Head coach of the Niagara Knights men’s volleyball program Nathan Groenveld (Welland) has been named to the coaching staff of the Volleyball Canada Youth National Development Program (YNDP). Groenveld will assume the role of assistant coach for the men’s youth team within the YNDP.
Since taking over the program in 2010, Groenveld has guided the Knights to a regular season record of 64-42. In addition, he has led the program to a pair of CCAA Championship appearances (2013 and 2015), a CCAA National Bronze medal (2015), an OCAA Provincial gold medal (2015), and an OCAA West Division title (2013).
“I am humbled and excited to once again work with the National Team program,” Groenveld said of the opportunity. “Putting on the maple leaf is an honour and I look forward to this great opportunity to surround myself with a motivated group of athletes and coaches.”
Groenveld will join head coach Ben Josephson (Trinity Western University) and assistant coach Dan Ota (Dalhousie Tigers) throughout the selection and competition process. Athletes selected to the team will take part in a training camp in Langley, BC from July 10-17. Following training the team will travel to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to compete in the USA High Performance Championship from July 18-24.
“Nathan has been integral to the success of the Knights both on and off the court,” said Niagara Director of Athletics and Recreation Matthew Davies. “We are extremely proud of Nathan and the opportunity for him to develop as a coach within the national program.”
A former Canadian National Team member and All-Canadian with the McMaster Marauders, Groenveld has also spent time as an assistant coach as the Canadian Senior Men’s National B Team and was the head coach of the 18U Team Ontario Boys’ volleyball program in 2015.
Prior to joining Team Canada, Groenveld and his Niagara Knights team have their sights set on the upcoming OCAA Championships from February 25-27 at Seneca College in Toronto. The defending OCAA Champions currently sit second in the OCAA West division with two games remaining in the regular season.
