This summer, several athletes and coaches from Superior North Volleyball Club were selected to participate in Team Ontario’s elite high-performance programs—an honour earned by only a select few each year. With thousands of athletes applying, the tryout process is rigorous, involving highlight video submissions, evaluations during Ontario Championships, and selection through the OVA Region 1 camp. For those chosen, it’s an opportunity to grow their game among Ontario’s best—and this year, SNVC was proudly represented across multiple programs.
Among them was Matthew Foulds, a powerful attacker known for his explosive offense and heavy swing. A key player on SNVC’s 18U boys team coached by Alexa Desjardins and Eddie Jung, Matthew earned a spot on Team Ontario White. Held at Nipissing University, the two-week camp brought together high-level athletes for intense training and development, concluding with a showcase tournament at the Team Ontario Cup.
“It was a great experience overall,” Matthew said. “The coaching was excellent, and I had a lot of fun playing alongside such skilled and motivated athletes. It was definitely a high-level environment that pushed me to improve.”
Also at Nipissing was SNVC’s Emma Korolenko, selected for a second year to coach the Team Ontario White Girls team. Known for her calm and consistent leadership, Korolenko brought her strengths to the provincial stage once again. “We’re so fortunate as coaches to be able to train with athletes from all over the province in a high-performance environment,” she said. “Being my second year at TOW, I was excited to work with another cohort and help them grow their confidence across the game.” Emma’s squad went on to win gold at the Ontario Cup—a proud finish to a meaningful experience. “I’m excited to bring the ideas and concepts I learned back to SNVC this season. And if any coaches are interested in learning more, I’m always happy to chat—this is an experience I’d highly recommend.”
Younger SNVC athletes also made their mark through the Team Ontario Regional Program (TORP), held this July at the University of Guelph. Ava Peterson, Avaleen Moore, and Lily Gascon—standouts on the club’s 15U girls team coached by Peter Jaun and Ali Austin—were all selected to attend, alongside Leo Fay of the 16U boys team coached by Emma Korolenko and Chase House.
For Ava, the experience was about more than skill development. “My team and I bonded so well,” she said. “We were always together—whether walking across campus to lunch or running back to the dorms because someone forgot something. I learned so much about teamwork, trust, and supporting each other both on and off the court.”
Lily echoed those thoughts, describing TORP as “phenomenal.” She added, “There were so many great opportunities for each athlete to continue progressing. I had an amazing time. If you get accepted, go—it was so much fun and you learn so much, in and out of volleyball.”
For Avaleen Moore, the camp left an especially strong impression. “My experience at TORP is a volleyball player’s dream,” she said. “You warm up to everyone so fast. I felt so welcomed by everyone—even the people who weren’t on my team.” She credited her coaches, Aya and King C, for pushing her outside her comfort zone. “They helped me push my limits and taught me to be confident in uncomfortable positions. I’ll forever be grateful to have had them as coaches.”
The mix of challenge and fun is what made it unforgettable. “It was so fun to play with teammates I’d normally face off against in tournaments. I was able to focus and grow, but still have so much fun. I miss it every day and would go back in time to do it all over again. I’d recommend this camp to anyone—it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Leo Fay, who played on SNVC’s 16U boys team, also valued the opportunity. “I had a great time at TORP this summer,” he said. “I met lots of new players from all over the province. It was fun to learn new skills, work with different teammates and coaches—and our team got silver in the tournament.”
Also taking part in TORP were two SNVC coaches: John Curtis and his daughter, Julia Curtis. Julia, who coached SNVC’s 16U girls competitive team this season, joined TORP for the first time as a coach—though she had previously participated as an athlete. “TORP was such an eye-opening experience,” she said. “I learned so much from the other coaches and mentors. It really helped me grow as a coach and build my confidence.”
John, returning for his fourth season with the program, reflected deeply on the impact. “Even though I may have only been with these athletes for a week, the impact they have made on me will be with me forever,” he said. “From the pipe hits to the jump spin serves to the amazing defensive pickups, Ontario has a great volleyball future ahead of them.”
But this summer was especially meaningful for another reason. “Being able to coach at Team O with Julia may be the most rewarding time I’ve had at TORP. Watching her lead her team, seeing them connect and enjoy every minute, and finishing second—it was exciting to watch and something I’ll never forget.”
Another standout from SNVC this summer was Ania Nesti, a talented middle who played on the club’s 16U competitive team, coached by Julia Curtis, Emma LaFreniere, and Lily Lingner. Ania was selected for both the Team Ontario Tall Maples program and the Tall Maples Canada Cup roster, highlighting her as one of the province’s top tall athletes. She also trained and competed as part of the full-time Team Ontario Beach Program.
“This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to represent Team Ontario in both indoor and beach volleyball,” she said. “It was an unforgettable experience that helped me grow on and off the court—as an athlete, teammate, and person. I’m so grateful to the billet families and friends who made me feel so welcome. I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned back home.”
Together, these athletes and coaches not only represented Superior North Volleyball Club on a provincial stage—they brought back stories of growth, friendship, and inspiration. Their achievements are a testament to the talent being developed in Thunder Bay and a reminder of where dedication and opportunity can lead.