Ancaster - ON. Redeemer University Athletics has announced the resignation of Head Men's Volleyball Coach Eli Tolkamp. Coach Tolkamp, who was also a standout student-athlete with the Royals, will pursue other professional opportunities.

Tolkamp recently completed his fifth season at Redeemer, where the team posted a 7-11 overall record and 1-1 losing in the second round of the OCAA playoffs. Over his tenure as Royals head coach, he compiled a career OCAA record of 29-34 over 63 regular-season games, along with a postseason record of 7-3.

In the 2021-22 season, Tolkamp guided the Royals to their first and only CCAA Championship appearance in program history. The team finished fourth, upsetting the OCAA gold medalists, the Humber Hawks. That same season, the Royals captured the OCAA silver medal.

As a player (2013-2018), Tolkamp played an integral role on the court, finishing his career ranked second all-time in OCAA digs. He was named the Royals Men's Volleyball MVP in 2015-16, Rookie of the Year (2013-14), a First-Team League All-Star (2014-15), a Second-Team League All-Star (2015-16, 2017-18), and an OCAA Championship All-Star (2017-18). He also played a key role in the Royals' 2017-18 OCAA bronze medal finish.

As head coach, Tolkamp guided the Royals to the National Christian Colleges Athletic Association National Championship game in just their first year in the association sport.

"We are incredibly grateful for Eli's dedication to Redeemer University and for all that he has done for the men's volleyball program," said Director of Athletics James Kryger "His leadership extended beyond the court, as he played a key role in fostering a strong team culture and worked tirelessly to support the growth of the young men who have used the platform of sports to showcase their God-given gifts and talents. His contributions, both as a player and as a coach, have left a lasting impact on our program. We wish Eli all the best as he takes on new professional challenges."

Redeemer Athletics will begin its search for a new head coach to continue building on the program's historical success.

For the latest Royals Volleyball updates and sporting news, visit www.redeemerroyals.ca.