Familiar Faces Walker and Van Staalduinen Team Up To Coach Excalibur Women’s Volleyball

Colin Walker, a seasoned coach with over 30 years of experience, is set to lead the Excalibur Women’s Volleyball team as the Head Coach, while Rebecca Van Staalduinen takes the reins as Associate Head Coach for the 2023/24 season. 

Walker is no stranger to the Athletics Centre, having coached the men’s team last year before taking up the dual role. 

“This is an excellent opportunity to align and grow both programs together,” said Walker, expressing his excitement for the new challenge.

He brings with him an impressive track record, having coached the uOttawa men’s volleyball program and Volleyball Canada’s National Youth Team in 2016 and 2017. 

Van Staalduinen, a familiar face in the Excalibur volleyball community, has been with the team for over ten years. She played as a student-athlete from 2010-2014 and transitioned into the assistant coach position after graduation. In the previous season, she served as the interim head coach and will now team up with Walker as the associate head coach for the upcoming 2023/24 season. 

With talented new recruits joining the squad and the core group of players having been together for two seasons, Van Staalduinen is excited about what the team can achieve under Walker’s leadership.

“Colin brings so much technical and tactical knowledge, which is precisely what this team needs to take it to the next level!” she said. 

As the Excalibur Women’s Volleyball team gears up for the new season, fans and supporters eagerly anticipate the upcoming matches and the performance of this talented team under the guidance of their experienced coaches. 

Their home opener will take place on November 17 at 6 p.m. against Guelph University.