Serving Greatness: JJ Love’s Path to the Maple Leaf

2025, a dream year for JJ Love.

On March 23, the Dauphin star pushed the Brandon Bobcats over the finish line as they won the school's first national championship in program history. They were also the first team since Laval in 2013 to win a national title on their home court.

In the final, JJ put together a legendary performance. He had five kills, hitting .500. He had seven digs, 40 assists, and one solo block. The Bobcats needed a big performance from their all-star setter, and they got so much more than that. He was named the Mikasa Player of the Game.

JJ is now 2,476 kilometres away from Dauphin in Gatineau, QC, where he will be for the next four months. He's with the Next Gen Team Canada roster. He'll continue to train with them ahead of the Pan American Cup.

"Yeah, it's been a really cool year. So many memories that I will cherish for a long time," said Love. "I'm also getting my first degree from Brandon this year. So that's another one checked off the bucket list."

The Volleyball Nations League (VNL). The top teams in the world are competing for a championship. Canada begins on home court in Quebec City, joined by Italy, France, Argentina, Germany, and Bulgaria. That's June 11 to 15. From June 25 to 29, Canada will be in Chicago. That's where their pool includes Poland, Brazil, Italy, the United States, and China.

One final week of competition ahead of the Finals takes place from July 15 to 20. The team will be in Slovenia. Competition includes Italy, Slovenia, Serbia, the Netherlands, and Ukraine.

Earlier this week, Team Canada announced its national team roster for VNL. 30 of the best in the country are ready to represent the Maple Leaf on the world stage. JJ made the roster. While only 12 make up a game day roster, making the roster of 30 is an incredible achievement.

Led by head coach Dan Lewis, it signifies what is to come. The Dauphin talent is one step closer to representing his country on the senior men's team.

"That's so cool to be named to that list, it's an honour," continued Love. "Just to be named to it is a great feeling."

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JJ will continue training in Gatineau with his teammates, and with week one of VNL being only a few weeks away, Team Canada will soon announce the roster that will hit the court in Quebec City. JJ is pleased with where he's at right now, but he knows there is no time to be complacent.

"It was definitely an awesome year. Coming out here and training with these levels of guys, it's an eye opener, a whole new level," added Love. "Things that I was doing in Brandon may not necessarily work as well here, because everyone can do it. It's very humbling, and it makes you hungry again. You want to keep working and getting better. There's a guy to take your spot if you aren't executing."

JJ takes immense pride in his work ethic. He's often the first one to arrive at the gym and the last one to leave. It's been like that since day one. He's had to work for every opportunity and has made the most of many.

As he continues to grind it out and make a name for himself on the international stage against the best of the best, JJ has his family right by his side.