MVB: John and Hill to 2025 represent Canada at TeamUp Cup

Two standout athletes from the Mount Royal University (MRU) men’s volleyball team, Ryan John and Grant Hill, are set to embark on an international journey that transcends competition. They will represent MRU and Canada at the 2025 TeamUp Cup in Loma Plata, Paraguay, from May 1–12. The TeamUp Cup is more than a tournament—it’s a transformative experience focused on service, cultural exchange, and leadership through sport.

John and Hill, known for their athletic prowess on the court, will join players from across Canada to compete in a high-level international volleyball tournament. But beyond spiking balls and digging sets, they’ll engage in a deeper mission: serving the local Paraguayan community through sport clinics, youth mentorship, and building projects alongside TeamUp’s local partner, Deporvida.

Now in its second year for men’s volleyball, the TeamUp Cup has seen participation from other U SPORTS powerhouses like Trinity Western and Brandon. In 2025, MRU makes its debut as part of the Canada Plays team, facing off against top South American talent in a tournament that blends intense international competition with heartfelt impact work.

Throughout the trip, Ryan John and Grant Hill will step far outside the typical boundaries of student-athlete life. The itinerary includes running volleyball clinics for children in underserved communities, contributing to hands-on building projects, and serving alongside local leaders and organizations rooted in Loma Plata’s faith and sport culture.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’ll be a great experience that will hopefully shape me as a person.” John said before heading off to Paraguay. John and Hill will be challenged to reflect daily, grow
through unfamiliar experiences, and connect with teammates and locals in ways that last far beyond the final serve.

The 12-day journey includes debriefs and journaling that prompt reflection on joy, inspiration, and challenges. Participants are encouraged to ask themselves: What does stepping out of my comfort zone look like? Who impacted me today? How did I grow?

This immersive experience not only strengthens bonds between Canadian and South American volleyball players but also builds bridges across cultures and communities. It also plants seeds of leadership and service in young athletes like John and Hill, who will return to MRU with a renewed perspective on the power of sport to unify and uplift.