The lion is the apex predator of the jungle, not because it takes every hunt, but it controls how every hunt happens; its dominance is not built on size alone, but intelligence and instinct. On a volleyball court, the setter plays the same role. Every attack runs through their hands. The setter reads the blockers, chooses when to attack, and decides whose strikes can ruin an opponent’s night with a single touch. Aidan Labossiere, setter of the York Lions, embodies that spirit.
When asked what he wants people to see beyond the Lions logo on his backpack, Aidan didn’t talk about wins or stats — he spoke about people. “I want them to see somebody who has leadership on campus, somebody who’s approachable,” Aidan says. “I want to build a real community here. As athletes, we are given roles as leaders, and that’s something we should be proud of — something we can’t take for granted.”
Aidan is in his fourth year in the BComm Management stream, and shared some of his journey in the program with Excalibur. “It’s an excellent program — I’ve loved learning everything from finance to accounting to marketing,” Aidan notes. “Balancing academics, athletics, and a social life has definitely been challenging. It’s really about not wasting time — if you have an hour to get work done, you take it, because later you might only have 30 minutes. You have to be intentional, and you can’t take your social time for granted either.”
Aidan speaks highly of his relationship with head coach Jordan Taylor and the culture he has built within the program. “Jordan’s been here since my second year, and he’s done a lot of great things for the program,” Aidan reflects. “He’s recruited and developed a lot of great athletes — guys who are playing big roles for us now, especially this season. He’s set us up to be a team that can compete for an OUA championship for many years to come.”
For Aidan, Jordan’s biggest impact has been the standard he demands every day. “Jordan has set the tone for accountability — whether it’s nutrition, hard work in the weight room, effort on the floor, or academics. He holds us to a high standard, and I think that’s why our team has been set up for success.”
Aidan was part of last year’s team that went to the OUA semi-finals and was one game shy of qualifying for nationals. “We were super proud of it, [but] we didn’t get our goal of winning the OUA champions and making nationals, so I think we all have a chip on our shoulders this year to succeed with our goal to break through the semi-final curse!”
Aidan, who hails from Winnipeg, discusses how he had to adjust to living in Toronto. “Winnipeg has more of a small-community feel,” he notes. “Moving here, I only knew a handful of names, and it was an adjustment to make new friends. But now some of the people I’ve met are going to be some of my best friends for life, and I’m super thankful for that.
“Living away from home has taught me a lot: how to cook, do my own laundry, manage a house — so many life skills that I’m going to take with me forever.”
When asked about his inspiration, Aidan mentions Canadian volleyball player Luke Herr. “Luke Herr is someone I’ve always looked up to,” Aidan remarks. “He played for the same club I did growing up and became the starting setter for Team Canada at the Olympics. It took him years to reach that level — he wasn’t always on the A team — and that journey really inspires me. I see a lot of myself in that path as a late bloomer. We share the same determination and love for the game.”
Beyond York, Aidan represented Canada in the U23 Norseca Championships in the Dominican Republic last summer. History shows that if you pour hours into your craft — be it books, the gym, a hobby, or anything else — it will surely pay off.
You can catch Aidan and the rest of the volleyball team at Tait McKenzie as they prepare for postseason volleyball. Which York Lion do you want featured next on Beneath the Mane? Email sports@excal.on.ca, or send a message to @talesfromexcalibur on Instagram!
