The Volleyball Canada High Performance Program has named Niagara College men's volleyball head coach Nathan Groenveld an Assistant Coach of the Canadian Men's National 'B' Team. The seasonal appointment will see Groenveld help lead the team as they prepare for the upcoming Pan-Am Cup being held August 9-17 in Mexico.
Groenveld will join a coaching staff that includes fellow assistant coach Ryan Ratushniak (University of Manitoba) and head coach Georges Laplante (University of Montreal).
"I am extremely honored to be a part of a great staff this summer and I am looking forward to helping in the development of these high level athletes" said Groenveld. "An opportunity to work with some of the best volleyball players in the world, and to interact with some of the best coaches, is one I am extremely excited about. I am looking forward to getting to work."
Groenveld has served as head coach of the Niagara College men's volleyball program since the 2010-11 season. During his four seasons with the Knights, he has led the team to a record of 39-33, including a 28-8 record since the 2012-13 season.
Under his guidance, the 2012-13 Knights claimed the OCAA West Division title and finished in fifth place at the CCAA National Championship.
Groenveld has been instrumental in reestablishing Niagara College a premier men's volleyball program both provincially and nationally. During Groenveld's head coaching tenure, his student-athletes have earned two CCAA All-Canadian awards, a CCAA Academic All-Canadian award, four OCAA First-Team all-star selections, an OCAA Rookie of the Year award, and two OCAA All-Rookie selections.
"Being a part of the Volleyball Canada High Performance Program is an excellent opportunity for a talented coach like Nathan" commented Niagara College director of athletics and recreation Matthew Davies. "Our entire Knights family is proud of Nathan's accomplishment, and we wish the national team the best of luck at the Pan-Am Cup this summer."
As a player Groenveld competed for five seasons as a member of the McMaster University Marauders. He captured two OUA Championships, was named a First-Team CIS All-Canadian, OUA Player of the Year and a two-time First-Team OUA All-Star.
Groenveld also competed from 2007-2010 as a member of the Canadian Men's National 'A' Program. He competed in the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Games, the NORCECA Continental Championship, and an exhibition series versus Australia. He also played professionally in Qatar.
"The process of developing elite international players and preparing them for success at the Pan-Am Cup this summer is an exciting challenge that I am looking forward to" continued Groenveld. He added "I am also eager to learn and develop as a coach, and to bring those skills to Niagara College for the benefit of our own student-athletes."
