Daniel Lews - the 2025 Ken Davies Memorial Award Winner

The OVA is  is thrilled to announce Daniel Lewis  as the recipient of this year’s Ken Davies Memorial Award Volleyball Athlete of the Year Award. Daniel’s dedication, leadership, and sportsmanship embody the values of hard work, humility, and excellence that this award represents.

Since joining Pakmen Volleyball Club at 12U, Daniel has been a cornerstone of his team, both as a setter and captain. His leadership is defined not by loud commands but by quiet confidence, strategic thinking, and a commitment to his teammates. Coaches and players alike describe him as the steady presence that holds the team together, always ensuring everyone is in the best position to succeed.

His leadership extends beyond the court—Daniel has spent countless hours coaching younger players, running camps, and mentoring in Pakmen’s house league programs. Whether organizing extra practices, staying late to clean up after tournaments, or offering encouragement during tough moments, Daniel consistently leads by example.

Daniel’s technical skill, court vision, and precision as a setter have been instrumental in Pakmen’s success, including:

• Multiple medals at Nationals
• U17 Nationals All-Star selection
• Team Ontario selection
• National Excellence Program (NEP) participant
• 16U, 17U and 18U Boys Grand Prix All Star

His athleticism isn’t limited to volleyball—Daniel also holds school records in high jump and the 800m, and has competed in badminton, ultimate frisbee, and track & field, proving his versatility as an athlete.

His talent has earned him an early recruitment spot at the University of British Columbia (UBC), a testament to his potential at the next level.

Daniel’s humility and respect for the game set him apart. He plays with intensity but never loses sight of fairness, earning him the Pakmen Sportsmanship Award. His ability to uplift teammates and opponents alike reflects the values of Ken Davies—dedication, respect, and a love for the game.

Beyond volleyball, Daniel is a natural leader in all aspects of life:

• Teacher’s Assistant for Grade 9 & 10 Physical Education, helping younger students develop skills.
• Volunteer with church programs, including nursery care and youth service trips.
• Recipient of the Leadership & Athletic Awards at John Knox Christian School.

His selflessness and commitment to helping others make him a role model not just in sports, but in life.

From his early days at Pakmen to his national-level achievements, Daniel has proven that true success comes from lifting others up. His journey is a reminder that great athletes are also great people.

The Ken Davies Memorial Award is presented annually to a male Age Division athlete who demonstrates the qualities of determination, leadership, athletic ability and sportsmanship as exemplified by Ken Davies himself.  We ask all coaches to forward a letter of nomination for an athlete who they feel is most deserving.

The 2025 Ken Davies recipient will be honoured on the first day of the 18U Ontario Championships event in the gymnasium (court 16) at RIM Park.

ABOUT KEN DAVIES

A native of Kendal, Ontario, Ken was born on September 8, 1971.  His outstanding athletic abilities allowed him to excel in many sports.  He was the MVP with the Darlington soccer team, MVP with the senior high school basketball team, MVP with the senior high school volleyball team, and Athlete of the Year at Clarke High School in Newcastle.  He was chosen to the Ontario Provincial Team for the Canada Games in Saskatoon in 1989 which, as he put it, “was the dream of a lifetime”.

Ken’s goals were “to become a national team player and a physical education teacher”, and to that end, he worked very hard at both academics and volleyball.  According to his Provincial Team coach, “he was a quietly intense and dedicated worker.  He was one of the most unselfish and coachable players I have ever worked with.” Ken was a quiet individual with a rich inner life.  He liked “to play golf, soccer and read”, however, according to his own words, “it was competition” that was the driving force that led him to engage in highly elite and competitive programs.

Of course, Ken’s idea of playing sports was “to play 100% all the time”.  While returning from a tournament in the fall of 1989, Ken’s life was tragically taken from him by a drunk driver.  His example and memory will always be with us.

Note:  All quotes in bold are taken from Ken’s Provincial Team Athlete Profile form written by him in June 1989.

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