Most Canadian volleyballers are well acquainted with the household names of Duerden, Grapentine, Koskie and Ruette; all members of our senior men’s national team. But there is a bumper crop of new Canadian faces just getting familiar with the world of international volleyball, and one of these young guns is Nova Scotia’s own 23-year-old Josh Muise. Hailing from Porter’s Lake – a small community outside Halifax – this 191cm outside hitter has played every level of volleyball imaginable including club, provincial team, beach, university, national team and now plays overseas. Fresh off helping Canada to their best finish in 20 years at the World Universiade Games in Korea, VNS recently had a chance to talk to Josh and ask him a variety of questions.

VNS: How did you first get involved in volleyball?

JM: The family moved to Porters Lake in 1994 and I immediately started looking for a club team to play on. I was fortunate to find the Lakers Volleyball Club and Joel D'eon who took me under his wing as a coach and taught me how to play.

VNS: What positions have you played in the past and what position do you play now?

JM: In high school I was an outside hitter as well as a setter. In university I played outside for my first two years, was the Libero for my third year, than returned to the outside for my last two years.

VNS: What is your volleyball history?

JM: I played for the Lakers from 1994 to 1997. I also played on the Volleyball Nova Scotia provincial team those same years and was lucky enough to make the 1997 Canada Games indoor team. I was recruited to Dalhousie University the next year and played there for five years. I also played beach volleyball at the 2001 Canada Games.

VNS: Describe your development as a player at the university level.

JM: Coming to a University team where I knew some of the players already made it very easy to mix with the team. Many of the older players pushed the younger guys and I think that really helped me develop at such a young age. My first year I was fortunate to be in the position where I was able to play a lot. This made me realize that I could play at the University level, and through out the years I was able to gain confidence as my level of play went up.

VNS: Who has had the greatest impact on you as a player?

JM: Jason Trepanier who is currently playing volleyball in Turkey had a large part in shaping me as a volleyball player. He was in his last year at Dal when I was in my first. The work ethic and level of play that he demanded has had an effect on the way I play the game today. Dan Ota, the current coach of the Dalhousie Men’s team and my head coach for four years had a dramatic impact on the way that my game has developed. I think that without Dan, I would not be in the position that I am in right now. The great Al Scott who brought me into the program, as well as Dal assistant coaches Aaron Nutting and Eric Villeneuve have all helped in my development. I also credit my ability to listen to these wise men, though just like any player I didn’t always listen, though now when I look back I really should of!

VNS: How did you get chosen to represent Canada on the A2 team and what was the tryout process like?

JM: The try out process was pretty gruelling actually, usually two training sessions per day on the court! The try outs were pretty stressful at time’s especially when Coach got around to the cuts, and you just hoped that you were would be able to stay on with the team and that if you kept working hard maybe you would make it. As well as stressful the training was exceptional because it really opened my eyes to what was expected of every individual that was on the team, and it really was a team! It was also fun as I was able to get to know guys that I have only ever stared at through the net.

VNS: What was it like to go to Daegu, Korea for the World Universiade Games?

JM: To get chosen for the FISU games was very exciting. It felt pretty overwhelming to be wearing my countries colours, and I think that the team did a great job of representing Canada at the FISU games!

VNS: How did you feel when you first pulled on the Canadian jersey?

JM: My first thought was, "these things are huge!" As the matches went on every time you put on the jersey you just knew that you were representing your country, and that your all was expected of you every time you touched the floor!

VNS: Talk about your experiences in Daegu.

JM: Daegu was one of the most memorable volleyball experiences I have ever had. There wasn’t a lot of culture shock as everyone in Daegu embraced us with open arms. The morning they did the bomb check at our practice was pretty interesting but other than that it was a great experience that I would love to have again…though I am still not back to eating rice yet!

VNS: Describe the experience of being part of a team in a multisport games?

JM: It was great. I was able to meet a lot of top-level Canadian athletes from different sports, rather than just getting to know the volleyball crowd that was there. It was great to have people from different sports come and show their support for our team, as we were also able to go and cheer on other team and individual events. It was really just one big team out there.

VNS: Where are you playing professionally and how did that happen?

JM: I am currently playing in the German 1st league, in a town call Bad Saulgau, and the team name is TSV Bad Saulgau. As a result of making the A2 squad, I got in touch with John Walsh who was able to get in contact with teams that were looking for power hitters. I then had a tryout in July with the team that I am currently with, and was able to sign a contract with them.

VNS: What do you do for fun when you're not at a practice or a game?

JM: Well I play a lot of guitar over here, and watch a couple of shows religiously on MTV as it is the only English channel that I am able to watch. I also watch a lot of movies on my laptop.

VNS: What role did Volleyball Nova Scotia play in your development as an elite player?

JM: Volleyball Nova Scotia allowed me to improve my game. When I entered University, I was able to develop as a player faster than some other individuals as a result of the training and instruction I received from the coaches of VNS.

Having already taken care of the his opponents provincially and nationally, Josh Muise has already set his sets on his next prize, world competition. World be warned!