York Lions volleyball teammates Adam Podstawka and Reid Hall recently qualified to represent Canada at the under-21 World Beach Volleyball Championship in Italy later this year. At the Volleyball Canada World Championship Selection Camp held March 19, the duo was selected to represent Canada for the third time. Over the three-day evaluation, the athletes were put through a series of physical tests, competition training and a qualifying tournament.
Right: Adam Podstawka
The under-21 World Beach Volleyball Championship will be held in Modena, Italy, Sept. 5 to 8.
Two years ago, Podstawka and Hall finished fourth at the worlds. It was the highest Canadian finish at the championship in any age division. Last year, the second-year Lions duo won gold at the under-20 Canadian Beach Volleyball Championship. Prior to that, they claimed gold at the 2005 under-18 Canadian Beach Volleyball Championship.
Left: Reid Hall
In his first season at York, Podstawka was named to the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) all-rookie team. Last year, the tandem combined for 215 points. Hall led the Lions in assists with 369, while Podstawka finished second on the squad averaging 1.7 digs per game. After posting a 14-6 regular season record, York fell in five sets in the OUA semifinal to the eventual OUA Champion Queen’s Golden Gaels.