Fresh off helping the Brandon University Bobcats win the U Sports national volleyball title, Dauphin’s JJ Love will be taking his talent to Greece where he will play professionally.
Before signing with G.S. Iraklis Thessalonikis men’s volleyball team, Love made not one, but two Canadian national teams - the NextGen team and the 30-man VNL roster.
Love attended a six-day tryout camp in Gatineau, Que., where he continues to train with the teams.
“It’s been good. I’m learning lots. There’s a lot of good coaches out here and they’re teaching me a lot. And it’s lots of volleyball. We’ve been doing double days, so practice in the morning, practice in the evening and a lunch in between,” he said.
It was a huge honour, Love said, to make these teams, adding it is an example of hard work eventually paying off.
“But there’s always more hard work to do. Making this team is just the start. Once I got out here and started playing with the guys, it just shows there’s a whole other level out there and you can always improve and you’ve always got to keep working hard,” he said.
The NextGen team will take part in the NORCECA Cup in Mexico at the end of August, while the VNL will compete on three weekends in Quebec, Chicago and Slovenia.
Love said a travel roster will be selected from among the 30 on the VNL roster to compete in Slovenia.
Love had the option of returning to the Bobcats for his fifth season or turning professional overseas.
“It just came to the situation where I thought this would take me and my game to the next level and I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity,” he said.
Love hopes to continue to develop his game through these programs.
“I think volleyball is one of those cool sports where there’s always areas you can improve and I don’t think you ever reach max capacity. I think there’s always areas to develop and things you can work on,” he said.
Love’s ultimate goal is to make the men’s national senior team.
“I think that’s every volleyball players goal. Until I get that, I’ll keep trying to work my hardest and hopefully make it there one day,” he said.
