DANIEL GROENVELD COMMITS TO NIAGARA MEN'S VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM

WELLAND, Ont. - The Niagara College Department of Athletics & Recreation formally welcomed Daniel Groenveld to the men's volleyball program on Monday, April 30 with a media event held at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre. Daniel is the younger brother of current Knights head coach Nathan Groenveld.

"I'm excited to be a part of a great school and a Knights program that is really headed in the right direction," said Daniel.

The six-foot-four left side and native of Welland, Ont., has spent the last two seasons competing for the McMaster University Marauders in the OUA.

"I chose to join Niagara College because of the school itself. I've heard very strong things about the Welding Technician Program, and I'm looking forward to getting started."

Groenveld was named to the 2011-12 OUA All-Rookie Team, and is a current member of the Canadian men's volleyball junior national program.

Groenveld is expected to make an immediate impact on the court for the Knights, and Niagara College Manager of Athletics & Recreation Matthew Davies commented "we are ecstatic about the commitment of Daniel Groenveld to our men's volleyball program. His experience with McMaster University and the Canadian junior men's national team program will be a huge asset to our team."

Niagara College men's volleyball head coach Nathan Groenveld feels that the addition of Daniel will immediately "stabilize our service and passing game. Daniel brings calm and composure on the court and he's played at an extremely high level. His experience will really benefit our program."

The Knights enjoyed a strong 2012-13 season, finishing with a 14-4 record and capturing an OCAA West Division title, and the announcement of Daniel Groenveld on Monday serves as just one piece of a very strong 2013 recruiting class.

Coach Groenveld continued "as we announce our 2013 recruiting class over the next couple of weeks, I think we are going to have one of the top groups in the province."

Daniel Groenveld captured an OUA gold medal in February with the Marauders and he hopes to continue that on court success with the Knights. "With the returning group of players, and the incoming recruiting class, I think a provincial title and a national medal are realistic goals during my time at Niagara College."

The Knights will return several key players from the 2012-13 season including OCAA Rookie of the Year Jeff Scott, and Coach Groenveld added "the academics here at Niagara College are fantastic, and our recent on-court success is allowing us to bring in some extremely talented and hardworking student-athletes."

The Knights men's volleyball program will resume activities this summer when the team leads two sections of the annual NC Kids' College Summer Camp program.

Source: Niagara College

Photo Credit: Bernd Franke