Black History Month: João Cunha, Men's Volleyball
During Black History Month, Keyano College Huskies Athletics will be celebrating and recognizing the accomplishments of Black student-athletes and staff who have made an impact during their time at Keyano College. Today, the program is recognizing Men’s Volleyball student-athlete João Cunha. ______________________________________________________________________________
Since he joined the Keyano Huskies Men’s Volleyball program, João Cunha has been a leading offensive presence and struck fear into defenders throughout the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference’s (ACAC).
Joining the program for the 2019-20 season, the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil product recorded a team-leading 265 kills, finishing second in the ACAC's North Division for kills and adding 32 aces which ranked second in the division as well.
He also added 110 digs, 17 blocks, and 12 assists as part of his standout season that put him on the ACAC’s All-Conference Team and also made him the ACAC’s North Division Rookie of the Year.
While the Huskies would go 19-5 that season, finishing second in the ACAC North Division and placing sixth at the 2020 ACAC Men’s Volleyball Championships, Cunha’s presence on the court attracted the attention of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), who named him as an All-Canadian, the fourth time the Men's Volleyball program had a student-athlete recognized with the award.
Moving onto the U SPORTS ranks in the 2021-22 campaign, Cunha played a strong role with the Brandon University Bobcats. Playing in 73 sets across 17 of the team’s 18 matches in the regular season, he recorded 123 kills, 77 digs, 32 total blocks, 14 assists and 12 aces.
Returning to the Huskies this year, Cunha has returned as a top-tier talent in the conference, posting 207 kills, 86 digs, 23 aces, 14 blocks, and 14 service aces as the Huskies battled for the top spot in the ACAC’s North Division all season long, eventually winding up second in the division.
Through just two seasons in the ACAC, Cunha has already amassed an impressive resume. In addition to his CCAA All-Canadian status, ACAC Rookie of the Year Award, and ACAC All-Conference team nomination, Cunha has recorded 472 kills, 196 digs, 55 aces, 31 blocks, and 26 assists in 131 sets across 35 ACAC Regular Season matchups.
With multiple years of eligibility left, Cunha has more than ample time to solidify his name among the program’s all-time greats, with which he already stands.
Black History Month Spotlight:
February 1: Omeechi Williams, Men's Basketball
February 2: Tyshaine Page, Women's Basketball
February 3: Jonatas Michel, Men's Basketball
February 4: Felicia Rodney, Women's Soccer
February 5: Angel Goldson, Men's Soccer
February 6: Chawncy McClenan, Women's Basketball
February 7: Athus Silva, Men's Volleyball
February 8: Kika Greenlee, Women's Basketball
February 9: Kevin Dia, Men's Basketball
February 10: Kayla Lutterodt, Women's Basketball
February 11: João Cunha, Men’s Volleyball