MEN’S VOLLEYBALL: LAKERS INK NORTHERN TALENT AS THEY ADD KASUNICH

The Nipissing Lakers men’s volleyball team didn’t have to look far for their latest recruit, keeping a quality student-athlete in the north.

The Lakers are excited and proud to announce the addition of outside hitter, Zander Kasunich, who will join the program for the 2024-25 OUA season.

The Sudbury, ON product is looking forward to taking the next step in his volleyball career, as well as gaining an education at the post-secondary level.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity. I’ve been considering Nipissing University for a long time and love the program, so I’m looking forward to being a part of the team and helping us win,” he said. “I chose Nipissing after attending a couple of training camps over the summer. I really loved the atmosphere, coaching and quality of play. It made me realize that I wanted to be a Laker and part of the program.”

Kasunich makes his way to Nipissing after wrapping up his career with the Northern Chill Volleyball Club, based in Sudbury.

He will enrol in the criminal justice program, with his sights set on becoming a lawyer.

On the court, Kasunich is very committed to the team always gives 100 per cent.

“I am very competitive, so winning is a huge deal to me. I’m passionate about volleyball, so I often get really fired up. I will always keep swinging regardless of the score and won’t ease up when the game gets close,” stated. “I’m looking forward to developing, getting better and having fun being a part of a varsity athletics team. I hope the team can qualify for playoffs this year and see where it goes from there.”

The newest Lakers won the OVA Award of Excellence a few years ago. This year specifically, his high school team earned a bronze medal at OFSAA and the club team finished top-five in the province, which was the highest a male Northern Chill team has ever finished.

Kasunich has had a successful career with the Chill and at the high school level. His accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed by Lakers head coach Eric Yung, highlighting his achievements.

“We are thrilled to be able to keep a Northern talent in the north. We have had the opportunity to watch and work with Zander over the last couple of years and believe he has the potential to make an impact at our level,” Yung said.