BARRETT HELPS LEAD TEAM CANADA TO NORCECA GOLD

Serving as an assistant coach with the Volleyball Canada NextGen team this summer, University of Toronto Varsity Blues men’s volleyball head coach John Barrett helped in leading Team Canada to a gold medal at the NORCECA Men’s Pan American Volleyball Cup this past weekend.

Joining the staff of his 1984 Olympic teammate Glen Hoag, Barrett was immediately appreciative of the opportunity.

“I was thrilled to be able to give back to our sport and the national team that gave me so many opportunities,” said Barrett. ” Plus having the chance to work with Glenn (Hoag) again, with him having led the Canadian men’s national team for many years and still coaching professionally in Turkey, it meant something to me. He is considered by many as one of the best coaches in the world, so even now it has been an incredible learning opportunity for me.”

Canada defeated the United Sattes 3-1 (26-24, 26-24, 26-28, 25-19) in the championship final on Sunday in Santo Domingo, Domican Republic. To reach the final, Canada first went undefeated in the Group A round robin games, picking up wins over Puerto Rico, Mexico, Chile, and the United States. Earning a bye to the semifinal matches, they then earned a 3-1 victory over Puero Rico to secure their spot in the gold medal game. This was Canada’s second Pan Am title in a row, previously defeating the United States in the 2023 final as well.

The Canadian senior team is currently on their way to Paris, France for the Olympic tournament, but the NextGen team will remain in competition mode as well, next serving as host for the Men’s Final 6 event in Gatineau, Quebec at the end of August.