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Hugh Hoyles

Volleyball Builder- Inducted 2025

Hugh Hoyles has been a cornerstone in the development and promotion of volleyball in Alberta and Canada. Born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Hugh moved to Alberta in 1960. Fluent in both English and French, he chose the University of Alberta in 1963 to pursue physical education studies. His journey into volleyball began in 1963-64 when a friend asked him to become the manager of the Edmonton Phoenix Volleyball Club, where Errol Miller, a former national team member, was the player-coach. This introduction ignited his passion for the sport, recognizing the athleticism and teamwork it required.

Contributions to University Volleyball

At the University of Alberta, Hugh was highly involved in athletics, serving as the President of Men's Athletics and Chair of the University Athletic Board. After graduating in 1967, he entered the Master's program and became the Assistant Director of Intramural Sports in 1968, later becoming the Director in 1970. He taught volleyball courses and took over coaching the University of Alberta Golden Bears men's volleyball team from 1973 to 1975, and again from 1976 to 1980 after returning from his role in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Under his leadership, the Golden Bears achieved significant success, including a National Championship in 1980, for which he was named CIAU Coach of the Year.

In 1973, Hugh hosted the Düren TV Volleyball team from Germany, establishing a 50-year relationship that facilitated international exchanges between Canadian and German volleyball teams. He also led his teams on international tours, including to Israel for the Maccabiah Games and various European countries.

Provincial Contributions

Hugh was instrumental in the development of volleyball at the provincial level. He served as President of the Alberta Volleyball Association (now Volleyball Alberta) in 1972-73 and again from 1977 to 1979. Recognizing the need for coach and player development, he initiated the Jasper Volleyball Camp in 1974. This camp became a premier training ground for athletes and coaches, introducing advanced techniques and methodologies, particularly from Japanese volleyball experts like Hiroshi Toyoda, whom Hugh invited to Canada through the O'Keefe Sports Foundation. The camp's model, which combined player and coach development, was adopted by other provinces, significantly elevating the standard of volleyball coaching and play across Canada.

National and International Contributions

Hugh's impact extended to the national and international stages. In 1975, he was appointed Director of Volleyball for the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games. His bilingual abilities and leadership experience made him an ideal candidate for this prestigious role. He successfully coordinated the volleyball competition, recruiting volunteers and professionals from across Canada. The men's gold medal match between Poland and the USSR drew significant attention, filling the Montreal Forum with 16,000 spectators and captivating television audiences nationwide.

After the Olympics, Hugh returned to Alberta, bringing with him a wealth of international contacts and experiences. He advocated for the relocation of the Canadian men's national volleyball team training center to Calgary in 1978, enhancing the province's prominence in the sport. He also served as the Director of Volleyball for the 1983 World University Games (FISU) held in Edmonton and co-hosted the 1999 FIVB World Junior Championships.

Recognition and Awards

Hugh's contributions have been widely recognized:

  • Government of Alberta Achievement Award for Excellence in Sport Administration (1976)
  • Sport Canada Queen's Service Jubilee Medal for devoted service to amateur sport (1977)
  • Alberta Volleyball Hall of Fame Inductee (2004)
  • Volleyball Canada Hall of Fame Inductee (2007)
  • University of Alberta Sports Wall of Fame Inductee (2008)
  • University of Alberta Alumni Honour Award for outstanding service as Director of Campus Recreation (2008)
  • The "Hugh Hoyles Student Life Award" established in his honor in 2008, awarded to student leaders contributing to sport and wellness at the University of Alberta

Later Life and Legacy

Hugh retired from the University of Alberta in 2004 but continued to contribute to the sport. He was involved in organizing the volleyball section of the 2005 World Masters Games and served on the board of the Edmonton Volleyball Centre Society, which is a significant part of the Saville Community Sports Centre in Edmonton.

His dedication to volleyball has left an enduring legacy in Alberta and Canada. From grassroots development to international competitions, Hugh's influence has been instrumental in the growth and success of the sport. His commitment to coaching education, athlete development, and organizational leadership exemplifies the qualities of a true builder in sport.