Our European Volleyball Pro
NOTE–> “John Klanac has done it all. I coached him at Orchard Park High School and at the Power Station Volleyball Camps and Club; He starred at Ohio State University; He is playing Professional Volleyball in Europe – AND he is also one of our featured coaches at the Power Station Volleyball Camps. John represents an athlete who has been a camper, a high school great, a collegiate All American, a Pro volleyball player, and a camp coach!”
(Walt Stefani – Camp Director)
John Klanac
John Klanac began his volleyball career at Orchard Park High School, under the direction of co-coaches Walt Stefani and Matt Lexner, where he contributed significantly as team leader to a record of 31-4 and was honored as the Maroon Key Award Winner (Most Valuable Player) in 2005. He was also selected to the All Western New York Squad twice and was named by Volleyball Magazine as U.S.A. Fab 50.
John’s playing ability attracted NCAA Division 1 schools, and subsequently, he signed with The Ohio State University on a volleyball scholarship. The highlight of his OSU career was winning the prestigious NCAA Division 1 Men’s Volleyball Championship in 2011 (the first NCAA title for volleyball at OSU). He was honored as an All American in 2011, and graduated that year with a B.S. in History.
Since then, John has played European Professional Volleyball in Germany, Finland, Belgium,and Bahrain. While playing on the Finland professional team, he led the team to win the Gold Medal at the Finnish Professional Championship.
“Volleyball has always been a big art of my life, and it all started in Orchard Park High School and the Power Station Volleyball Club,” says John. “Playing NCAA Division 1, and then, internationally, has been a whole new experience for me, learning a completely different level of volleyball.”
European volleyball is fun and challenging, and the coaches are exceptional teachers, promoting the fast-paced, more technical European style of volleyball. Playing in Germany, Finland, and Belgium opened the door to many new friendships for John. His latest venture in Bahrain has been a new challenge in volleyball, and has also introduced John to a new Arabic culture with all of its intricacies, food, architecture, and traditions.
John advises young athletes to set goals and work hard to achieve those goals, whether it is getting stronger, or setting your sights on a specific skill and mastering it. He reflects upon his experiences, “Being able to make a living while still playing the sport that I love is really a dream come true! Make it your dream too!”
In 2016, John founded JAK Active. JAK Active is a full service performance training company that offers essential clinics and training from the elite athlete, to the weekend warrior and beginner looking to improve overall health and nutrition. JAK Active will guide you on your journey to optimal individual goals in a positive and nurturing setting.(http://www.jakactive.com)
Below are added Photos of John. Take a look!