Tuomas Sammelvuo resigns as head coach of Canada’s men’s volleyball team

By The Canadian Press on November 22, 2024.

Canada coach Tuomas Sammelvuo looks towards his players during Volleyball Nations League action against the USA, in Ottawa, on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Tuomas Sammelvuo has resigned as head coach of Canada's men's volleyball team. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Tuomas Sammelvuo has resigned as head coach of Canada’s men’s volleyball team,

Volleyball Canada announced Sammelvuo’s departure in a release Friday and said he and his wife recently welcomed a new baby, which influenced the decision.

Sammelvuo was named the men’s team head coach in 2022.

He helped the team finish second in its pool at a 2023 qualification tournament and successfully punch its ticket for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Canada finished 10th at the Paris Games and also reached the Volleyball Nations League quarterfinals last year.

Originally from Finland, Sammelvuo is currently the head coach of the Polish professional team Asseco Resovia.

Sammelvuo was previously the head coach of the Finnish national team and led Russia to 2019 Volleyball Nations League gold and a silver at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

“It is with a heavy heart that I’ve made the decision to step down as head coach of Team Canada,” said Sammelvuo in thanking his players and staff.

“We’ve had two great years together “¦ you have been a fantastic team to coach. I never needed to coach attitude or energy levels. That’s why it was so great to be in the gym with this team. Wins and losses fade away, but relationships last forever, and that’s what made this decision so difficult.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2024.