The College of the Rockies Avalanche Men's Volleyball Program is excited to announce the signing of Jean-Luc Dewerse, a 6'0" libero from Auckland, New Zealand, who will join the team for the 2026–2027 PACWEST season. Dewerse becomes the first New Zealand-born athlete to join the Avalanche men's volleyball program, bringing international experience and high-level defensive skill to the roster.
Dewerse joins the Avalanche from Avondale College and Harbour Dragons Volleyball Club, where he has developed into one of the top young liberos in New Zealand. His individual accomplishments include being named Best Libero and selected to the All-Tournament Team at the U19 New Zealand Inter-Provincial Championships, as well as earning All-Tournament Team honours at the Auckland Junior Championships. He was also recognized for his leadership with the Tui-Katene Trophy for Outstanding Leadership in Sport at Avondale College.
On the national stage, Dewerse has competed as part of the New Zealand U20 Men's Volleyball Program, while also being selected to the New Zealand Men's Beach Volleyball Training Squad. His international experience includes participation in New Zealand Open Men's Invitational competition in Xiamen, China, as well as representing the New Zealand U21 Invitational team in Xiamen, further showcasing his ability to perform against elite competition.
Dewerse shared his excitement about joining the Avalanche and beginning his post-secondary journey in Canada. "There are so many great things about COTR that have stood out to me, especially the incredible volleyball program and the way that Coach Cisco runs it," said Dewerse. "I think this team has a very bright future to look forward to, and I'm so honoured to be part of it. Cranbrook and the surrounding Rocky Mountains are such beautiful places to spend my time, and I'm very excited to meet everyone and see where the next few years take me!"
Head Coach Cisco Farrero is excited to welcome Dewerse to the program, highlighting both his athleticism and competitive mindset. "Jean-Luc is a great addition to our program in both the short and long term," said Farrero. "He is a dynamic athlete with the fearlessness and fire that a libero needs to be successful at a high level. Adding an international recruit to our roster is exciting for the program, and Jean-Luc will be our first New Zealand-born athlete in the men's program at COTR. I'm excited for him to become a part of our college community in Cranbrook."
At College of the Rockies, Dewerse will pursue an Associate Degree of Arts, continuing to balance his academic goals with his athletic development.
Dewerse becomes another exciting addition to the Avalanche's 2026/27 recruiting class, adding international experience and defensive strength as the program continues to build toward another competitive PACWEST season.