MRU Cougars men's volleyball player Cody Hudson has been named to Team Canada's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) roster, earning the opportunity to represent his country on the international stage.

The selection comes following Hudson's third season with the Cougars, where he continued to establish himself as one of the core pieces of the team's lineup. The Calgary product appeared in 64 sets during the 2025-26 season, finishing second on the team with 111 kills while averaging 2.5 points per set.

For MRU head coach Shawn Sky, Hudson's selection is the result of years of dedication both on and off the court.

"He's working hard. On himself, on his game, he's maturing as an athlete and a person and it's awesome to see!" said Sky.

Hudson's impact was felt on both sides of the net throughout the season. On Oct. 25, 2025, he set a new MRU program record for blocks in a single match with 11, showcasing the defensive presence that has become a hallmark of his game.

As for his game as a whole, his continued growth has made him a key contributor for the Cougars and one of the program's foundational pieces moving forward.

"Cody has made significant steps in his first three years at MRU," Sky said. "He's obviously grown as a volleyball player, technically, tactically, emotionally. His growth off the court is just as impressive. He's invested in himself; his preparation, his approach to academics. how he connects with teammates. The focus should always be on holistic growth, and Cody is doing just that."

The VNL provides athletes with an opportunity to compete against many of the world's top volleyball nations and serves as a key component of Canada's international program.

For MRU, Hudson's selection further highlights the caliber of talent being developed within the Cougars program as the university prepares to host the 2027 U SPORTS Men's Volleyball Championship.

"It's an exciting spot for our program to be in," said Sky. "We've been a younger, developing team the past two years. There is a lot of talent and potential throughout our roster. Putting the work in to develop it and gain experience are key to maximizing it. Cody's a great example of this. What he's experiencing should definitely help him and our team as we prepare for Nationals in March. It's a big summer for all of our guys. We are in a terrific spot knowing we are hosting. We have a number of guys that are ready to take advantage of the opportunity."