The Niagara College Department of Athletics & Recreation is pleased to welcome Ricky Brar to the Men's Volleyball Program. The six-foot-two setter from Brampton, Ontario will join the Knights for the 2013-14 season and will look to compete for a starting roster position immediately with the departure of 2012-13 team captain and starting setter Brad wall.

Niagara College Men's Volleyball Head Coach Nathan Groenveld commented "Ricky is a gifted setter who has had a lot of success at the highest club levels in Canada. His understanding of the game is extremely high, and we are looking forward to him developing further and leading our offence."

Brar played his club volleyball for the dominant Pakmen Volleyball Club. He was named team MVP of the U16 National Championship Pakmen team in 2011, and is also a highly accomplished Beach Volleyball player.

The Brampton Centennial Secondary School graduate feels "Niagara College is the best fit for me. From an education perspective the Fitness and Health Promotion program is something that really interests me, and the team also has great potential to win in the upcoming years."

Niagara College Intercollegiate Coordinator Ray Sarkis commented "Ricky is an outstanding setter, who has played with one of the top clubs in the country. He will bring a wealth of skill and experience to his position on the court."

At six-foot-two Brar brings size and athleticism to the setter position for the Knights. Coach Groenveld continued "the setter position is an impact position at all levels of volleyball and we are looking for Ricky to step in and make an immediate impact on our program."

When questioned about his goals during his time at Niagara College Brar said "on the court I want to find a connection with my teammates as soon as possible and help quarterback the team to a winning season. More importantly, I expect myself to achieve the highest academic success in all my classes."

Coach Groenveld echoed the expectations Brar placed upon himself, "Ricky is a hard working student-athlete and is an example of the types of people who have excelled at Niagara College both on the court and in the classroom. He is a great teammate and will have a smooth transition into the Knight family."

Brar visited Niagara College to sign a formal letter of acceptance on Thursday evening, and with his family on hand he expressed "I'm really looking forward to joining the program as soon as I can, and I'm excited about what the team can accomplish this season."

The Niagara College Men's Volleyball Program will resume formal activities this summer when they lead two sections of the annual Niagara Kids' College summer camp program.

For more information please contact:

Mike Puillandre
Niagara College, Athletics & Recreation
905-735-2211 ex: 7681
mpuillandre@niagaracollege.ca