Monday, December 2nd saw the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA)announce the men's volleyball athletes of the month for November, and Daniel Groenveld of the #2 nationally ranked Niagara College Knights men's volleyball program earned the accolade for the Ontario Collegiate athletic Association.
The CCAA Athlete of the Month program recognizes student-athletes for their outstanding event performance and athletic accomplishments during that month. The distinction is bestowed upon a student-athlete from each of the five participating CCAA member conferences.
Groenveld is a six-foot-four outside hitter who hails from Welland, Ontario and he currently leads the OCAA in points-per-set, points, kills-per-set, and kills.
Niagara College men's volleyball head coach Nathan Groenveld commented "These types of awards are great recognition for not only our players, but our program and college. They signify that we have had both team and individual success."
Greonveld is in his first-year with the Knights and third-year of athleic eligibility having competed for two seasons as a member of the McMaster Marauders. Groenveld also previously competed as a member of the Canadian Junior National Men's Volleyball team.
Coach Groenveld continued "Daniel has added high level skill and execution under pressure for our young group this year. His ability to impact the game in many ways has been huge for us, and his calm and professional approach has allowed us to win some tough matches. He works hard every day to get better and more importantly make those around him better."
The CCAA Athlete of the Month honour for Groenveld marks the second time in as many seasons that a member of the Niagara College men's volleyball program has earned the accolade.
Last November former Knights' outside hitter Shayne Petrusma was also selected an athlete of the month. Coach Groenveld feels the two selections in two years "reflect the elite student-athletes and high performance culture that we established in the Niagara College men's volleyball program."
Groenveld and the rest of the CCAA's #2 ranked Niagara College Knights will wrap up 2013 on December 4th when the team travels to Kitchener to take on the Conestoga Condors. First-serve is set for 8:00pm.
