Fleming alumnus and athlete Jacob White inducted into the OCAA Hall of Fame
Peterborough, ON (May 12, 2025) — Fleming College alumnus and former student-athlete Jacob White is now a member of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremony, held on May 5 in Toronto, Ontario, recognized White’s extraordinary athletic achievements when he was part of Fleming College’s varsity men’s volleyball team from 2014 to 2016. White received numerous awards and titles, including East Division Scoring Champion (2016), OCAA Player of the Year (2016), Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) All-Canadian Athlete (2015 and 2016), East Division First Team All-Star (2015 and 2016), Fleming Men’s Volleyball Most Valuable Player (2015 and 2016), and Fleming College Athlete of the Year (2016).
White, 31, who now lives in his hometown of Brockville with his wife and daughter, says he was excited to learn about his induction. Reflecting on his athletic success, White credits his achievements to the guidance and support of his coach, teammates, and the college.
“I was excited when I heard about it,” he says. “I never really thought something like that would happen. I interpret it as not just an award for me; I couldn’t have done what I did without my coach and my teammates.”
White was one of 32 athletes recognized in the 10th OCAA Hall of Fame ceremony. Including this year’s induction, membership in the Hall of Fame has expanded to 484 athletes.
While enrolled in college, White tried out for the National Beach Volleyball team. After graduating from Fleming with a diploma in Community and Justice Services, he was invited to try out for the Pan American Games men’s volleyball team. The tryout led him to Gatineau, Quebec, where he played on the Team Canada full-time training team for nearly five months.
Leaving volleyball behind, White found work in his chosen field, working at an addiction centre for three years. He now works in both a secure treatment home and a community treatment home in Eastern Ontario.
While his college program prepared him for his career, he says his time with the Fleming volleyball team also helped him learn skills he brings to the job every day.
“When I was playing, I learned about patience–with myself, my teammates, my emotions and my skill development,” White says. “I credit my coach, Mike Belsey, with helping me. He was a coach, a mentor, a resource, and a friend. I learned so much from him.”
White offered his advice for others considering playing varsity sports at Fleming, saying “Go in with an open mind, enjoy the process, work hard, and enjoy the ride. There’s more to it than just sports. I built a ton of relationships and friendships with people.”
About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 85 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 80,000 alumni.
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