Lakers Add Strong Prospect with Addition of Shantz

Current success on the court and preparing for future triumphs is the name of the game for the Nipissing Lakers men’s volleyball team.

The Lakers are excited and proud to announce they have signed Taydon Shantz, who will join the program for the 2022-23 OUA/USports season.

Shantz is set to become a Laker after he wraps up his career at the club level, where he is right side for the 18u Ubuntu KW Predators.

He’s looking forward to suit up and hit the court at the RJ Surtees Athletic Centre.

“I am extremely excited to become a Laker. I put in a lot of effort into deciding which school to attend and I am ecstatic that the best choice was Nipissing,” Shantz said. “The biggest reasons I chose Nipissing is because of the team culture I felt when I attended a practice, the campus layout and size and the endless amount of opportunities Nipissing provides.”

Currently 17 years old, Shantz hails from Plattsville, ON.

He will be enrolling in the BPHE program when he begins classes at Nipissing.

On top of a lot of success at the club level – winning multiple gold medals – Shantz has also suited up for the Team Ontario Elite program.

Lakers head coach Eric Yung said his past success, but also his attitude and drive will make him a valuable addition to the program.

“We are thrilled to be adding Taydon to our program, he is a wonderful young man who comes from a winning program. He is highly competitive and possess a high desire to learn,” Yung explained. “We know he won’t shy away from hard work and we believe he will excel at our level. We have only seen the tip of the iceberg for Taydon and we are excited to work alongside him and watch him grow over the next few years.”

Shantz believes his strengths will translate into success at the next level and he’s looking forward to the challenge ahead, both on and off the court.

“I’d describe myself as a player who never backs down from a challenge or goal,” he said. “I feel my greatest strengths would be blocking and passing. Going into freshman year, I hope that our team makes a statement to the league that we are coming for the OUA championship and a chance at Nationals. As for myself, I hope to get on the floor and make a positive impact on the team.”

Shantz is already counting the day until he pulls on the blue and green jersey.

“I can’t wait to come up north and begin my career as a Laker,” he stated.