Sammelvuo to coach Canada men's team

A former player, both professionally and for his native Finland, and the current head coach of PlusLiga team Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle, based in Poland, Tuomas Sammelvuo is set to coach the Canadian national men's team in 2023.

Sammelvuo said: “I have seen the Canadian team develop over the years both as a player and now as a coach, and have much respect for the work the coaches and athletes have done with the programme to date. I’m looking forward to this challenge and bringing my experience to the team and collaborating with the coaches in the development system to ensure the future success of the programme.”

Sammelvuo played for top teams in Europe and Asia during his long career as an athlete. He played for Team Finland from 1993 to 2010 and was appointed captain of the team in 1997. He will take on his new role after previously leading the Finnish national team as its coach, and winning the 2019 Volleyball Nations League gold and a silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games as the head coach of the Russian national team.

Among his many accolades as a coach, he was also named sport Coach of the Year in his home country in 2014 and 2021.

“We are excited to have Tuomas join our programme,” said Julien Boucher, High Performance Director (indoor). “His international record is impressive, and he is eager to work with our players and development coaches as we work toward qualification for Paris 2024 and beyond.”

Volleyball Canada’s men’s team finished eighth at the Tokyo 2020 Games and are currently ranked 15th in the world. Looking ahead, Canada will participate in the 2023 edition of the Volleyball Nations League.