KAMLOOPS – Martin Korsbak, a 6’8″ middle from Fredericia, Denmark, who played on the Danish Junior National Team and has recently been chosen to the Danish Senior National Team, will suit up with the WolfPack’s men’s volleyball team this fall.
WolfPack head coach Patrick Hennelly is excited about his new recruit.
“Martin is a very significant addition to our program,” he said. “The middle position in the CIS demands that the player possess size and agility. This is obviously hard to find, and adding a big middle to our team for 2006 was a top priority. Martin Korsbak will give us a presence in the middle position and will make our blocking and defence significantly better.
“This is a big piece of the puzzle and I am glad that we could finally work out a deal with Martin to come and play Volleyball for TRU,” added Hennelly. “I coached his coach, Chad Grimm, and it provides a sense of comfort and confidence getting Chad’s first-hand opinion about Martin on and off the court.”
Grimm, currently head volleyball coach for the Middelfart Volleyball Klub, had commented that “After coaching Martin Korsbak this season, I can say he will undoubtedly make an immediate impact by bringing size and a willingness to work every day. He is a young player that can dominate at the net and is a devastating blocker when on top of his game.
Martin will no doubt make a huge impact in the Canada West this season, Grimm, who coached Korsbak for the past two seasons in the elite division in Denmark in competition with older and more experienced players than he will see in Canada, said, “Practicing every day against solid, experienced players helped him to improve a lot and gain experience. He has also been a part of big matches, having just come off a silver medal performance in the national tournament as a starting middle blocker. Being recently selected to the senior national team, Martin will gain valuable international and big game experience this summer against some of the top countries in Europe.”
Danish National Team coach and former USA National Team and NCAA head coach with Stanford University, Fred Sturm, also had praise for Korsbak.
“Martin is one of the most improved players in the Danish elite league this year. He is a guy who can develop into important national team player. Martin is very mature for his age, has a great work ethic and is a dedicated athlete. I feel that as Martin matures physically he could make an impact in the NCAA. TRU is getting a great player.”
TRU athletic director Ken Olynyk notes that Korsbak will join two other international students, Behlul Yavasgel of Turkey and Robin Schoebel, on TRU’s home court this year.
“I like the direction that the men’s volleyball program is taking and feel that our international scholarship and international school have already benefited athletics and will continue to benefit athletics in the future,” he said.
The 21-year-old Dane, who has completed his two years of mandatory military service in his home country, is now looking to pursue a degree in the sciences. He’ll arrive in Kamloops in late August to get oriented and meet his new coach and teammates.
For further information please contact:
Patrick Hennelly by email
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