Jordan Canham selected for a spot in U Sports Top 8 Academic All-Canadian

Jordan Canham was selected as one of U Sports Top 8 Academic All-Canadians for his academic achievements and his career with the University of Alberta Golden Bears volleyball team.  

Canham graduated from the U of A in 2023 with two degrees — one in kinesiology and one in education — and played outside for the Golden Bears volleyball team. In 2023, he was named U Sports Top 8 Academic All-Canadian and the Canada West Male Athlete of the Year. He is the ninth U of A athlete to win Athlete of the Year.

For student-athletes to achieve All-Canadian status, they have to maintain an average of at least 80 per cent over the academic year while competing in a varsity sports team. From the 4,900 athletes who achieved this feat in the 2022-23 school year, U Sports chose eight honourees. Canham is the 13th U of A student-athlete to earn this recognition.

“It’s not something I expected at all. University was quite the roller coaster with both academics and athletics. I couldn’t have done it without the help of all my teammates and coaches,” Canham said.

Canham became a starter for the Bears in second-year

According to Canham, he started volleyball at 14, but began pursuing it “diligently” at 16. He became a starter for Bears volleyball in his second-year at the U of A. At 17, coach Terry Danyluk reached out to Canham to visit Uof A and because of this he pursued the Golden Bears Volleyball team.

“The coaches and campus were great and it’s a pretty renowned university,” Canham said.

In his last year, Canham led the Bears to a 22-2 conference record. He was the nation’s leading outside hitter with 49 aces, setting a new single-season record for the Bears. 

Canham said the efforts of his teammates and coaches allowed him to get to where he is now. 

“All the coaches genuinely wanted the best for me, and helped me try to pursue my goals. They really helped me get to where I’m at today,” Canham said.

Canham is currently playing professional volleyball in Turkey

Canham is currently part of the Arkas Spor Club in Izmir, Turkey. He is the backup opposite to Georg Grozer and is playing under head coach Glenn Hoag. Hoag previously coached the Canadian National Team in 2006.

“There’s 14 players on the team. I’m the backup opposite behind one of the best opposites in the world. I’m grateful to be learning from him and the head coach,” Canham said. 

Looking back at his time with the Bears, Canham reminisced on winning nationals in 2022 with the team. 

“It was just a blast playing with those guys. I wouldn’t say winning in itself was the best part. Just the process of growing together as a team and being able to play in that final game was quite the joy.”