2008 TACHIKARA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

John has been a major contributor to the sport of volleyball in the Edmonton area, starting the Northern Alberta Volleyball Club (NAVC) in 1994 and becoming their first Treasurer.  The following season he took on the role of President, leading the club in that position for the next 8 years.  He has been a tremendous advocate for coaching development within NAVC and the volleyball community. 

As President, John developed one of the most successful clubs in Western Canada.  The NAVC 18U boys teams are six time Provincial and National Champions.  The 18U girl’s teams have been Provincial silver finalists and National bronze medalists.  While the 16U and 14U boys and girls teams have won several Provincial medals in all categories, with the 16U boy’s team winning the Canadian Midget Open in 1998. 

During the summer, current and former NAVC players and coaches can be found with Team Alberta and the Junior Men's and Women's National teams.  Many of the club’s athletes have played on Alberta Summer Games and Canada Summer Games squads.  You can find several NAVC alumni also playing for college, university, and professional teams throughout Canada, the U.S. and Europe. 

John has volunteered thousands of hours of his time to ensure the club continues to be the benchmark by which all other clubs are measured.  He spent countless evenings on the phone recruiting talented coaches to ensure the highest level of instruction for the athletes.  For many years he also performed the daunting task of scheduling gyms for 15 teams.  John also found volunteers for positions with the NAVC executive board.  John has a true passion for volleyball and it shows in his attention to detail and tireless commitment to volleyball in the province of Alberta.