Arthur Szwarc has big dreams of playing professional volleyball in Europe one day, and he took a big step in the right direction this past summer with an invitation to be part of Canada's U21 national team.
 
The 6-foot-10 outside hitter, one of the biggest in the OUA, attended the junior national team tryouts in May and impressed the coaching staff enough to earn a spot on the team. From that point on he had a busy summer, beginning with helping Team Canada to a bronze-medal showing at the Pan Am Cup in Gatineau, Que., at the end of June.
 
From there he travelled to Gwangju, South Korea, for the 28^th FISU Summer Universiade, where Canada finished in 19^th place, and then to Tijuana/Mexicali, Mexico, in September for the FIVB U21 world championships. Both trips out of the country provided Szwarc with new volleyball experiences that required some adjustment on his part.
 
"South Korea was definitely different and it took so long to get there," he said about the travelling. "The fans over there take volleyball so seriously, it is like hockey here so that was fun. Mexico was really hot, playing in that weather and acclimatizing to it was a good experience."
 
Despite the differences, Szwarc is thankful for the chance he was given to wear the red and white for his country.
 
"It was an experience I will never forget and I have memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I've learned so much from representing my country and travelling the world, and seeing the next level of competition was a great opportunity for me."
 
Szwarc has come a long way since first stepping on the court in elementary school. He played throughout high school as well, and in grade 11 a coach noticed his size and abilities and encouraged him to join a club team. His talent was apparent from the start, and it wasn't long before he was being recruited by many top OUA programs. He chose York thanks to the feeling he had when he visited the campus.
 
"I checked out a few other schools, but when I came to York the family environment made me feel so welcome and that I belonged here."
 
Head coach Wally Dyba and the rest of York's coaching staff are thrilled he made that choice. He has played just one season for the Lions but already made a big impact, appearing in 45 sets and putting up impressive numbers that earned him OUA all-rookie team honours.
 
Now back in Canada for the foreseeable future, Szwarc is focused on doing his part to get the Lions back to the CIS championships for the second year in a row, and he wants to use what he learned overseas to help the squad continue its ascent in the OUA.
 
"Playing against, essentially, pro players in all those matches showed me what the intensity level needs to be like to be successful. I want to show the rookies what that is like and bring this program to a higher level where I think it should be."
 
Szwarc improved significantly on the court in just one season with the Lions and his potential is limitless. He has the right attitude and work ethic to capitalize on an impressive skill set, and as his career continues to trend upwards there is little doubt he will get the chance to represent Canada on the international stage once again.
 
GETTING TO KNOW ARTHUR
 
Favourite volleyball memory?
Doing my first spin serve in grade 7 and getting it in!
 
Three favourite sports teams?
Toronto Raptors, Toronto Blue Jays and Golden State Warriors
 
Greatest play on the volleyball court?
One time I stuff-blocked an opponent with my head.
 
Nicknames?
Tree, Giant and Thor