Reimer back in Manitoba after national program stint

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This article was published 31/12/2023 (541 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

No one can say Nik Reimer isn’t aiming high in the world of volleyball.

The grade 12 student from Steinbach wasn’t able to help his home high school defend their provincial AAAA championship on the court, as he was too busy in Gatineau, Que. playing for Volleyball Canada’s National Excellence Program (NEP).

The program aims to provide training to the next generation of Canadian volleyball athletes, preparing them for a future representing the country or playing professionally.

“It’s been pretty amazing,” Reimer said after returning to Manitoba.

“I didn’t know what to expect at first, because it’s a pretty new thing… I was looking to learn a lot and make some connections so I can go further in volleyball.”

Reimer, who has already committed to the University of British Columbia for post-secondary play, noted he was one of the better outside hitters at the program this year, which meant plenty of playing time against fellow volleyball standouts in his age group.

The NEP team also played matches against nearby university teams during their season.

“It was ten times better competition,” Reimer said when asked to compare the skill level to Manitoba AAAA programs.

“Even amongst our own players. Most of our practices would be based on playing against each other, so if you weren’t playing your best and making smart decision, you weren’t going to score.”

Not only did the program provide good experience for what the next level of volleyball will look like, but also what it will take to succeed in the classroom as a student-athlete.

The players are expected to manage both their schooling and training at the same time, while taking high school online.

“You had to do it yourself, there was no one forcing you to do it,” Reimer said of the schooling element.

“It was difficult, but it prepares you for university.”

Dan Lewis coaches the NEP as well as Canada’s national B-team. Reimer was full of praise for the staff at the program, noting Lewis is able to teach all the details a volleyball player needs to know to succeed.

Reimer noted he thinks the move to Gatineau paid off, with big improvement in his defensive and passing skills.

“(Lewis) was a libero, so he was a very strong passer and he knows a lot about that,” Reimer said.

Off court training didn’t just include workouts and skills development, as players got a chance to meet with members of Canada’s Olympic volleyball team.

That experience was especially valuable for Reimer, who shared some one-on-one time with Steinbach Regional grad and current Team Canada player Eric Loeppky. The two even share the same position, outside hitter, and Reimer is hoping to follow in Loeppky’s footsteps.

After finishing his collegiate career at Trinity Western, Loeppky has moved to Italy to play professionally for Vero Volley Monza.

“We did talk a little bit about playing professionally and playing at a high level,” Reimer said.

“He gave me some pointers and gave me the rundown on how all that works. It’s something that really interests me and I think just being at NEP really opened up the doors for allowing me to get to that level, and gave me the tools to do that.”

The rigorous training schedule included days with two on court sessions, alongside work in the gym, a prospect Reimer didn’t think was possible before joining the NEP.

“I thought there was no way you could fit a workout in there, but you kind of learn if you’re training to be your best you can fit in some actual lifts in there,” Reimer said.

“You just have to balance it so you peak at the right time. It’s all about professionalism and making sure every part of your life and game are in check so you can perform your best on the court.”

Reimer said gym workouts for an outside hitter are all about ensuring you sustain high athleticism throughout a match, as the position receives a high volume of kill attempts in a game.

“You have to make sure your body is strong enough to take a lot of jumps, and you’re still jumping at your highest after a lot of jumps,” he said.

That requires alternating between heavy lift days and lighter sets to build up explosiveness.

Reimer will return to Steinbach Regional Secondary School to finish his final semester of high school, and graduate this summer alongside his classmates.