Jan. 23, 2024: Former athlete and current Volleyball Canada Men’s Next Gen coach Dan Lewis has been named the head coach of Alterna Stade Poitevin, based in Poitiers, France.

Lewis, who played professionally in Europe for many years and was a libero for the Canadian National Team until 2016, has more recently been an assistant coach for Canada’s Men’s National Team, including at the Tokyo Olympics, as well as Next Gen head coach. In 2023, he led Canada to a gold medal at the NORCECA Pan Am Cup, and guided the National Excellence Program, among other achievements.

The French club announced the news on Sunday.

"I’m looking forward to the challenge of the rigorous competitive environment of professional volleyball and blending that with my development role in this country," explains Lewis. “I always knew that coaching a professional team is something I wanted to do, and my goal is to create an atmosphere where athletes can compete at a high level and thrive. Volleyball Canada has given me the opportunity to grow as a coach and have some incredible mentors, including (former head coaches) Glenn Hoag and Stephane Antiga.”

Lewis will split his time between France and Canada. He will continue to work with the men’s Next Gen Program, which is based in Gatineau, Quebec.

"Dan has been a key member of our coaching team since he retired as a player," said Julien Boucher, Volleyball Canada High Performance Director (Indoor). "We wish him the best in his new role as he brings his experience and energy to Poitiers."

The club in Poitiers has a long history of Canadian content, including former playing greats Gino Brousseau, Paul Duerden and Fred Winters, among others.

Lewis’s contract as head coach of the French club is until the end of the 2026 season.
 

Volleyball Canada Media Contact:
Jackie Skender
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