As announced by Volleyball Canada, University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's volleyball head coach John Barrett will once again return as an assistant with the Canadian Men's Next Gen team this summer.

"I really enjoy working with high level athletes who are willing to put themselves out there," said Barrett. "The Next Gen team is literally what it says - the next generation of volleyball players who will be competing for a spot on national teams at World Championships, Volleyball Nations League (VNL), or ultimately Olympic Games. There is truly no greater honour than for an athlete to be able to represent their country."

Barrett was announced alongside fellow assistants Matthew Harris, Scott Koskie, and Grant Wilson, all set to serve under Volleyball Canada Next Gen head coach Dave Preston.

Last summer Barrett helped the Canadian Next Gen team earn gold at the NORCECA Men's Pan American Volleyball Cup. The team will look for a repeat performance at the 2025 Pan Am Cup, scheduled to take place in Mexico from August 24 to September 1.

"For me, it is my way of giving back to a sport that has offered me amazing experiences and incredible lifelong memories," added Barrett. "The grind of the summer training is really an opportunity for these young athletes to invest in themselves in every way. It's tough, but it's worth it."

Following his time assisting with the national program this summer, Barrett will begin his 15^th season as head coach of the Varsity Blues men's volleyball program this fall. A two-time OUA coach of the year and U SPORTS coach of the year during the 2019-20 campaign, Barrett has amassed over 125 OUA regular season victories, while leading U of T to three provincial medals and three U SPORTS national championship appearances.