Koppers named to Junior Mens National Volleyball Team
by Nishaan Sodhi
Former Pakmen Volleyball standout Brandon Koppers has been selected to represent Team Canada at the 2014 NORCECA Junior Championships in El Salvador. The announcement came after his stellar performance at the National Team Challenge Cup (NTCC), where he led team Ontario to Gold after a convincing 3-0 victory over Alberta. To add icing on the cake, Koppers was also selected as a NTCC All-Star Team, one of two Ontarian’s to be named to the team.
Koppers’ volleyball career began in 2009 as a participant of Pakmen’s <i>Pakmen Plus program. After rapidly improving at Pakmen Plus he was recruited to the 15 and under rep team for the coming fall. Over time he progressed into one the provinces best players both on the beach and indoors, leading his Pakmen squad to multiple provincial and national titles.
“From the get-go Brandon was a hard worker. Not only was he gifted athletically, but he always showed a desire to practice the right form and the right technique,” says Koppers’ former coach Kelly Smith. “Over time as he got more experienced there was no stopping him.”
In 2012 Koppers was selected to the under-18 Ontario mens team. In 2013 he won the Ken Davies Memorial award, a distinction given to just one 18u male athlete each year. Now, he is a
member of the McMaster Marauders Volleyball Team. After just one year in university, Koppers is already a reigning OUA Champion. He plan to continue this train of success in El Salvador as a member of Team Canada.
Despite his far reaching success, Koppers isn’t forgetting where it all began.
“When I think of Pakmen, I think of where everything started for me,” Says Koppers. “If it wasn’t for Pakmen and the kickstart that the organization gave me, I don’t know if I’d have had the success that I’ve had today.”
We’re sure you would’ve have been just fine, BK.
The tournament will take place from July 27 to August 3rd and will include teams from the Americas, including USA and Puerto Rico. Canada has finished as silver medalists for the past three tournaments, which are held in various locations every other year.
Congratulations on the success so far Brandon! We look forward to seeing you in Rio in 2016!
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