KINGSTON, Ont. (March 4, 2025) – Queen’s Men’s Volleyball earned two major honours from the OUA on Tuesday, with Chris Zimmerman being named the EDI Award of Merit winner, while Lachlan McBride received the Dale Iwanoczko Award.
Zimmerman (Arts) was recognized with the EDI Award of Merit for his dedication to community service. As the 2024-25 VP of Community Outreach for Queen’s Varsity Leadership Council, Zimmerman played a key role in leading Truth and Reconciliation efforts for Queen’s student-athletes.
The third-year setter also helped guide the Queer and Gender Diverse Student-Athlete Association, organizing events to foster discussions for 2SLGBTQ+ student-athletes. Beyond campus, Zimmerman’s passion for volleyball has driven him to coach and mentor youth in his hometown of Prince George, B.C.
“Chris, as a leader on the court and in the team room, has also been extremely active in the Gaels varsity community,” said Men’s Volleyball Head Coach Gabe deGroot. “On the court, he has continued to develop into one of the OUA’s best setters. His character and leadership allow him to run the most efficient offense in the league.”
Through the Ontario Public Service, Zimmerman has also helped organize fundraisers for Federated Health Charities, supporting over 21 organizations across Ontario.
The former OUA Rookie of the Year and the 2024-25 Third Team All-Star, finished the season first in the OUA and third in the country with 771 assists, adding 27 kills, 24 service aces, and 128 digs to his season stat sheet.
McBride (Law) received the Dale Iwanoczko Award, which honours student-athletes who excel in academics, athletics, and community service. A four-time Academic All-Canadian, McBride has demonstrated excellence both on the court and in the classroom.
Previously serving as a social media coordinator, McBride designed online content for Cam’s Kids, a national organization supporting young adults struggling with anxiety and mental health. More recently, as Co-President of the Queen’s Sports and Entertainment Law Society, McBride has led the execution of the Sports and Entertainment Law Symposium at Queen’s Law—all while helping guide the Gaels to the OUA postseason.
“Lachlan is a selfless leader who has worked tirelessly to better himself and those around him through community service, academic, and athletic excellence,” said deGroot. “His return has had a huge impact on team success and culture.”
The fourth-year setter from Vancouver, B.C., capped off his season with 132 kills, a .247 hitting percentage, 19 total blocks, and 58 digs.
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