It is with a heavy heart, that the WinMan Volleyball Club is mourning the loss of an outstanding community member this week. Scott Naujoks was a friend, role model, and inspiration to so many.

Scott began with WinMan Volleyball Club as a 12 year old playing on our U14 Volleyball team. There was no U13 age category at the time, and Scott was a strong and determined Grade 7 athlete who was able to compete at the higher age level. Scott’s work ethic and determination allowed him to be a leader during the 2005 season where Scott and his team won a National Championship. Scott and his team continued their momentum during the 2006 campaign and repeated as National Champions in their U15 year.

Scott was such an accomplished multi-sport athlete who also excelled in football. He was a standout with the Varsity team with St. Paul’s high school and he was able to balance both club volleyball and football.

After his competing days, Scott continuously gave back to the community. He served as a coach with St. Paul’s football teams during the Fall, and coached Volleyball with WinMan Volleyball Club in the winter and spring. Scott spent his first few years coaching volleyball along side his father Richard, coaching his younger brothers Brendan and Riley along the way. In his later years, Scott was able to coach volleyball with his younger brother Riley. We have always admired the Naujoks family and how much of their lives they gave to our community, and to sport. They were great supporters of the programs as parents, athletes, and as volunteers.

In 2019, Scott moved in with the love of his life Kiersten, and Scott took a break from coaching at WinMan as renovating his new house became a new hobby. But Scott’s dedication to working with young people brought him back to coaching, as he found a great opportunity to work as the Receivers coach with the University of Manitoba Bisons football team. This was also an amazing opportunity to coach his younger brothers Brendan and Riley on the team.

Scott’s strength, determination, and dedication was shown this past year as he courageously battled cancer and still continued to coach through the Bisons training camp and the homecoming game last weekend.

Scott was an inspiration to so many. Scott had a way of connecting with his athletes and bringing the best out of his athletes. Scott was a humble, level headed, and a brilliant coach. A former athlete shared with us on the night of his passing “Scott was my all time favorite coach. He coached me from 14-16U and he is a reason why I love the game.” He has impacted the lives of so many and his legacy will live on through the athletes he coached. Our hearts are hurting, we miss you so much already Scott. We are sending our love and thoughts to the Richard, Michelle, Brendan, and Riley Naujoks, Kiersten Bakker, and their extended family and friends.