Defending U SPORTS champion T-Birds enter new season third in coaches poll

Oct. 17, 2024 – The wait is over. Canada West women’s volleyball returns to the court tomorrow night.

Fans can buckle up for another fascinating year of drama, as multiple programs enter 2024-25 with national championship aspirations.

The conference lived up to its reputation as a national powerhouse last season, with Canada West programs claiming gold, silver and bronze at U SPORTS nationals.

Perhaps no team enters with higher expectations than Manitoba, the reigning Canada West conference champions and the 2025 U SPORTS national championship host.

The Bisons are coming off their first Canada West championship in program history, defeating UBC in an instant classic of a CW Final. The Herd went on to claim bronze at nationals, and will have their sights set on earning a national title on their home floor.

Third-year left side Raya Surinx will be key to Manitoba’s championship hopes. The reigning U SPORTS Player of the Year can hit from all six positions on the court, as evidenced by her 388 kills a year ago, which led the nation. She enters the season just 139 career kills away from 1,000 as a Bison.

Standing in their path will be the back-to-back national champions UBC Thunderbirds. The T-Birds are coming off another national championship that saw them defeat rival Alberta in last year’s national final. The team placed third in the pre-season coaches poll, also garnering three first place votes.

Despite some roster turnover, look for fourth year outside hitter Lucy Borowski to continue her dominance. The Vancouver product led the T-Birds in kills, total attacks, assists and points last year. With many of her veteran teammates having graduated, Borowski’s leadership on and off the court will be key to the young team’s performance.

After a magical ride to the national final last year, an upstart Alberta program will look to take another step forward. The Pandas finished second in this year’s coaches poll, gaining two first place nods. All eyes will be on Abby Guezen after a tremendous freshman campaign, as the Pandas Volleyball Club product was named both Canada West and U SPORTS Rookie of the Year.

While Manitoba, UBC and Alberta enter as favourites, the parity of the conference remains at an all-time high. The talent out west is formidable, as British Columbia based programs comprised spots three through seven in the coaches poll, including Trinity Western (4th), Thompson Rivers (5th), Fraser Valley (6th) and UBC Okanagan (7th).

The regular season runs through Feb. 15, with playoffs starting on Feb. 21. The postseason will culminate in a “Final Four” format beginning March 8.

Fans can catch all the action on CanadaWest.TV, which now allows fans to watch games on popular Connected TV apps like Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Roku. Regular season sport passes are available for $39.99.

For the complete Canada West women’s volleyball schedule, click here.

To view CW women’s volleyball history and records, click here.

2024-25 CW WVB PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 

Team – Points (First-place votes)

Team by Team Previews

Manitoba Bisons

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #1

From the coach: “We are returning our roster for the 2024-25 season and are looking to be amongst the top teams in our conference and the country.” -Head Coach Ken Bentley

Key Performer: Raya Surinx
​Left Side
​3rd Year
​Hometown: Winnipeg, Man.

Third-year left side Raya Surinx enters 2024-25 fresh off a second straight summer representing Team Canada in multiple international tournaments. The reigning U SPORTS Player of the Year can hit from all six positions on the court, as evidenced by her 388 kills a year ago, which led the nation. ​
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​Surinx – the youngest student-athlete in school history to be named Player of the Year – enters the season just 139 career kills away from 1,000 as a Bison. In doing so, she’d become only the second roster member in the modern era to reach 1,000.

Alberta Pandas

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #2

From the coach: “After a second place finish nationally last year, we are looking to continue momentum and be a top Canada West team this season. We had four athletes compete on national teams this summer, including the reigning rookie of the year Abby Guezen who competed with the Next Gen team. We are looking forward to a successful season.” -Head Coach Carolyn O’Dwyer

Key Performer: Abby Guezen
​Outside Hitter
​2nd Year
​Hometown: Sherwood Park, Alta.

One of the most highly anticipated recruits in program history, Abby Guezen did not disappoint in her first season at the UofA. The Pandas Volleyball Club product was named both Canada West and U SPORTS Rookie of the Year, leading the Pandas to a CW bronze medal, and a national silver. ​
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​Having spent the summer competing with Volleyball Canada, expectations will only be higher for Guezen and the talented Pandas this year.

