The Support4Sport Awards are the premier celebration of sport in Nova Scotia, bringing together the very best from across the province! As the largest sport recognition event in Nova Scotia, this incredible event shines a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of our athletes, coaches, referees, teams, and volunteers.
Volleyball Nova Scotia is thrilled to congratulate the following winners: Trudy Delorey (Volunteer), Neil Deveau (Referee), Peter Halley (Coach), Haylee Ellis (Junior Female Athlete), Sebby Villeneuve (Junior Male Athlete), and the Julia MacDougal and Natalia Casas (Team).
Junior Female Athlete of the Year ~ Haylee Ellis
Haylee has established herself as one of Nova Scotia’s top volleyball players, excelling at both the high school and club levels. Competing for Dalbrae Academy and the Inverness Volleyball Club, she has been instrumental in her teams’ success, consistently contending for provincial medals. Most notably, her Route 19 Raiders squad secured a silver medal at last season’s Nova Scotia Championships. Her relentless work ethic and determination have propelled her to the highest levels of competition in the province and country. A key player on Nova Scotia’s provincial teams, Haylee was awarded the prestigious Maple Leaf Award at last summer's Canada Cup as Team Nova Scotia’s Most Valuable Player. Her passion, leadership, and sportsmanship set her apart, serving as an inspiration for teammates and young athletes in her community. Both on and off the court, Haylee’s dedication and character make her a deserving candidate for recognition.
Junior Male Athlete of the Year ~ Sebby Villeneuve
Sebby Villeneuve is a standout volleyball player whose dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on the sport in Nova Scotia. In 2024, he competed for Team Nova Scotia in both indoor and beach volleyball, while also being a member of the Canada Games Training Group and a Provincial Excellence Program Athlete. As Team Captain of the 18U Nova Scotia Championship's gold medal-winning Bedford Blizzard team and the CPA High School team, Sebby has proven himself as a leader on and off the court. Beyond his own achievements, he is committed to growing the sport, coaching young athletes in the Atomic Volleyball program with Bedford Blizzard. His passion, work ethic, and commitment to volleyball make him an inspiration to teammates and aspiring players alike. As he completes his Grade 12 year, Sebby deserves recognition not just for his excellence in competition, but for his dedication to the future of volleyball in Nova Scotia.
Team of the Year ~ Natalia Casas and Julia McDougall
Natalia Casas and Julia McDougall made history by winning Nova Scotia’s first-ever gold medal at the 2024 Canadian 15U Beach Volleyball Nationals. Their journey began in April with tryouts for Les Jeux de l’Acadie. Committed and disciplined, they attended every extra practice, even joining the Senior Women's Beach League to compete against top adult players.
Throughout the summer, they trained with their incredible coaches Kevin Reade and Sophie Pitre-Arseneault, organized scrimmages against older Team Nova Scotia players, and competed in the Wednesday Youth Beach League, finishing in first place. They followed that up by winning the 16U Beach Provincial Championships and earning a spot on Team NS Beach Team. At Nationals, they went undefeated in pool play before stunning the top-ranked Ontario team in the finals. Their incredible achievement and dedication to the sport make them truly deserving of the Team of the Year award.
Volunteer of the Year ~ Trudy Delorey
Trudy Delorey is a dedicated leader, coach, and organizer whose passion for volleyball has left a lasting impact on the Antigonish Stoirm Volleyball Club and beyond. As Past President, following five years as Director and President, she has played a key role in expanding the sport by organizing tournaments and creating events unique and engaging events like the Serve-A-Thon. A certified Development Coach with Volleyball Canada, Trudy has over 15 years of experience coaching athletes from 12U, to Team Nova Scotia and the university level. She is currently completing her Advanced Development NCCP Certification and participate in the VIP coach program through the Canadian Sports Centre - Atlantic. A passionate advocate for women in sport, Trudy is committed to creating inclusive and accessible opportunities for all. Her leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts to grow the volleyball community make her truly deserving of recognition as Volunteer of the Year.
Referee of the Year ~ Neil Deveau
With over 21 years officiating indoor volleyball and seven in beach volleyball, Neil has been a dedicated referee and mentor. He has supported officials in Nova Scotia as an Area Supervisor, and Assignor for the Yarmouth and South Shore regions. In 2023, Neil became one of three Level 3 referees in Nova Scotia to join the Referee Management Team. Now a National-Level 4 candidate, he actively officiates USports and ACAA matches. His experience includes multiple Volleyball Canada Youth National Championships, three Canada Cups, and the FIVB Beach Volleyball event. He officiated at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games and has been selected for the 2025 Canada Games in Newfoundland. Neil’s leadership and dedication continue to elevate officiating in Nova Scotia and beyond.
Coach of the Year ~ Peter Halley
Peter has been a driving force in high school and club volleyball for over 20 years. As the leader of the Metro boys' high school league, he has worked tirelessly to ensure fair competition and meaningful development opportunities for all teams. His leadership helped grow the league to 13 teams, and his efforts to reinstate the weekend tournament playoff have increased university recruitment interest. Beyond the league, Peter has guided countless athletes at Dartmouth High and Dartmouth Volleyball Club, coaching multiple teams to Metro, Regional, and Provincial titles. He prioritizes player growth over winning, giving younger athletes opportunities to gain confidence and develop their skills. His deep knowledge of the game, strategic mind, and unwavering commitment to his players make him an exceptional mentor. Respected by athletes, parents, and fellow coaches alike, Peter’s dedication to the sport and his athletes makes him a truly deserving recipient of this award.
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