Swift Current Comp Senior Colts volleyball star Braedon Friesen sits among the nation's best players in his age group.

The SHSAA provincial gold medalist earned himself a spot on Team Canada's men's Junior National Team.

The towering left side hitter from Swift Current will be one of 16 players coached by João Paulo Bravo (Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil), who is currently playing and coaching with the Arkas Izmir Club in Turkey.

Also on the men's JNT coach staff are assistant coaches Adam Simac (Ottawa, ON) and Shayne White (Waterloo, ON).

Despite cracking a spot on the 16-man roster, work remains for the 6-foot-6 Friesen this summer.

The team will be focused on the U21 Norceca Championships (July 8-16) in Managua, Nicaragua, before trimming down to 12 players for the U21 Continental Championships in Havana, Cuba (August 25 - Sept 2).

Friesen will also be continuing his volleyball career at the post-secondary level when he joins the University of Alberta Golden Bears next season.

The Golden Bears are coached by former JNT player, and current 25-year head coach Terry Danyluk. Danyluk has led Edmonton-based university to five national championships.