As Tyler Koslowsy returns to school this week, he will have a silver medal to show off.
The Trinity Western Spartans second-year libero earned the medal while representing Canada on the junior national volleyball team. The team was competing at NORCECA's men's under-21 Continental Championship in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Canada went 4-1 with their lone loss coming against the United States (5-0) in the gold-medal match.
The U.S. won 3-1 (26-24,25-17,23-25,25-21) in the finals on Sept. 1.
The Canadians were the only team to take a set off the Americans.
"USA was great today and Coach (Peter) Hanson and his staff did a great job preparing his team as always,” said Canadian head coach David Preston.
“Our guys did well today, and the players coming off the bench provided a lift. We came up a little short – not because of a lack of effort but more of what the USA did. Canadian volleyball made a big step forward today because of these 12 guys on the court."
Koslowsky, who helped the Spartans win the Canadian Interuniversity Sport national title last year, finished the tournament with 38 digs, including an impressive 14 against Mexico in the semifinals.
Now that he is back with Trinity Western's men's team, Koslowsky and his teammates will prepare for the U23 Pan American Cup. The tournament runs Sept. 25 to 30 at the Langley Events Centre.