The Coaches Association of Saskatchewan is saddened by the passing of long-serving and internationally recognized volleyball coach and builder Mark Tennant.
Tennant, who was born in Manitoba, coached the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s volleyball team from 1971 to 1999, wrapping up his career with 273 wins and 166 losses. Over the years, he led teams to seven Canada West Championships, two CIAU (now U SPORTS) silver medals and three CIAU championship titles in row for the 1978-79, 1979-80 and 1980-81 seasons. He was also named the Canada West Coach of the Year four times, CIAU Coach of the Year four times and earned the Colb McEown Trophy as University of Saskatchewan Coach of the Year twice. Tennant made such an impact on university sport in Canada, that the Mark Tennant Trophy is now presented annually to the U Sports Rookie of the Year in women’s volleyball.
Photo Credit: Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame
Tennant also made his mark with the International University Sports Federation (FISU), starting with the organization in 1983 and lending his expertise as a technical leader for over three decades. That included serving as chair of the FISU Volleyball International Technical Committee until 2015 and supervising the FISU volleyball and beach volleyball competitions. He was recognized with a FISU lifetime achievement award in 2019.
Outside of university sport, Tennant served as president for the Saskatchewan Volleyball Association, promoted volleyball throughout high schools across the province and conducted player and coaching clinics. At an international level, he was recognized as a world authority on volleyball, having published numerous articles and books as well as speaking at and running multiple clinics. He also served as a commission member with the International Federation of Volleyball (FIVB).
For his work in volleyball, Tennant was inducted as a builder into the University of Saskatchewan’s Wall of Fame in 1994, the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 2000, as well as the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame and the Volleyball Canada Hall of Fame in 2012.
With files compiled from the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (including photos), University of Saskatchewan and International University Sports Federation.
