Elliott Viles had this weekend circled on his calendar for the better part of two years.

The fifth-year Bobcat was chasing the one thing that had eluded his illustrious career – the opportunity to compete for a national championship on home court.

While Viles had dreamed of the chance to lead the Bobcats to glory on the court where he dazzled fans for the last four years, that chance was taken from him with the Covid-cancelled season.

Instead of going out with the chance to add to his already impressive resume, his varsity career closes on a bittersweet note.

Despite his career ending in such a fashion, the high-flying Australian import has nothing to hang his head on. On top of frequently touching 12 feet, Viles competed for every touch, every point and every opportunity to elevate his team.

Viles earned plenty of accolades in his four years as a Bobcat: a three time U SPORTS All-Canadian, a three-time Canada West All-Star and two-time Brandon University Male Athlete of the Year.

He also leaves as one of the most decorated Bobcats in program history, becoming just the second BU men’s volleyball player to earn U SPORTS and Canada West Player of the Year (2019).

Viles’ contribution wasn’t limited to the court either, as he also made an impact in the community oftentimes volunteering or serving as an ambassador for the Brandon University Athletics program.

Instead of ending his varsity career with the chance to reach new heights he’s now back home in Adelaide, finishing up his degree by remote learning and considering what’s next.

What’s not up for consideration is his legacy and impact as one of the greatest to wear Brandon University blue and gold.

What brought you to Brandon University?

I had heard that a lot of Australian volleyball athletes had gone to Canada to play volleyball and further their education. After talking with Australian coaches I decided to pursue this idea, and got into contact with Canadian coaches and from that struck up a conversation with Grant who eventually offered me a spot on the team. 

What surprised you about Brandon and BU in your time here?

I think the general support for the team throughout the community was really surprising. I didn’t expect to have the kind of crowds that we had at the HLC and the level of community support around the team was great to see. 

What motivated you to be successful?

I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform at a high level from when I first arrived in Brandon. Just knowing the history of the team and how crucial the performances of international players were to the success of the team immediately made it clear to me how important it was to play well. Grant had also made a huge commitment to me by bringing me over and giving me a chance so wanting to repay that faith with strong performance and wins was also important to me. 

What was the best part about being a student-athlete?

The general camaraderie within the team was always amazing and just the banter within the locker room and spending time with the guys was a highlight every year. Being able to travel around western Canada and explore some Canadian cities was also a lot of fun especially for me having not gone to any of the cities before. 

What was your favorite memory from competition?

Nothing will top winning the Canada west title at home in the HLC in front of a raucous crowd. 

What was your favourite memory from outside of competition? 

There’s a lot of good memories but one that always stands out in my mind is that our team always had an end of year awards night where one of the veterans would create a Powerpoint that just kind of summed up a lot of the funny moments throughout the year and we’d all watch it together. The jokes were always on point and everyone always had a great time and loved receiving their chosen award and it was always a great way to finish the year. 

Looking back to your rookie season, what advice you give to yourself as a first year?

I could have done a better job of just stepping back and enjoying the experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and get stressed about school or performance on the court and to forget that you’re living the dream, playing the sport you love with your best friends.

Now that your time as a student-athlete ends what do you want your legacy to be?

Hopefully it is that as a guy who knew when the time is to work hard at practice and in the weight room and that there is also a time where you have to take practice a bit lighter and be able to laugh at yourself and have fun too. I think that is very important in a long season. 

What does the future hold in store for you, both personally and athletically?

At this stage I’m working for my dad in Adelaide while finishing my degree at BU online. After that nothing is 100% as Covid has thrown a wrench in many plans, but I am considering further study here in Adelaide. 

What have been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned on your journey to get here?

I think I’ve just learned a lot about who I am as a person, from first arriving as a relatively shy and naïve 19 year-old to who I am now is a really night and day change, I’d like to think I’ve developed a lot of skills that allowed me to become one of the leaders on the team and be able to communicate effectively with different members of the team.