Cohen Gillett bringing his game to Cambrian

A key part of the Ursuline Lancers boys volleyball team has set his sights on moving to the next level.

Cohen Gillett, an outside hitter for the Lancers, recently signed with Cambrian College in Sudbury.

The Cambrian College Golden Shield men’s volleyball team is a team on the rise. They captured a bronze medal for the second year in a row at the OCAA championships held in London last week.

Dale Beausoleil, the Cambrian coach, said he’s thrilled to have Cohen come aboard next fall.

“With his impressive background in both high school and club volleyball, he brings a wealth of experience and talent that will undoubtedly enhance our team’s performance,” Beausoleil said in an email.

Beausoleil said Gillett’s high volleyball IQ and athletic prowess make him a valuable addition to the Golden Shield.

Gillett said he committed to Cambrian early, and enjoyed his visit to the school, where he will be taking business.

“It was clear that they really wanted me, which is a good feeling.”

Gillett played with a strong Ursuline team who advanced to the OFSAA AAA championship tournament the past two years.

Long-time Ursuline volleyball coach Jeff Denomy said Gillett’s signing to play volleyball at the next level in Sudbury is directly related to his dedication to the game.

“Although Cohen came to volleyball with many physical attributes it has been his work ethic that has taken him to the next level,” Denomy said, noting Gillett’s drive, playing high school, club and beach volleyball.

“If there is an open gym anywhere he will find it,” Denomy said.

Gillett is an offensive player that many teams struggle to defend. Denomy credits Gillett for rounding out his game.

“It has been through hard work that he has developed defensive skills and two lethal serving options that have taken his game to the next level. Cohen has been willing to develop the weaknesses in his game over the past two seasons, and that is what separates him from most players.”

Gillett agreed with Denomy’s assessment, noting when he first started playing high school volleyball he was athletic, but didn’t have the greatest understanding of the game.

“Fundamentally I was garbage.”

He credits his coaches for his development. He points out coaches such as Cory Lahey, who Gillett said worked with him a lot, as well as his high school coach Denomy.

“(Denomy) makes you feel really good about your game.”

Gillett also praised his club coach Ryan Leknois, who he played for this past season with Windsor Sky Volley team. Gillett said Leknois is a coach who spends a lot of time working with players individually.

“He has a rare coaching style, he’s very positive.”