STU Tommies Add Kamloops Native Brady Chala to Men’s Volleyball Program
Fredericton, NB - The St. Thomas University men’s volleyball program is pleased to announce the commitment of Brady Chala for the upcoming season. The 5’11” outside hitter from Kamloops, British Columbia, will join the Tommies while pursuing a degree in Sustainability & Environmental Studies.
Chala brings a strong combination of athleticism, game IQ, and leadership to a young Tommies roster looking to continue building toward championship contention in the ACAA. Known for his ability to read the game at a high level, Brady uses his speed, explosiveness, and versatility to impact matches in all areas of the court.
Off the court, Brady is equally recognized for the leadership qualities and composure he brings to a team environment. “I’m someone my teammates can count on both on and off the court,” he added. “I bring a calm and steady presence, especially in high-pressure situations, and I try to lead by example through my work ethic, composure, and consistency.”
For Head Coach Henri Mallet, Brady’s experience, maturity, and leadership qualities made him an ideal addition to the Tommies program. “Brady is the type of athlete that can have a major impact on a program beyond just his play on the court,” said Mallet. “He brings valuable experience, strong leadership qualities, and a calm presence that will be important for a younger roster. He competes hard, understands the game at a high level, and fits perfectly with the culture that we continue to build within our program.”
Academics also played a major role in Brady’s decision to commit to STU.
“I am really focused on academics and passionate about the environment, which made STU a great fit for me right away,” said Chala. “I feel like the smaller campus will give me the chance to grow both in the classroom and on the court. And honestly, it’s pretty awesome that both my sister and I will be Tommies athletes this fall.”
“From my first conversation with Coach Henri, I felt like STU was the right place for me. I believe I’ll be able to grow both as a player and as a person under his leadership, and I really respect the strong culture and track record the program has built in helping athletes reach their full potential.”
Chala’s immediate focus will be contributing to the program’s culture and continuing his development at the university level. “My goals for my first year at the university level are to work hard every day to improve my game while also helping elevate the players around me,” he said. “I want to build chemistry with my teammates, contribute in any way I can, and bring the same discipline and commitment to my studies.”
Looking ahead, Brady has his sights set on helping the Tommies compete for championships while continuing to grow as a leader within the program. “My long-term goals is ultimately put ourselves in a position to compete for a national title,” said Chala. “I want to continue growing as a leader. I’ve always been someone who leads by example through hard work and consistency, but I also want to become more vocal so I can better support and mentor younger players coming into the program.”