News Archives: GPRC Wolves Announce New Men's Volleyball Head Coach
Tuesday, June 25th, 2019
GPRC Wolves Athletics is pleased to welcome Sam Tuivai as head coach of the Wolves Men's Volleyball team.
Grande Prairie, Alberta – GPRC Wolves Athletics is pleased to announce the return of head coach, Sam Tuivai. Tuivai, who coached the GPRC Wolves Women’s Volleyball team in 2016, will be joining the men’s program this season.
“I am looking forward to the new challenge ahead,” said Tuivai. “The volleyball community at GPRC and in Grande Prairie is highly competitive, and I’m excited to be back with a new great group of athletes. I have been lucky enough to work with former coach Mitch [Schneider] and he’s really done a really great job. I’m excited to carry on his work.”
With 15 years of experience in both playing and coaching volleyball, Tuivai’s love for the game began back in his hometown of Mount Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand.
“A close friend had asked me to join their team in high school,” he said. “After a couple weeks, I was hooked. I loved being a part of a team environment where we pushed one another to continue to succeed and perfect our skills.”
That fateful day in high school led Tuivai on a career path of competing at provincial and national levels in the Alberta College Athletics Conference (ACAC) and the Canadian U-Sport leagues. Tuivai also played volleyball professionally in China for two years.
“I am looking forward to getting out on the court,” said Tuivai. “It’s really rewarding being able to take my experience and help these future athletes reach their goals. It’s going to be a great season ahead watching these athletes perform.”
Wolves Athletics is looking forward to welcoming Tuivai, his coaching experience and energy to the court this upcoming season.
“Having Sam back as a head coach is exciting,” said GPRC Athletics Manager Thomas Slifka. “His high level playing experience and his previous Wolves coaching experience will put our student athletes in a great position to succeed. We are excited for him to start working with our program.”
The GPRC Wolves kick off their ACAC season in October with their first den home game on October 18–19 versus the Keyano College Huskies.
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For more information, please contact:
Taylor Merkley Doyer
GPRC
Communications and Marketing
TDoyer@GPRC.ab.ca
Phone: 780-539-2084
