Posts by Matt Stubbert

It’s that time of the year again! 

EVP is extremely excited to get started with our summer camps this year that will be run by our very own Jessie Nairn. This year, campers will have the opportunity to learn from an elite player while simultaneously growing their passion and love for volleyball. 

Jessie’s many years of volleyball experience excites our team as all of our campers are set for a great summer! Jessie has 12 years of competitive volleyball experience while 6 of those were spent playing for the McMaster women’s university team. Some of her major achievements are being named McMaster’s volleyball MVP for two years and receiving the award of merit in 2022. Jessie has won 1 OUA Gold medal and 1 silver during her six years at Mcmaster and is eager to share some of her experiences with her campers this summer! 

Each week our summer camps will have different themes in which campers will be competing for prizes. Some of which will include camp MVP’s, chances to win clothing, and much more!

The themes for this summer are as follows: 

Week 1 & 7 (July 4th – 8th & August 15th – 19th) – Amazing Race (Ages 9 -14) 

• Will include an Amazing Race themed event on Friday as well as multiple competitions and prizes throughout the week. 

Week 2 & 5 (July 11th – 15th & August 2nd – 5th) – Sports Camp (Ages 9 -14)

• Although we are running a volleyball camp, our organization supports all aspects of athleticism. Throughout this week we will be playing a variety of sports including road hockey, frisbee, soccer, and of course volleyball. 

Week 3 (July 18th – 22nd) – Eagles Week (Ages 9 -14) 

• This week is meant for EVP rep players with the exception of some invites. The purpose of this week is to give our eagle’s players the opportunity to have a camp week to themself as well as meet members from all of our teams. 

Week 4 (July 25th – 29th) – Water World (Ages 9 – 14)

• Fun in the Sun or Fun in the Water? Why not both! This week will involve water guns, water balloons, and anything water related!

Week 6 & 8 (August 8th – 12th & August 22nd – 26th) – Beach Volleyball Camp (Ages 9 – 14) 

• This week provides an opportunity for players to learn everything beach volleyball related. Throughout the week coaches will teach players all the fundamentals of beach volleyball while intertwining competitions, games, and fun prizes! 

Registration and more information can be found at: 2022 Summer Camps – EVP Canada 

Shayne Palmer 

As of recent news, Shayne Palmer has decided to step down as Vice President into a Technical Director role. This move was hard thought upon and our team at EVP is fully supportive of Shayne’s decision. Moving forward, Shayne will be pursuing his passion of becoming a police officer while continuing to work with EVP part-time. Shayne will be returning to EVP come September and will be coaching partial nights throughout each week.

Shayne’s time with our organization has been nothing short of a blessing as the commitment, passion, and energy he brought has shaped what it means to be part of EVP. Throughout his many years, Shayne has been a role model not only to our players but staff members as well. In every opportunity Shayne helped train new coaches and create an atmosphere that our staff members wanted to be a part of. Shayne’s ability to be connected throughout all parts of EVP enabled us to build a family like culture that we as an organization will never stray from. 

As many already know, Shayne was also an elite coach that brought EVP to the level we are at today. Throughout the years, EVP has acquired many talented coaches and players that truly would not be at the level they are without Shayne’s guidance and knowledge. Moving forward our staff and coaches will be carrying his passion, knowledge, and love for the game as it has become part of who we are. 

We wish Shayne the best on his new career path and look forward to working with him further!

Jennifer Agard 

EVP is proud to welcome back Jennifer Agard who is joining as our new head of house leagues. With 15 years of playing experience and 20 plus years as a coach, we know Jennifer will be a valuable asset not only to our club but to the players as well. 

Jennifer’s volleyball career began in high school where she played club volleyball and soon after committed to George Brown college to play on the women’s varsity team. After her time at George Brown College, she continued to play in the OVA women’s league for 11 years! Jennifer’s coaching career is outstanding, to say the least, as she has coached at Burlington Blaze and the Sheridan women’s varsity team for 10 years. 

Outside of volleyball, Jennifer has had a very successful career. In the past, she has worked as a registered nurse in a cardiac unit, nurse recruiter in human resources, and human resources business partner with trillium health partners. As of now, Jennifer is working at Lee Hecht Harrison as a career consultant while working on her master’s part-time. 

Within the community, Jennifer stays very active as she sits on two boards including the Trinity Church Advisory board and Christians Against Poverty. Jennifer thoroughly enjoys music and pursues this passion through singing in her worship group at church. Jennifer also enjoys spending her time empowering others so that they can realize their potential.

Meghan Bruyn 

EVP is excited to announce Meghan Bruyn as our new head of administration and registration. Meghan is extremely excited to be working with EVP as she hopes to help carry out unforgettable experiences with all the families we are in contact with. 

Meghan has had 8 years of experience working at the YMCA where she supported their school-age child care department. Meghan started as an educator in the before and after school program in which she quickly moved up into various leadership roles within the organization. These roles included program supervisor and team lead which led her to the role of area manager for her remaining four years.

During her time at the YMCA, Meghan managed a team of 40 educators and supported them in running fun and successful licensed childcare programs in the city of Brantford. Meghan’s passion for working with youth and ensuring a positive, safe, and healthy environment is something our team at EVP values most noticeably.

Outside of work, Meghan loves to read, cook, garden, and run. Meghan is also currently on the path to becoming fluent in French as she has a 1000-plus day streak on the Duolingo app!

 Jessie Nairn

EVP is excited to announce the addition of Jessie Nairn to our team for the upcoming season. Jessie has many years of volleyball experience that extends from four years of club volleyball and six years on the McMaster Women’s volleyball team. 

As one of our new coaches, Jessie is very eager to pass on her knowledge and love for the game throughout our entire organization. Throughout the summer, Jessie will be leading our summer camps, giving players the opportunity to learn from an elite player as well as find their love for the game.

Outside of volleyball, Jessie has a real passion for baking and started her own company during the COVID pandemic. Jessie loves being involved in the community and volunteering in any way possible. During her time at McMaster, Jessie was the co-president of the McMaster Varsity Athletic leadership committee and mental health executive as well. Jessie was also a part of the McMaster athlete care program, volunteering and helping the less fortunate in the Hamilton community!

In an interview with Jessie, we asked her, “What made you want to come work at EVP?” She responded with, “The main reason I wanted to come to EVP is to give back to the volleyball community! Throughout my journey, I have been greatly impacted by amazing coaches along the way, and I hope to one day be the coach for athletes I cross paths with”.

Ben Kerkhoff

EVP is extremely excited to welcome one of our newest elite volleyball players, Ben Kerkhoff. 

Ben is joining our team at EVP in a coaching position that will allow him to share his expertise and knowledge while giving a deeper insight into high-performance play. 

Ben has three years of high-level coaching experience, including 17u and 18u boys at MAC, while in the summer he coached Team Ontario. Ben has also represented Canada in the under 21 Beach World Championship in Thailand, and placed first in the Youth Beach Provincial Open. 

Ben is very excited to continue his coaching career and to help new players grow. Ben’s passion for volleyball is reflected in his professionalism and love for the game, which will prove to be a major benefit to our players. 

Outside of volleyball, Ben loves to spend time outdoors and enjoys relaxing with his family. Ben enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, and playing board games. Currently, Ben is going into his fourth year at McMaster University, where he is studying Honors Biology and Environmental Science with a minor in Business. Once Ben graduates, he hopes to go to teachers college and pursue a career as a teacher. 

In an interview with Ben, we asked why he wanted to become a part of EVP, in which he responded, “I choose to work at EVP because I heard it was a fun environment full of hard working coaches and athletes”.