The Dennis Murdoch Coaching Award

Dennis Murdoch founded the Vernon Volleyball Club in 1975, which was later renamed SKY Volleyball Club. In honour of Dennis and his long-standing commitment to volleyball in Vernon, SKY established the Dennis Murdoch Coaching Award in 2025 to coincide with our 50‑year anniversary. The award is presented annually to one coach and is awarded by the Board of Directors at the year‑end celebration.

Dennis Murdoch

Nominate a SKY Coach below based on these requirements.

The following criteria are used to select the recipient of the award: 

  • Athlete Development:

     The coach should demonstrate a strong commitment to the holistic development of their athletes, including physical, mental, and emotional growth. 

  • Length of time Coaching at SKY:

     The coach should have a minimum of 2 years of coaching at SKY to be considered.  

  • Sportsmanship and Ethics:

     The coach should exemplify high standards of sportsmanship, ethical behavior, and integrity both on and off the court. 

  • Innovation and Creativity:

     The coach should employ innovative training techniques and strategies that enhance the team's performance and foster a positive learning environment. 

  • Community Engagement:

     The coach should actively engage with the community, promoting the sport and encouraging participation at all levels. 

  • Leadership and Mentorship:

     The coach should be a strong leader and mentor, providing guidance and support to athletes, assistant coaches, and other club members. 

  • Professional Development:

     The coach should show a commitment to their own professional development, continuously seeking opportunities to learn and improve their coaching skills. 

  • Positive Impact:

     The coach should have a positive impact on the club, contributing to its growth and success over the years. 

These criteria can help ensure that the award recognizes a coach who not only achieves success on the court but also contributes positively to the overall mission and values of SKY Volleyball Club. 

Recipients

Troy Headshot

2025 - Troy lorenson

Troy's volleyball career includes captaining the 1982 AAA Provincial high school champions, the 1983 AVA Juvenile Provincial champion Alberta Selects, and playing 2-seasons on the Alberta Can-Am team.

During his 5-years setting for the U of A Golden Bears, he was a 3-yr captain, 2-time MVP/Costa Chrysanthou Memorial Trophy winner, and recipient of the U of A's President's Trophy for Outstanding Leadership. Troy received his degree in Physiotherapy (Valedictorian) in 1990. He was the Assistant Coach of the Golden Bears in 1989-90.

While in university, Troy was Assistant Director with the Alberta Volleyball Association, and owned a volleyball camp company called Up With Volleyball.

Troy has played for the Canadian Masters team for 15 years, and is the past President of the Sky Volleyball Club, which he has coached in for the past 15 seasons.

Nominate a SKY Coach

Questions?

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