New face for men's volleyball
Fanshawe's men's volleyball
program is getting a fresh face behind
the bench. Western alum and
former Team Canada player Patrick
Johnston is replacing the outgoing
Josh Westgate as the head coach
of the Fanshawe men's volleyball
program. Although this is his first
time as a head coach, Johnston
brings a wealth of experience from
his days as player for Team Canada.
His experience on the international
stage, along with his time spent as
the assistant men's coach for Western
University and Boston College,
puts him in a good position to take
over the men's volleyball top spot.
Last year the Falcons finished tied for sixth in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association West Division and failed to qualify for playoffs. Johnston will be looking improve on that placing for the upcoming year with changes to the program.
“I will be investing heavily in the community. I want to build relationships with the local elementary school, high school and club programs. I believe that if we invest in them, they will invest in us, and that reciprocal relationship benefits the volleyball community as a whole.”
Having spent the past seven years in London and being actively involved as a coach in training camps at the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Canadian Interuniversity Sport, international and high school level, Johnston has deep roots in the Forest City, something that has already proven beneficial to the young coach. Since being named head coach on May 1, he has secured three local athletes who are future Fanshawe students to the roster.
Due to the nature of college programs, many players are enrolled in two- or three-year studies, forcing the roster to undergo reconstruction each year. This is something the Falcons know all too well from last year: the lack of chemistry and constant turnover of players semester to semester proved too much for them.
Johnston is in the driver's seat and is already preparing for the upcoming season.
“The athletes are training two to three times per week for the duration of the summer and will be engaging in the workout program as put together by our strength and conditioning coach. We will come back in September stronger than we are right now.”
The athletes aren't the only ones prepping, though; Johnston is getting acquainted with the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association league and the Falcons last season to find areas for improvement.
“For myself, I'm poring over game film from this past season to try to learn as much about this team as I can.”
Johnston has high expectations for the incoming squad — a stark contrast to the Falcons' spotty past in the OCAAs.
“I expect to make it to the OCAA Provincial Tournament and make some noise. We have a talented roster, and if we can get everyone on the same page early and build some momentum, we could be a very scary program to compete against.”
The last time the Falcons medaled in the OCAAs was in the 2006/07 season with a bronze place finish.
JOHNSTON'S STATS:
- Former Libero (defensive specialist)
- Hometown: Whitby, Ontario
- Height: 6'5
- Favourite moment: “My favourite memory was in 2004 standing on the court in Mexico City before my first match for Team Canada against Mexico.”
- Proudest moment being a coach: “My proudest moment as a coach was this past fall with Boston College when we went to Duke University and beat the powerhouse Duke Blue Devils in a 3-0 sweep on their floor at Cameron Indoor.”
Last year the Falcons finished tied for sixth in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association West Division and failed to qualify for playoffs. Johnston will be looking improve on that placing for the upcoming year with changes to the program.
“I will be investing heavily in the community. I want to build relationships with the local elementary school, high school and club programs. I believe that if we invest in them, they will invest in us, and that reciprocal relationship benefits the volleyball community as a whole.”
Having spent the past seven years in London and being actively involved as a coach in training camps at the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Canadian Interuniversity Sport, international and high school level, Johnston has deep roots in the Forest City, something that has already proven beneficial to the young coach. Since being named head coach on May 1, he has secured three local athletes who are future Fanshawe students to the roster.
Due to the nature of college programs, many players are enrolled in two- or three-year studies, forcing the roster to undergo reconstruction each year. This is something the Falcons know all too well from last year: the lack of chemistry and constant turnover of players semester to semester proved too much for them.
Johnston is in the driver's seat and is already preparing for the upcoming season.
“The athletes are training two to three times per week for the duration of the summer and will be engaging in the workout program as put together by our strength and conditioning coach. We will come back in September stronger than we are right now.”
The athletes aren't the only ones prepping, though; Johnston is getting acquainted with the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association league and the Falcons last season to find areas for improvement.
“For myself, I'm poring over game film from this past season to try to learn as much about this team as I can.”
Johnston has high expectations for the incoming squad — a stark contrast to the Falcons' spotty past in the OCAAs.
“I expect to make it to the OCAA Provincial Tournament and make some noise. We have a talented roster, and if we can get everyone on the same page early and build some momentum, we could be a very scary program to compete against.”
The last time the Falcons medaled in the OCAAs was in the 2006/07 season with a bronze place finish.
JOHNSTON'S STATS:
- Former Libero (defensive specialist)
- Hometown: Whitby, Ontario
- Height: 6'5
- Favourite moment: “My favourite memory was in 2004 standing on the court in Mexico City before my first match for Team Canada against Mexico.”
- Proudest moment being a coach: “My proudest moment as a coach was this past fall with Boston College when we went to Duke University and beat the powerhouse Duke Blue Devils in a 3-0 sweep on their floor at Cameron Indoor.”
