ZAWIERCIE, Poland – After getting called up to the Senior National Team this summer, McMaster Marauders men’s volleyball star, Sam Cooper, has signed a professional contract with Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie of PlusLiga, the top division of volleyball in Poland.
The signing comes just days after Cooper played in the starting lineup for Canada in a match against Poland during the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) tournament in Pasay City, Philippines. The Hamilton local was a standout in the match and was the game’s leading scorer, totalling 15 kills on 31 attacks while also contributing three service aces.
“I’m very excited for this next step. McMaster prepared me for a pro career in a volleyball sense, without question. The training environment and schedule try to mimic the professional environment as much as possible in a university setting,” said Cooper. “Perhaps more importantly being around my incredible teammates, friends and coaches has helped me to grow as a person.”
Cooper, who played his varsity volleyball at McMaster, studied English & Cultural Studies. He was an OUA West Division All-Rookie Team member in 2019-20 and was named an OUA West Division First Team All-Star in 2021-22. A 2x OUA Champion, the veteran outside hitter closed out his varsity career as a member of the 2023 U SPORTS Men’s Volleyball Championship All-Star Team and as a U SPORTS bronze medalist.
The veteran Marauder will take the first step in his professional volleyball journey with the Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie Jurassic Knights. The Zawiercie-based club has gained a reputation for success. Last season, the club finished the main phase of PlusLiga in second place before advancing to the semifinals. Zawiercie also debuted in the Volleyball Champions League in 2022/23, a competition that sees the Top 20 European men’s club volleyball teams vie for the title. Cooper’s addition to the squad will provide him with an opportunity to play now and develop. The team expects his skills to transfer to the professional game which makes him a great fit for the Jurassic Knights.
“During the VNL tournament in Ottawa, Michal Winiarski, the Head Coach of our program, was asked to lead a seminar where Sam was one of the athletes. Winiarski was impressed that already at this stage of development, apart from his physical skills, Sam also has great technical skills”, stated Kryspin Baran, President of Aluran CMC Warta Zawiercie. “It was a confirmation for us that although he has incredible potential, he is already set to play an important role in our team now. I am very happy that we will see Sam in yellow and green this fall.”
Cooper has an extensive national stage resume. In 2021, he was named to the U21 National Team which competed at the U21 World Championships in Italy and Bulgaria where the team finished in 10th place. The Marauder outside hitter was the leading scorer for the Canadians at the event, attacking with a 54.74% efficiency while averaging 12.5 points per game.
A year later, he was announced as a member of the Canadian Senior National Team for the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) His Senior National debut took place against Poland, a match he entered from the bench and recorded six points. At the conclusion of VNL, he attended the Pan American Cup as part of Volleyball Canada’s ‘NextGen’ team, where he returned home with a silver medal.
This year, Cooper once again is preparing with the NextGen team for the 2023 edition of the Pan American Cup (held in Guadalajara, Mexico) and the NORCECA Final Six which will take place in Edmonton from September 19-24.
Brad Douwes, Head Coach of the McMaster Marauders men’s volleyball team, expressed how Cooper is deserving of this opportunity and says his preparedness will set him up to be able to compete at the professional level.
“The McMaster Marauders men’s volleyball program is extremely proud of Sam and the work he has done to prepare himself for this great opportunity. Sam’s consistent, thoughtful, and methodical approach to his development as an athlete has prepared him to compete against the world’s top volleyball players. This summer, while representing Canada in Volleyball Nations League, Sam proved that he is one of the top athletes in our country. The entire program is excited to see what Mr. Cooper will accomplish during the next stage of his career. And we look forward to continuing to create an environment that supports student-athletes as they prepare to excel at the highest level.”
After his four years in the maroon and grey, Cooper will finish out his national team commitments through the end of September and then join the Jurassic Knights in October for the 2023-24 PlusLiga season.
“I’m feeling ready for this next chapter in my career thanks to my McMaster family,” added Cooper.
For the latest news and updates on the McMaster Marauders, follow @mcmastersports on social media or visit www.marauders.ca.
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