OVA News

The University of Toronto has a strong history of winning in the OUA for Men’s and Women’s Volleyball. Strong athletes attend U of T every year, which makes it no surprise that they are also producing some of the top Beach players in Canada. Some top players from U of T have represented Canada Internationally including Mike Slean, Christian Redmann, Jessie Lelliott, Kristina Valjas, Heather Bansley, and Asya Danilova. Arguably at the top of the list is Josh Binstock.

His accomplishments include 2008 and 2009 National Champion, Silver Medalist at FIVB Challenger event in Liechenstein, and Bronze medal FIVB Challenger event in Swtizerland

OVA: Why did you start playing Beach?
Josh: Because I found it more challenging than indoor and I enjoyed it being just as much of a mental game as it is physical.

OVA: What do you like most about Beach Volleyball?
Josh: The fact that its only 2 on 2 vs 6 on 6, so you cant hide behind your team if you’re playing bad, or count on someone to bail you out, you have more control over the outcome of the match.

I also like that you have to be skilled at all aspects of the game (i.e. passing, setting, hitting, serving, anticipation, etc.) and not just be specialized as a setter or middle hitter, etc. thus making you need to be a well rounded athlete to succeed.

OVA: If you could change one thing about our sport what would it be?
Josh: I would say the organization and structure of the sport. For many years, it has been looked at (at least in Canada) as a non structured sport that athletes just pick up and try to succeed it. The change I would make is for athletes to take it seriously from a young age if they want to be successful nationally and especially internationally. They shouldn’t just go down to the beach just to play games. Practices should be structured on focusing on specific skills as well as game play, and to be successful, athletes should focus on not just practicing but properly nutrition, preparation for practice and matches along with a proper workout regime.

Volleyball continues to grow in popularity every year in Ontario and Canada. Volleyball Canada and the OVA have made some big strides for our National team, including the hiring of our National Team coach Lennard Krapp and partnering with Beach Blast and the Canadian Sport Centre to create a National Beach Volleyball Practice Centre in Ontario.

OVA: What message would you give to any young beach athlete wanting to play for the National Team?
Josh: Don’t let perceived physical inferiority dictate your aspiration or success level on the beach. Beach is a game where ball control, skill and intelligence will prevail over brute raw simple strength

OVA: Where do you see Beach in Canada going in the next 5 years?
Josh: I see beach in Canada being as good of a competitive environment as its ever been. There are so many good young players now, that can train against and push each other so in 5 years the level of competition will be as superior as its ever been.

OVA: Describe a World Tour event for someone who has never attended.
Josh: Well each World Tour event is different, some are run better than others. But typically you arrive and if you are in the qualifier you must play on Wednesday and on average must win 3 games in a row to qualify for the main draw. You can’t lose 1 match. The qualifier is single elimination where as the main draw is double. Like I said before, each event is different and depending on the city/country different amount of fans watch. Places like Klagenfurt, Austria have thousands of people watching almost every game. Its a great feeling to play there and you know people really appreciate the sport there.

OVA: What is it like playing on the World Tour?
Josh: It is a great opportunity and honor to travel the world and represent your country. Things cant be taken for granted when traveling though. Things that you take for granted here will affect your play if you take them for granted there. For example when playing at home, you have your own bed, own food, familiar environment, etc. When in a different country you have to account for all of that, and learn to adapt to those things being different and not let it affect your performance.
It is fun, the other players are mostly all good people and its a great experience to meet people from around the world.

OVA: Best memory from playing Beach Volleyball?
Josh: Winning the 2009 National Championships without losing a set

We would like to thank Josh for all of his help with this article. We wish him the best of luck in the upcoming season.

If you would like to recommend someone for PROfiles please contact Josh Nichol
jnichol@ontariovolleyball.org | 416-426-7233