Meet McMaster’s new head coach!
* CONGRATULATIONS! *
Congratulations to MAC 18U Titanium Head Coach Brad Douwes on being named Head Coach for The McMaster Marauders Men’s Volleyball team.
"We are thrilled to announce Brad as the next head coach of our men's volleyball program," said Shawn Burt, Director of Athletics and Recreation at McMaster. "Brad is a rising star in the Canadian volleyball landscape and his athlete-centred approach to coaching aligns with our vision for delivering high performance sport."
Douwes, a Hamilton local, led the Redeemer Royals men's volleyball team from 2013 to 2021.
During his time with the Royals, Douwes was named the 2017 OCAA Men's Volleyball Coach of the Year and, the following season, was recognized as the 2018 OCAA Men's Volleyball West Division Coach of the Year. He also guided the men's volleyball team to three OCAA medals, locking in a second-place national ranking during the 2012-13 season. Douwes then left Redeemer and subsequently joined the Marauders men's volleyball coaching staff for the 2021-22 season as an assistant coach under Dave Preston.
Brad Douwes played at Redeemer from 2006 to 2010 where he led the Royals to their first Division I medal in program history in 2009-10. He was a two-time Academic All-Canadian, an OCAA All-Star every season (including three as a First Team All-Star) as well as Redeemer 's MVP in both 2008/09 and 2009/10. He closed out his varsity career with an OCAA bronze medal in his senior year. He graduated with an honours degree in kinesiology and psychology before completing a Master of Arts in Coaching and Athletic Administration at Concordia University Irvine.
While coaching at Redeemer, Douwes also took over the reigns of the Royals' women's volleyball program in 2014, a position he held for seven seasons.
In addition to coaching collegiate volleyball, Douwes also has extensive experience with Team Ontario. Beginning as a Regional Program Head Coach in 2017 and 2018, Douwes then became an assistant coach with Team Ontario Red in 2019 before being elevated to Head Coach for both the 2020 and 2022 seasons. This year, he has taken over bench boss duties for Team Ontario Black.
"I am incredibly humbled and honoured to be named the next head coach of the McMaster Marauders Men's Volleyball Program," said Douwes. "I'm excited to start building relationships with the student-athletes and working with them to create a positive and supportive team environment that allows everyone to be successful in the classroom and on the court."
"McMaster University is an incredible place for both students and staff. I'm looking forward to contributing to the culture and mission of the department, creating an exceptional student-athlete experience, and building on this team's history of on-court excellence."
Douwes will assume the role of men's volleyball head coach immediately.
"My wife April and I, along with our son, Arie, are so excited for the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the McMaster Marauders family and we're looking forward to seeing what the future at McMaster has in store!"
The McMaster Marauders will begin training camp in September with their first OUA regular season contest scheduled for Saturday November 4th against the Toronto Varsity Blues in Burridge Gymnasium.
What an accomplishment! We wish you all the best.
