By: Kajan Thiruthanikasalam

SCARBOROUGH, ONT.- For February’s edition of the Centennial Colts Athletes of the Month, it is volleyball that takes the spotlight as Javed Baksh (men’s volleyball) and Emily Joe (women’s volleyball) received this month’s honours, for Male and Female Athletes of the Month, respectively.

It’s time to take a look at how both of these athletes have fared this season:

JAVED BAKSH

The Centennial Colts have seen male rookies put up some impressive numbers and Javed Baksh is one of them.

The six-foot-one Baksh came to the Colts from the Markham Stingers Volleyball and Mississauga Pakmen program in the Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) and won the 16U Boys Nationals East Championship while playing for the Pakmen U16 Volleyball Club.

In May of 2018, Baksh’s signing was held at the Athletic and Wellness Centre. When asked about the opportunity to play post-secondary volleyball, Baksh did not downplay his excitement.

"I am grateful for the opportunity Centennial has provided for me," Baksh said. "I am excited to be apart of this well-managed program that offers a lot to the student-athletes."

Baksh started off the 2018-19 season as the starting left side as the rookie southpaw had moments that stood out early on. For instance, a kill that he spiked right to the face of a Durham Lords player during their five set win in the home opener that had fans out of their seats.

But his value to the Colts could not have been more evident during the second half of the season. With numerous players gone from the first semester, Baksh stepped into the role of starting setter and did an admirable job, given the circumstances.

Overall, Baksh led the team in assists with 183 and in service aces with 16. In terms of the OCAA, he was ranked 23rd in assists and 21st in assists per set (3.00). His efforts as well as his durability and steadying presence led to a spot on the OCAA East All-Rookie Team.

Baksh’s best performance scoring-wise, thus far, came in a five set loss on November 15, 2018, against the George Brown Huskies; he scored 16 points on 12 kills, three blocks, and an assist. The Mississauga, Ont., native looks to continue to improve upon his rookie season and lead the Colts men’s volleyball program to greater heights in the coming years.

EMILY JOE

The play of middle blocker Emily Joe, from Toronto, Ont., speaks for itself as she, earlier this month, wrapped up her Colts volleyball career.

“Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry,” Joe said when asked about what was going through her mind during her last regular season game at the confines of the Athletic and Wellness Centre.

Joe wore the number nine as a tribute to her late father, who was born on February 9, and says he is always on her mind whenever she steps onto a volleyball court.

“Just the connection with his birthday is what has kept me that number since I started playing volleyball,”  Joe said.

The five-foot-ten third year Music and Performance Arts student improved over her three years as a Colt and she was named team captain during the second half of the season, in which there were numerous player personnel changes throughout the year.

"It definitely was challenging because nobody wants to lose and you fear of failing," Joe said. "I wanted to be the person that brings the team together as a captain but it's hard."

Joe led the Colts in kills (170), points (231.0), hitting percentage (.372) and blocks (28). She paced the OCAA in hitting percentage and also placed in the top 10 in points (7th), blocks (9th) and kills (10th). Her stats across the board were career highs.

"I think that I have a better connection with the girls this year and it's a connection that you build over time," Joe said about her improved stats. "I wanted to be a force to be reckoned with."

She scored in double figures in 13 of the 18 total games this season, including a run of nine straight. Joe’s career high came on December 1, 2018, on the road in a five set win against the Loyalist Lancers, in which she scored 22 points on 19 kills, two aces, and a block.

“I’m going to remember the ups, the downs, tears, smiles, and the feeling of winning,” Joe said when asked about what she’ll remember about her time at Centennial. “Also the friends I’ve made and just how happy that I got the opportunity to play at Centennial College.”

However, don’t feel too sad for her leaving. Joe says she’ll be around during Colts women’s volleyball games, cheering them on as the program embarks on its next phase.

Congratulations to both Baksh and Joe for earning the Centennial Colts Athletes of the Month presented to you by: St Louis Bar and Grill as their consistency and durability shined for both the men's and women's volleyball programs.

Special thanks to our partners, St. Louis Bar and Grill, Scarborough. Both athletes will receive a gift certificate to its location at 55 Town Centre Court, Suite #101.