London, ON – The Western Mustangs Men’s Volleyball team is set to welcome seven new student-athletes to the program for the 2026-27 season as Head Coach Jim Sage announces his recruit class.
This year’s recruits include Tristan King, Joseph Stantic, Misha Panasiouk, Bryce Kim, James Dafe, Bennett Strom and Jack Burns.
“I am really excited about this year’s 2026 recruiting class. There is lots of potential and talent within this amazing group of student-first athletes, who will be entering a variety of demanding academic programs. I am very excited to watch them prosper and grow within our program,” said Sage.
2025-2026 Mustangs Recruit Class Profiles
Tristan King
Position: Setter
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
Why did you choose Western?:
“The program that I’m looking to get into is software engineering which is a program that Western University offers, and is certainly well-regarded.”
Athletic Accomplishments:
- Three-time Team Ontario selection in 2023, 2024 and 2025
- Silver medalist at the 2024 Ontario Championships
- Selected as one of seven National Championship All-Stars in 2025
- Seven-year starter with the Mavericks Club High Performance program
Academic Accomplishments:
- Maintains an overall average of 85 per cent while completing a demanding academic schedule
Coach Sage’s comments:
“Tristan is an outstanding, dynamic setter out of the great Mavericks program from Ottawa.
We think he can contribute right away and we feel very happy to have him join our Mustangs team.”
Joseph Stantic
Position: Middle
Hometown: Kelowna, British Columbia
Why did you choose Western?:
“The combination of strong academics and an incredible team, coached by a well experienced coach made Western the right choice for me.”
Athletic Accomplishments:
- Team BC red and blue camp x2
- Selected Team BC alternate (2024)
- 4th in School Provincials (2024)
- Husky Classic Tournament MVP
Academic Accomplishments:
- Achieved an A average throughout high school
Coach Sage’s comments:
“Joseph is a 6′-7″ middle from BC , who has unlimited potential. He will learn quickly on a deep middle Mustang roster. We welcome Joseph to the Mustang herd!”
Bennett Strom
Position: Middle
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Why did you choose Western?:
“Choosing Western was the best decision for me both academically and athletically due to the prospects I will have in optometry after finishing the medical sciences program, and the opportunity I have to improve as a player through the Mustangs team.”
Athletic Accomplishments:
- Grade 10 and 12 MVP,
- Grade 10 Athlete of the year,
- Grade 11 most improved player
- Grade 11 City Champion
Academic Accomplishments:
- Lifetime honors society member Western Canada High School
Coach Sage’s comments:
” Bennett is a determined middle from Calgary, Alberta. Competing against some stellar opposition, we see him fighting for his spot soon. Excited to watch his character and heart, add to the team.”
Bryce Kim
Position: Libero
Athletic Accomplishments:
- Qualified For U18 Beach Volleyball World Championships
- 3 Time TDSSAA Senior Boys City Champion
- U18 NORCECA Silver Medal
- U18 Team CAN 1 Beach
Academic Accomplishments:
- Honour Roll Student throughout high school
Coach Sage’s comments:
“Bryce is an exceptional Libero with great movement and ability. He will add depth and stability to an excellent Western defensive crew.”
Misha Panasiouk
Position: Outside Hitter
Athletic Accomplishments:
- 4 National & 5 Provincial Championships (indoor & beach)
- 18U National All-Star (Indoor, 2025)
- Team Canada Beach Athlete (2025)
- Three-time Team Ontario member
Coach Sage’s comments:
“Misha is an OH who played club for a strong Pakmen program. He has experience playing at some of the top levels on the hard court and sand. We look forward to see his progress as a Mustang.”
James Dafe
Why did you choose Western?:
I chose Western because I believe it is an environment where I can develop as an athlete, a student, and a person.
Athletic Accomplishments:
- 2 time Team Ontario member
- 2025 OFSAA AA Champion
- 2024 OFSAA AA Finalist
- High School Volleyball MVP
Academic Accomplishments:
- Honour Roll Student 2022-2026
Coach Sage’s comments:
“James is a talented high flyer whose athletic ability is easy to see. He will learn quickly to compete and we look forward to watching his journey.”
Jack Burns
Position: Setter
Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
Why did you choose Western?:
“I chose Western University for its balance of strong academics, athletics, and community. Western has so many opportunities to grow both intellectually and personally in an amazing environment.”
Athletic Accomplishments:
- 2025 Canada Cup Champion with Team BC
- 2024 Canada Cup Champion with Team BC
- 2023 BC Cup All Star
- 17U provincial bronze medal
Academic Accomplishments:
- President’s honour roll grade 8,9,10, and 11
Coach Sage’s comments:
“Jack is a talented setter, who will add much needed depth to the Mustang roster. He is quick and very court aware, which should see his career expand over the years.”
The 2026-27 Mustangs Men’s Volleyball schedule has been released. Click HERE for full details.