Former Muenster standout joins Shizuoka Arrows after standout NCAA career
A new chapter has begun in the volleyball career of Skylar Varga.
After wrapping up an impressive collegiate career at California State University, Long Beach, the former Humboldt product has graduated, signed his first professional contract in Japan and continues to represent Canada on the international stage with the senior men’s national volleyball team.
According to his father, Darren Varga, the transition from college standout to professional athlete has come quickly, but not unexpectedly.
“It’s kind of cool,” Darren said. “He’s going there to play the Volleyball Nations League, and then after that he’ll be heading back home before going to Japan to play professionally.”
Varga has signed with the Shizuoka Arrows, where he will begin his professional career following Canada’s international commitments this summer.
Strong finish to collegiate career
Varga capped his final NCAA season by helping Long Beach State to another successful campaign.
The Beach secured the top seed heading into the Big West Championship after defeating UC Irvine late in the regular season before knocking off Hawaii to capture the conference title.
Long Beach advanced to the NCAA semifinals, where it once again met Hawaii. This time Hawaii came away with the victory before eventually winning the national championship.
Despite the semifinal loss, Darren Varga said the season exceeded expectations for a squad relying heavily on young talent.
“They had four rookies on the floor most of the year,” he said. “They ended up having a really good season considering how much inexperience they had.”
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Representing Canada on the world stage
Since completing his university career, Varga has remained a key member of Canada’s senior men’s national team.
Canada opened the Volleyball Nations League schedule in Ottawa before travelling to Slovenia. This week the team is competing in the tournament’s final preliminary round in Osaka, Japan, against many of the world’s top volleyball nations.
The annual Volleyball Nations League features 16 of the world’s highest-ranked teams and plays an important role in international rankings leading toward Olympic qualification.
Darren said the timing has made for a unique introduction to Varga’s future home.
Because Varga had already signed with the Shizuoka Arrows, representatives from the Japanese club welcomed him upon his arrival, giving him an opportunity to become familiar with the organization and the country before reporting for his first professional season this fall.
Olympic qualification still the goal
Following the Volleyball Nations League, Canada’s focus will shift to the NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship in New Brunswick later this summer.
The tournament serves as a key step in Canada’s pursuit of Olympic qualification.
After the national team completes its international schedule, Varga will head back to Japan to begin his rookie professional season with the Shizuoka Arrows.
Fans hoping to follow his journey with Team Canada may be able to catch upcoming Volleyball Nations League matches on CBC Gem, which is expected to carry games from the tournament in addition to coverage available through the Volleyball Nations League streaming service.