Jean-Marie de Koninck Coaching Excellence Award: Garth Pischke, Manitoba
 
As one of the most successful and respected coaches in Canada, Garth Pischke was at the helm of the Manitoba Bisons men's volleyball team for 38 seasons.

During his tenure as bench boss, the Bisons qualified for the U SPORTS Championship 28 times, including streaks of 19 straight appearances and 14 consecutive years with a medal. In total, the Bisons captured 23 medals (9 gold, 9 silver, 5 bronze), and never finished lower than fifth place.

Pischke has earned Fox 40 U SPORTS Men's Volleyball Coach of the Year honours a record six times, (1981-82, 1983-84, 1987-88, 1989-90, 1994-95, 2016-17), along with several CW Coach of the Year recognitions. Pischke holds an overall coaching match record at 1,358-419 (.764 win percentage) – the most overall coaching wins by a U SPORTS head coach in history.   
  
Internationally, 42 of Pischke's student-athletes have gone on to represent Canada at various level, while he served as head coach of the national team from 1996-2000, guiding them from 21st in world rankings to 10th. He has also been involved in coaching various developmental and experienced club teams to three Under-18 National Championships, four Under-20 National Championships, four Volleyball Canada Open Championships.

"We are delighted that Garth has been awarded the Jean-Marie de Koninck Award. It is a fitting recognition for a coaching career unapparelled in achievement and longevity," said Gene Muller, Bisons Director of Athletic and Recreation. "He set the standard for excellence in a varsity volleyball program, and positively impacted the lives of Bison student-athletes for more than three decades. Garth earned the title of legend."