Following a nation-wide search, York University Athletics & Recreation announced on Wednesday that Nathan Groenveld has been named as the head coach of the Lions men's volleyball program.
 
Groenveld, a former member of Canada's senior national team, becomes the fourth head coach in program history.
 
After finishing his playing career in 2010, Groenveld was named head coach of the men's volleyball program at Niagara College prior to the 2010-11 season. In eight years with the Knights, he led the team to an overall record of 96-62, including 74-35 in his last six years with the program. His run as head coach was highlighted by an OCAA gold medal in 2014-15, followed by a bronze medal at the CCAA national championships the same year. The bronze medal at nationals was the first team medal at a national championship in school history.
 
Groenveld has also remained active at the national and provincial level, serving in a number of roles since 2014, including lead coach of the youth national team east selection camp and assistant coach of the national B team.
 
"Nathan is one of the top volleyball coaches in the country and brings a wealth of experience and an outstanding track record to York," said Jennifer Myers, Director of Athletics & Recreation at York. "Throughout his career he's demonstrated the type of team-building and leadership skills we value at York. I am confident that Nathan will be a tremendous addition to our Athletics & Recreation Department and will be a strong leader for the next generation of Lions athletes. On behalf of everyone at York we are thrilled to welcome Nathan to the Lions family."
 
In addition to coaching roles, Groenveld's volleyball resume includes stints as a member of Volleyball Canada's national high performance selection committee and as Technical Director for the Niagara region Volleyball Canada Centre of Excellence.
 
Groenveld takes over the coaching duties as of Wednesday, July 4 and is looking forward to starting work with the Lions squad.
 
"I am honored to have been chosen to lead the Lions men's volleyball program and I want to thank the administration here for this incredible opportunity," said Groenveld. "I am excited to join the Lions family and look forward to helping build on the school's rich history of men's volleyball. This is a special university that values the complete student-athlete experience, which is something that aligns with my coaching philosophy very strongly. I cannot wait to get started and begin working with this incredible group of young men."
 
As a player, Groenveld starred at McMaster University and led the Marauders to two OUA Championships during his five years with the team. The 6'7" middle picked up a number of awards during his university career, including a first team all-Canadian selection, OUA player of the year and two OUA first team all-star selections. Groenveld also played on the senior national team from 2007-2010 and represented Canada at the NORCECA Continental Championships in 2009. Following his stint on the national team he spent six months playing professionally in Qatar before returning home to begin his coaching career.
 
Groenveld will make his debut behind the Lions bench when they begin the 2018-19 season in October.