July 23, 2010

UBC Okanagan volleyball head coach Greg Poitras has announced the commitments of two standout players from Vernon, BC. Outside hitters Jordan Young and Greg Niemantsverdriet will join the Heat program beginning in the fall of 2010.

“They are good kids in many ways. They are athletic and they have good arms,” said Poitras. “They both really like to compete. They’re going to fit into this program and make a commitment to becoming as good as they can become. I think we got two special kids that will definitely help transition our program to the Canada West in 2011.”

An outside hitter at 6’3” tall, Young led Fulton High School of Vernon to the BC High School Boys Provincial Championship semifinal and was name a provincial Tournament All-Star. Young was captain of his team for three years of senior volleyball at Fulton. As a member of Kelowna Volleyball Club Kannoz team in 2008, Young finished second at club provincials. In his 18U club season he played for Vernon Volleyball.

“UBCO is, by far, the best university in our area, and most of BC,” Young said. “Offering any and all courses that I would be interested in. I know so many students who attend, or who have attended, and all reports on classes, professors, support and facilities, has been very highly recommended. UBCO has an outstanding volleyball program. I have watched the Heat team closely over the last 3 or 4 years and would be very proud to be part of that team.”

Niemantsverdriet is also a product of Fulton High School in Vernon, BC. In 2006, Niemantsverdriet was recruited by the UBC Vancouver Thunderbirds. He red shirted one season and played his second season with the Thunderbirds, which included a visit to the CIS National Championships. In the summer 2006 Niemantsverdriet was invited to the Junior National Team tryouts. A three-time member of Team BC, Niemantsverdriet has received several MVP and All-Star awards over the course of his career.

“The reason I’ve chosen UBCO over any other school is not just that the volleyball program is renowned but attend this school allows me to be closer to family and friends. This makes things even more exciting for me as a player and a student,” said Niemantsverdriet.

“I have been a native of the Okanagan area for many years and have grown a great relationship with the coaching staff as well as the players that are currently playing, and have played in the past. I believe that I will be able to help the team reach it’s full potential and help take them to the next level. Volleyball is only a small part as to why I’ve made UBCO my new home. UBCO offers one of the best Environmental Science programs, making UBCO a great choice to continue my studies.”