UBC Thunderbirds

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #3

From the coach: “Despite graduating key players in the past two years we still have a lot of experience and potential so I believe that we can challenge the top teams in the league. In addition to graduation we have lost some key players to injury as well and so that opens up opportunities for other players to contribute. Along with some of the other teams, we have a tough schedule and we will be challenged so I am looking forward to see how well we learn to compete as a group.” -Head Coach Doug Reimer

Key Performer: Lucy Borowski
​Outside Hitter
​4th Year
​Hometown: Vancouver, B.C.

A first team Canada West All-Star and a second team All-Canadian in 2023-24, Borowski took her game to yet another level at the U SPORTS National Championship where she helped the Thunderbirds secure a second straight title while being named tournament MVP.

Now into her fourth season with the blue and gold, Borowski led the T-Birds last year in kills, total attacks, assists and points. With many of UBC’s veteran players having graduated, Borowski’s leadership on and off the court will be key to the young team’s performance.

Trinity Western Spartans

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #4

From the coach: “We are excited and optimistic returning a large part of our core from last season while adding key positional and depth players. We know that the Canada West season can be a grind so to have many players looking to provide an impact will help us navigate our schedule and help get us back to the National tournament this season.” -Head Coach Ryan Hofer

Key Performer: Kaylee Plouffe
​Middle
​4th Year
​Hometown: Sherwood Park, Alta.

There are not too many middles who can impact the game and take over a game – but Kaylee can. Offensively and blocking she has been dominant for multiple seasons, and her serve and back court defence are ultra reliable. She is an anchor for what should be a very competitive TWU team.

Thompson Rivers WolfPack

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #5

From the coach: “After sneaking into the playoffs last year, we return largely the same group with a few additions that add to our depth. With some internal improvement to couple with these additions, this group is looking to make some further strides this season.” -Head Coach Chad Grimm

Key Performer: Brooklyn Olfert
​Outside Hitter
​4th Year
​Hometown: Winnipeg, Man.

A Canada West Second Team All-Star last season, Brooklyn Olfert is once again looking to lead a potent WolfPack attack. The product of Winnipeg finished second in kills (318) and third in kills-per-set (3.57) in the conference last year. A dynamic attacker, Olfert tallied three of the top five high-kill games in the conference – including breaking the 23-kill mark on three seperate occasions.
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​Olfert and the ‘Pack made a return to the CW postseason last year and graduated just one player from that squad.

Fraser Valley Cascades

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Key Performer: Lauren Attieh
​Outside Hitter
​4th Year
​Hometown: Surrey, B.C.

After a strong 2023-24 season, Lauren Attieh will be a driving force behind the Cascades offense this year. Attieh brings a summer of experience with the Volleyball Canada Next Gen team, and will hope to use that to power a Cascades team that had its best program finish last year.

UBC Okanagan Heat

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #7

From the coach: “Heat women’s volleyball has a great balance of returning veterans and key additions this season. Former CW & U SPORTS Rookie of the Year Amaya Perry returns for her final season. Transfers such as Olivia Boulding and Kylan Finseth will add depth and will be looked upon to fill in some key graduates from 2023-24.” -Head Coach Steve Manuel

Key Performer: Amaya Perry
​Outside Hitter
​5th Year
​Hometown: Chin, Alta.

Returning for her fifth and final season with the Heat, Perry will be relied upon to lead a revamped Heat lineup back to the Canada West playoffs. One the best to ever suit up for UBCO, the outside hitter enters the season chasing down a number of school records, including sets played, kills, aces and points.

Winnipeg Wesmen

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #8

From the coach: “The Wesmen return the majority of their 2023-24 roster and will hope to continue to be one of the top defensive teams in the CW league.” -Head Coach Phil Hudson

Key Performer: Selva Planincic
​Right Side
​4th Year
​Hometown: Winnipeg, Man.

