GROENVELD BACK AS NIAGARA MEN'S VOLLEYBALL HEAD COACH

WELLAND, Ont. - Tuesday, April 23 saw the Niagara College Department of Athletics & Recreation announce the contract renewal of Nathan Groenveld as the head coach of the Niagara College men's volleyball program.

Groenveld has served has the Knights head coach since 2010, and during the 2012-13 season guided the men's volleyball program to a 14-4 record, an OCAA West Division title, and a fifth-place finish at the CCAA national championship hosted by Niagara College.

A native of Welland, Ont., Coach Groenveld played five seasons with the McMaster University Marauders where he was named OUA Player of the Year and a CIS First-Team All-Canadian. He then joined the Canadian senior national team for three seasons, and competed professionally in Qatar.

"I'm excited to return for the upcoming season. The core group of returning players and one of the strongest recruiting classes in recent years, will position the program to contend in both the competitive OCAA West Division and for a CCAA medal," commented Groenveld.

Niagara College Manager of Athletics & Recreation Matthew Davies added, "Coach Groenveld has done a tremendous job growing our men's volleyball program, and we are very proud to have him back on board as our head coach."

Groenveld was also named the 2013 Ralph Nero Memorial Award winner for his dedication to student-athlete recruitment and retention. The 2012-13 men's volleyball program had an academic average of 74 per cent and a course pass rate of 94 per cent. Additionally, Shayne Petrusma was named a 2012-13 SIRC-CCAA Academic All-Canadian.

Davies continued, "Nathan is extremely passionate about the student-athlete experience that we offer at Niagara College, and has done a terrific job recruiting an elite group of student-athletes who we expect to excel both on and off the court. We are also very excited to see the program increase its presence in the community through camps, clinics, programming, and alumni events."

Coach Groenveld and members of the Niagara College men's volleyball program will lead two sections of the NC Kids College summer camp program from August 12-16 and August 19-23.

Groenveld added, "the men's volleyball program has always received fantastic support from the Niagara community, and I'm excited be a part of increased community programming and events over the next year."

Source: Niagara College