Brandon University Dick and Verda McDonald Sports Wall of Fame
Bill Gadd was a legendary mentor to Brandon volleyball stars from junior high to the university level for over 40 years.
He graduated from the University of North Dakota as a Physical Educator and started teaching and coaching in Brandon in the 1970's.
Gadd was instrumental in the formation of the volleyball programs at Brandon University with the Bobcats beginning competition in the Canada West conference in 2005-2006. Prior to BU's jump to Canada West, the 'Cats competed in the Central Plains Athletic Conference where Gadd guided the men's team to a runner-up finish for the Manitoba title. He worked in the BU athletics department from 2000-2009 as business manager and game management coordinator.
BU Athletics created the Bill Gadd Inspirational Award which is handed out to a member of the Bobcat men's volleyball team each season.
He tutored over 30 male and female players who went on to play at the U SPORTS level including former Canadian national team members Dustin Schneider and Ken Krahn.
Gadd founded the first club volleyball programs in Brandon and his Extreme Volleyball Camp became a staple event for youth players in western Manitoba for 30 years.
The Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association recognized Gadd with the inaugural Frank L. McKinnon award for outstanding contribution to high school sports in 1994. He captured 18 city championships and three provincial titles as a coach from 1974 to 1993.
He was an assistant coach on the Manitoba men's team that competed in the 1989 Canada Summer Games. He was also the volleyball sport chairperson for the Canada Games in Brandon in 1979 and 1997.
Gadd was the founder and director of the Brandon Senior Men's Volleyball League for 17 years and established the Westman Volleyball Officials Association.
He also held administrative roles with the MHSAA and Volleyball Manitoba.
Gadd was inducted into the Volleyball Manitoba Hall of Fame as a builder in 2010.
