NAVC Technical Directors

Technical Assistance

NAVC is committed to its excellent coaches and continuing their development. For the upcoming club season, NAVC will draw on the expertise of Brad Poplawski and Chris Wandler (of MacEwan University). Their knowledge and expertise will provide invaluable guidance in the development of all our athletes and coaches.

The focus of the MacEwan Griffins Volleyball program is always about the highest academic achievement, community support through charitable events, including youth volleyball development and coaching mentorship, discipline and preparation – physically, mentally, emotionally. NAVC is proud to have such an outstanding affiliation with MacEwan University.

In addition to our technical directors and to maintain valuable gym time or opportunities to compete, NAVC also has several guest coaches who are available to stand-in when regular coaches have scheduling conflicts.

Technical Director - Brad Poplawski

Brad is currently the Full-time Head Coach of the MacEwan University Griffins men’s volleyball program (CIS). Brad's bio includes: Head Coach Team Alberta 17U (2015) and 19U (2010); completed a Master’s Degree in Coaching from the University of Alberta in 2011; was the Assistant Coach with the Canadian Men’s Junior National program from 2010 to 2013, representing Canada at 2 NORCECA events in 2010 and 2012 (two silver medals) and at 2 FIVB Jr. World Championships, 2011 in Brazil and 2013 in Turkey; a two time National Champion as an Assistant Coach with the University of Alberta Golden Bears (2008 and 2009). NAVC is proud to say that Brad is an NAVC Alumni.

Technical Director - Chris Wandler

Coach Wandler is the new Head Coach of the Griffins Volleyball program and brings a wealth of coaching experience, and expertise. He was an assistant with the RDP Queens from 2003 to 2012, and again in the 2019/2020 season. He temporarily took over as the head coach for the RDC Queens Volleyball team from 2016/2017 to 2018/2019 and again in 2021/22. He guided them to an undefeated regular season record of 16-0 and a ACAC Championship along with a CCAA bronze in 2021/22. He also coached the team to a pair of ACAC Bronze medals in 2016/17 and 2017/18. Wandler was also named the ACAC 2018/2019 Women's Volleyball South Coach of the Year. Wandler also started up the Olds College Womens program 2012-16, and each of those years they made the ACAC playoffs earning a bronze medal in 2014. Coach Wandler was also the Head Coach of Team Alberta at the 2013 Canada Summer Game, where they won the first Gold Medal ever for Alberta.

His coaching philosophy of keeping high standards of recruiting good people on and off the court, in order to make better volleyball player, is the foundational piece that he believes will drive the Griffins program in the years to come. Wandler is originally from Cold Lake, Alberta and also spent time teaching in Beirut Lebanon from 1995-98.