Men's Volleyball | 7/21/2026 3:00:00 PM

York University Lions men's volleyball head coach Jordan Taylor is back on the international stage.

The Lions bench boss, who just concluded his third season at York, will be at the helm of the Canadian team at the upcoming U17 Boys Pan American Cup in Guatemala City, Guatemala from August 2-10.

This tournament marks Taylor's third consecutive tour of duty with the national program. He first was an assistant coach for Canada at the 2024 U17 Pan American Cup in Colima, Mexico, where the team finished fourth. He then led the U19 men's team to its first ever NORCECA medal at the Pan-Am Cup in Cuernavaca, Mexico last year as head coach. That team – which featured current York middle Simon Oberbuchner – earned the podium with a sweep of Venezuela, 25-15, 26-24, 25-18. Taylor was also on the Canadian staff as an assistant at the FIVB Volleyball U19 Boys World Championship last August.

"Having been part of Canada's youth national team staff over the past two years, I've learned how important adaptability is in international competition," Taylor said when asked what he's learned over the last two years coaching for his country. "When playing abroad, every match is unique and presents new challenges. Helping our athletes adjust quickly to different opponents, unfamiliar environments like Guatemala City, and pressure situations will be a key focus as we prepare this year's U17 team."

Taylor continues to build his international experience after spending several years coaching provincially in his home province of Alberta. On top of last year's bronze with Canada, the Edmonton native has won four national medals, including a gold at the 2022 Canada Cup in Calgary, as well as a pair of silvers and a bronze. He also boasts over a decade of experience coaching club volleyball in Alberta, with the NVAC Griffins and the FOG Volleyball Club, where he has competed in five provincial title games and earned two gold medals.

Canada kicks off the tournament on August 4, taking on Peurto Rico First serve flies at 6:00 pm ET.