Smash Raiders Volleyball Club Welcomes Matthew Schnarr as New Club Coach & Technical Director for Senior Teams
Smash Raiders Volleyball Club (SRVC) is proud to announce the appointment of Matthew Schnarr as the new Club Coach and Technical Director for Senior Teams. He will join Becky Zeeman, Club Coach and Technical Director for Junior Teams, who has been with the Club for several years. A seasoned leader in the volleyball community, Schnarr brings over two decades of coaching experience at the club, college, and national levels, along with an impressive record of success and a passion for athlete development.
Schnarr’s coaching philosophy is built on five core values — Passion, Unity, Competitiveness, Accountability, and Empowerment — principles that have guided him throughout his career and will continue to shape his work with SRVC athletes and coaches.
“I’ve been coaching for 20 years and decided it was time to take a leap of faith and make coaching my career,” said Schnarr. “I love to coach, and any way I can give back to the athletes and the sport that’s given me so much is an incredible opportunity.”
An Accomplished and Respected Leader
Schnarr’s extensive coaching résumé includes leadership roles with Team Canada’s Youth National Team Program, where he served as Head Coach in 2025 and Assistant Coach in 2024. At the provincial level, he has guided multiple Team Ontario programs, including medal-winning performances at national competitions.
In the college system, Schnarr’s success is equally impressive. As Head Coach of the Mohawk College Women’s and Men’s Volleyball Teams, he led his programs to numerous podium finishes, earning distinctions such as the 2025 Art King Award and the 2020 Laurie Cahill Mohawk College Head Coach of the Year Award. Most recently, he served as Interim Head Coach for the Conestoga College Women’s Volleyball Team, guiding them to a strong showing in the OCAA.
Schnarr has also been recognized with prestigious awards from the OVA, including the 2024 Ontario Volleyball Recognition Award, and 2023 Mike Bugarski Ontario Volleyball Male Coach of the Year, reflecting both his impact on the sport and his commitment to excellence.
Building on SRVC’s Culture of Excellence
Schnarr is no stranger to Smash Raiders, having coached within the club since 2021, leading several senior girls’ teams — including U18 Velocity, U18 Voltage, and U18 Boom currently — to strong provincial finishes and developing multiple athletes who went on to compete at the USPORT, CCAA, NCAA, and National Team levels.
Now, as Technical Director for Senior Teams, Schnarr looks forward to continuing that legacy.
“I’m most excited to work with athletes to help them grow both on and off the court,” he said. “I want to challenge them and leave them with an experience that enriches their lives. Being around the sport everyday fuels me, and I think it will be great for both myself, the athletes, and the club.”
A Lifelong Passion for the Game
Schnarr’s journey in volleyball began in high school, inspired by dedicated coaches who helped him discover his love for the sport. He went on to have a standout college playing career, winning national medals and earning numerous athletic and leadership awards, including being inducted as a 2023 Mohawk College Hall of Fame Athlete for both Badminton and Men’s Volleyball.
“My love for coaching started back in 2007,” he shared. “Working with coaches and athletes, seeing their growth as players and people — that’s what excites me. That’s where a lot of my own learning and growing happened.”
Among his favourite volleyball memories are winning a national bronze medal as a college athlete, his first championship victory as a coach in 2013, and the annual alumni days that bring former players together to compete and reconnect.
Why SRVC?
When asked what sets SRVC apart, Schnarr points to the club’s strong sense of community and commitment to growth.
“SRVC stands out because of its dedicated coaches and volunteers, and its commitment to expanding access to the sport — whether competitively or recreationally,” he said. “I’m excited to work with athletes of all skills and abilities to help them improve their knowledge and love for volleyball.”
Looking Ahead
With his experience, energy, and dedication to athlete development, Matthew Schnarr’s addition marks an exciting new chapter for Smash Raiders Volleyball Club. His leadership will strengthen SRVC’s programs and inspire the next generation of players and coaches to reach their full potential — both on and off the court.