COLE PALMA JOINS NIAGARA MEN'S VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM
WELLAND, Ont. - The Niagara College Department of Athletics & Recreation formally welcomed Cole Palma to the men's volleyball program with a media event held Thursday evening at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre.
WELLAND, Ont. - The Niagara College Department of Athletics
& Recreation formally welcomed Cole Palma to
the men's volleyball program with a media event held Thursday
evening at the Welland Campus Athletic Centre. Palma enjoyed a
standout high school and club volleyball playing career with Bill
Crothers Secondary School and the Durham Attack 18U volleyball
teams.
"I'm very excited to play volleyball at Niagara College," said
Palma. "There is a very fun and welcoming atmosphere at the school,
and I'm looking forward to representing the college the best way I
can."
Palma stands at six-foot-two and plays the outside hitter
position. Niagara College men's volleyball head coach
Nathan Groenveld feels Palma will be a key
addition to the Knights roster moving forward. "Cole is a very
physical and technically sound player. The level of coaching he has
received at both the high school and club level will allow him to
step into our program and contribute right away."
The native of Ashburn, Ont., has excelled at both the individual
and team levels throughout his career. Two seasons ago he was named
team MVP of a strong Durham Attack U16 program, and in 2012 Palma
saw his Bill Crothers Secondary School team win the OFSAA 'AAAA'
championship. Palma was also a key member of the 2012-13 Durham
Attack U18 squad that finished fifth at the national
championship.
Palma visited Niagara College to sign a letter of acceptance and
scholarship offer to play for the men's volleyball program, and
Niagara College Intercollegiate Coordinator Ray
Sarkis commented "Cole is a dominating leftside player,
and I believe his addition will make an immediate impact on the
court, and will help grow the program into one of the best in the
OCAA and CCAA."
During his time at Niagara College, Palma will be enrolled in the
Welding Techniques program, and academics proved to be a
determining factor in the 18-year old's decision to attend the
school. "One of the main reasons I chose Niagara was the academics.
The Welding Techniques program that I am entering is one of the
best in the country, and one of the few that offers a full
diploma."
When asked about his on-court goals during his playing career,
Palma said "I want to improve and be best player I can be. I want
to contribute to the team as much as possible by being the best
teammate I can, and by working hard and giving 110 per cent."
Coach Groenveld continued "a student-athlete of Cole's character
and skill level is something any coach looks for. He's an
all-around good person and will be a valuable addition to our
program."
The Niagara College men's volleyball program will resume formal
activities this summer when the team leads two sections of the
annual Niagara Kids' College summer camp program.
Source: Niagara College
