1969 UBC Physical Education (Kinesiology) graduate Dale Ohman would appear to have two passions: volleyball and UBC. As a student, Dale played varsity Thunderbird volleyball, a career feature his being a member of the 1966/67 UBC Hall of Fame team – Canadian champions and a team that ultimately changed the way the game of volleyball would be played In Canada.
Beginning in 1971/72 and 72/73 then resuming in 1980/81 until 2003, Dale was head coach of UBC men’s volleyball – a total of 25 years. That same 80/81 season, Dale returned to UBC as a student to pursue his Masters degree in Physical Education. As UBC’s head coach, he was named on two occasions Canada’s university men’s volleyball Coach of the Year and in 82/83 guided UBC to the national championship, a championship not won again by UBC until 2018.
Dale was dedicated and could be counted on to be in his office even on weekends always available to assist others and promote his sport. His 25 years as a UBC head coach is among the most in our university’s history.
Now retired, Dale continues to serve as coach, mentor and volleyball administrator at the provincial level and remains a fan of UBC volleyball commuting from Chilliwack to attend each Thunderbird home game. His dedication to the sport led Dale to be inducted into the BC Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2016 and the UBC Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.
