Congratulations Michelle Sawatzky-Koop!
2022 Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Michelle’s love and dedication to the game of volleyball brought her from Steinbach, Manitoba all the way to the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta.
Sawatzky attended Steinbach Regional Secondary School, leading the Sabres to at AA Championship in 1987. She also attended the 1989 Canada Summer Games in Saskatoon as a setter for Team Manitoba, finishing with a bronze medal at the Games.
Michelle went on to play her post-secondary volleyball at the University of Manitoba where she earned numerous individual and team awards. She helped the Bisons capture three consecutive CIAU Championships in 1990, 1991, and 1992. She was named MVP of the CIAU Championships in 1990 and 1991 and named CIAU Player of the Year in 1991 and 1992. As a senior, Michelle was named the University of Manitoba Bisons Female Athlete of the Year award for the 1992-93 season.
Sawatzky had a stellar international career that began during her time with the Manitoba Bisons, when she was part of the Canadian junior team in 1990 and competed at the World Student Games in 1991 and 1992. Upon graduating, Michelle joined the senior National team, with whom she won bronze at the 1995 Pan American Games in Argentina and competed at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games.
Michelle continues to be involved in the volleyball community as a motivational speaker and coach.
Michelle now joins the following volleyball individuals and teams as honoured members of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame:
Wezer Bridle (inducted 1988)
Garth Pischke (inducted 1989)
Dennis Nord (inducted 1996)
Mike Burchuk (inducted 1999)
Mary Dempster (inducted 2003)
Dale Iwanoczko (inducted 2007)
Ed Toews (inducted 2008)
Jim Schreyer (inducted 2014)
Wanda Guenette (inducted 2014)
Ruth Klassen (Inducted 2022)
1988 University of Winnipeg Wesmen Women (inducted 2008)
1978 & 1980 University of Manitoba Bison Men (inducted 2012)
1971-74 University of Winnipeg Wesmen Men (inducted 2016)
