Manitoban sending Canada back to the Olympics

 It was the biggest serve of Eric Loeppky’s life, as that match point secured a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics next summer for Team Canada.

Canada was victorious over Mexico in its final game of the men’s Olympic Qualification Tournament in China, and the Manitoban outside hitter led the charge, scoring 16 points in the final match. 

“It’s surreal man. I still can’t believe it. I have to pinch myself every day I wake up and I’m like, ‘Man, I’m going to be an Olympian. I’m going to Paris next year,’” said Loeppky.

Growing up, Loeppky says it was always his dream to play on the national team and go to the Olympics – a dream that is coming to fruition.

“As a kid, that is always kind of the pinnacle of every sport. As I learned more about the game and actually made volleyball a career, I said there were some cool things you can do with pro, but I think the Olympics have always been the end all, be all for the national team,” he explained.

It wasn’t an easy road to get where he is now. In 2021, Loeppky was one of two Canadian players released when national teams were required to cut down their rosters from 14 to 12 players for the Olympic tournament.

“From the previous Olympics not making the squad, to this time being an integral part of being qualifying for Paris – it’s incredible. Absolutely incredible,” said Michael Stephens, Eric’s club coach from 2013-2016.

Stephens says Eric is a generational player that doesn’t come around often, and makes it special that he is from Manitoba.

“You always knew Eric was going to be special and was special based on his physicality and what he could do. How far he could go, I wasn’t sure. That humility, the constant learner has made him to who he is,” said Stephens.

Stefan Lavallee played volleyball with Eric for several years, and always knew he would go far.

“He was always a dominant player, even from a young age. He always had the potential and I think his work ethic has shown where he is able to get, and I’m not really surprised that he is at the level he is right now,” said Levallee.

Loeppky’s career really took off when he played volleyball at Steinbach Regional Secondary School, where he led the team to its first provincial ‘AAAA’ volleyball championship in 2014.

“I think it’s inspirational to players in this community that are working towards potentially doing something similar,” said Amy Toews, phys ed teacher at Steinbach Regional Secondary School.

Loeppky says it’s important not to give up when things don’t go your way.

“Go chase your dreams. I took a lot of leaps in my career, just going for things and trying new stuff, so don’t be afraid to fail.”