Four Cougars named to Team Canada men’s volleyball programs

Mount Royal University Cougars volleyball players Ryan John, Cody Hudson, and Grant Hill were named to the U21 National team yesterday while graduating student-athlete Chris Byam joins Canada’s NextGen Team.

In early May John, Hudson, and Hill will join U21 teammates in Gatineau, QC for training before the team heads to Mexico to represent Canada at the U21 NORCECA Championship in Nogales, Mexico from June 9-17.

“I’m super pumped to be on the team! I am also grateful for the opportunity to play alongside great players and be coached at a high level.” John said after making the U21 team.

Last year competing at 2023 FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship Team Canada finished third in pool C. With the addition of three new Cougars to the roster, they look to advance further. “I am super excited to have the opportunity to play for our country and train with some of the best in the nation. I can’t wait to further my skill level and compete against teams across the world.” Hudson said.

Hill will be the only one of the three who has competed for Canada after training with Volleyball Canada’s National Excellence Program (NEC). “I’m grateful to play with the U21 national team this year. It’s been my goal since September and it’s great to see my training paid off. I see the experience as the next step in my volleyball career.” Hill explained. Although being the only one, the others look forward to competing for their country for the first time this summer.

“It’s such an honor to represent your country and wear the maple leaf. It’s even better when you get to do it with teammates. It’s pretty incredible that we have 3 guys from our program that were selected and get to share that experience. Ryan, Grant and Cody have worked hard all year to earn the opportunity but that’s just the first step with our National Team. They have a lot of work ahead of them. I definitely think they are up for it. I think they will do a great job representing themselves and our program on a National stage. I’m excited to see what they do, how they grow and what they take away from it. They have a very exciting summer ahead.” Cougars Head Coach Shawn Sky said following the announcement.

Graduating student-athlete Chris Byam has also been named to Canada’s NextGen team for the second year in a row. Byam graduates from Mount Royal this spring and will be joining Alterna Stade Poitevin in France.

Find the list of both the U21 and NextGen teams here.