.”

“When we look at the pillars of excellence in our program, Tyler checks all those boxes and more as he’s also an outstanding student-athlete and leader in his community.”

He continued, “[Chernishenko is] going to bring an entirely new element of competitiveness to practice and competition and I’m excited to see how he impacts our program and community.”

Meanwhile, Chernishenko said one of the many reasons he joined the Kodiaks is to help grow the game in the community while playing with a championship contender.

He stated, “The Kodiaks are beginning to build a legacy of being a competitive program, and I’m here to continue to grow ties to the community, youth, and be part of a team that brings the first banner to Lethbridge.”

“The athletes at Lethbridge College are great people and I’m looking forward to contributing to their team culture in a positive way. I just love playing volleyball, and I know the Kodiaks share that same passion. I believe in this group, and I know they believe in me.”

Chernishenko plans to be involved with the growth of Pursuit Volleyball Camps and expanding interest in the sport at the youth level.

He said, “Ken McLaughlin always believed in me, and I want to show that same belief in others. I’ve played with several of the athletes in Lethbridge, and I know they believe in me to be the best version of myself.”

“I’ve had incredible mentors like Ken, as well as Matt Lee and Sid Brandsma. Each day I hit the court I hope to continue to share and build on the knowledge they’ve passed along to me.”

Chernishenko will continue to complete his diploma in Business Administration – Accounting, while completing a finance degree from the University of Lethbridge.

The Kodiaks will host an exhibition weekend September 22-24, 2022 in preparation for the 2022-23 regular season, which is set to start in mid-October.