Soonias takes over for McKay

CALGARY, ALTA., (Sept. 26, 2019) — The SAIT Trojans have turned to a familiar face to steer them through the 2019-20 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) season.

Dallas Soonias has officially been named the team's head coach for the upcoming season. He replaces Sean McKay, who accepted the head coaching role with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in early August.

"Filling Coach McKay's size 10's will be a struggle," said Soonias. "He's left the program in great shape, and I hope to build on the strong foundation he's left."

Soonias has previous experience with the Trojans, as he has spent the past two seasons as one of McKay's assistant coaches. 

In his first year with the team (2017-18), the Trojans won the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) title and earned a trip to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Championship in Victoria, BC.

Last season, the Trojans earned their second medal in as many years, winning the bronze at the ACAC Championships hosted by NAIT.

As a player himself, Soonias was a dominant right side. Standing 6-foot-7, he starred in both the ACAC with Red Deer College, and at the USports level with the University of Alberta.

He then became member of Canada's Senior Men's National Team, and played for them for 13 years, becoming the first Indigenous male to play suit up for the squad.

"We're very pleased that Dallas has taken on this role for the 2019-20 season," says Wade Kolmel, Director of Trojans Athletics. "Not only does he bring a helpful familiarity with the team in this short turnaround, but his years playing volleyball at such a high level will help to elevate our program further. We are excited to see how he builds upon his international experiences with this roster of Trojans."

Joanna Korz, an assistant on last year's team, will aid Soonias as the team's associate head coach.

The SAIT Trojans will begin their 2019-20 season on Thursday, Oct. 10 when they host the Ambrose University Lions.