The No. 1-ranked player in Manitoba coming out of high school, Selva Planincic has become one of the top players in the conference and, in 2023-24, led or was near the top of nearly all significant statistical categories for the Wesmen. With her at her best, the Wesmen have a top attacker and defensive presence as well as a leader for a team that aspires to take a playoff step this season.

Mount Royal Cougars

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #9

From the coach: “During the 2024-25 season, the Mount Royal University women’s volleyball program will be looking to build on the momentum they created at the end of last year. With multiple key players returning to this year’s squad we hope to build off of the valuable game experience they had during last season. The key to our success this season will be in our weekly preparation along with our tenacious fight to put consistently strong performances back to back.” -Head Coach Rhonda Schmuland

Key Performer: Emma Boyd
​Middle
​4th Year
​Hometown: Whitehorse, Yukon

Emma Boyd is the heart and soul of the MRU women’s volleyball team. From her play on the court to her compassion off the court, she has proven to be the ultimate teammate. After leading her team in kills and points, Emma was named a member of Team Canada’s Next Gen program. The team is excited to see what she learned this summer and can bring to a new look Cougars team.

Calgary Dinos

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #10

From the coach: “With a young core returning, and some impactful new players in the roster, the team is looking energetic and competitive. The key to our success is being flexible and adaptable to maximize our strengths.” -Head Coach Christine Biggs

Key Performer: Daisy Olsen
​Outside Hitter ​
​3rd Year
​Hometown: Airdrie, Alta.

Daisy Olsen heads into her third year as one of the key returners for the Dinos for the 2024-25 season. A Canada West All-Rookie selection two years ago, the offence clearly went through Olsen last year – tallying over 100 more attacks than the next Dino. With a number of fresh faces on this year’s squad, Olsen will certainly be leaned upon for her leadership on a squad that features just one fourth year and zero fifth years.

Saskatchewan Huskies

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #11

From the coach: “We have a fairly young group this year with some size and physicality. Our goal this year will be to continue to get better as the year progresses and learn how to win in the Canada West!” -Head Coach Mark Dodds

Key Performer: Keely Anderson
​Outside Hitter
​4th Year
​Hometown: Outlook, Sask.

Keely is in her second year with the program and is looking to settle in to a role on the left side. She brings some experience, athleticism, and a powerful arm to the court as she looks to help lead the Huskies back to a playoff birth.

MacEwan Griffins

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #12

From the coach: “The Griffins are looking to improve from their playoff berth last season. With veteran leadership, the Griffs look to take another step in the difficult Canada West Conference.” -Head Coach Chris Wandler

Key Performer: Payton Shimoda
​Setter
​4th Year
​Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.

Coming off a season where she finished third in the conference in assists/set (9.70) – setting a MacEwan program record – the veteran setter proved she’s among the best in Canada West at the position.

The Griffins’ team captain and offensive quarterback brings her high volleyball IQ, deception and strong ability in distribution to set up a balanced attack on a team that’s looking to return to the Canada West playoffs and contend in 2024-25.

Regina Cougars

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #13

Key Performer: Devyn Grimsrud
​Middle
​4th Year
​Hometown: Buena Vista, Sask.

Devyn Grimsrud will again be looked upon to take on a leadership role for the Regina Cougars this season. Now in her fourth season of eligibility, Grimsrud was second on the team last year with 115 kills and had a team-leading 52 blocks while playing in 20 of the U of R’s 24 Canada West matches.

Brandon Bobcats

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #14

From the coach: “The key to our team being successful this season will be a strong showing from our senior setter Carly Thomson, as well as senior OH Avery Burgar. If our team can work hard on our offence this year, improve on our efficiencies as attackers, we can be better than last season.” -Head Coach Kailan Robinson

Key Performer: Nerissa Dyer
​Middle
​3rd Year
​Hometown: Black Rock, Barbados

As soft spoken as Nerissa Dyer is, the Barbados product has let her play speak for her. The third year middle has continually improved her play year-after-year. After leading the team in blocks and hitting percentage last year, Dyer’s role should increase in the 2024-25 season.