Former Pandas Volleyball assistant coach, and Pandas Volleyball Club manager Carolyn O’Dwyer has been named Volleyball Canada’s women’s Next Gen coach.
O’Dwyer spent four seasons on head coach Laurie Eisler‘s staff (2017-2021) with the Pandas, following a playing career with the Mount Royal Cougars.
She will play a key role in training and preparation of the athletes in the National Excellence Program (September to December) and NextGen program (May to July). She will also be involved with identification and monitoring systems for all athletes in VC’s development pathway.
“Carolyn is a dedicated and extremely talented coach with a tremendous future,” said Eisler. “While everyone with the Pandas program is sad to see her go, we are incredibly excited for her! Volleyball Canada and the athletes that she will have the opportunity to coach are very fortunate to have someone of Carolyn’s quality both on and off the court.”
During her time at the University of Alberta, the Pandas captured three Canada West medals, a 2018 U SPORTS Silver Medal, and a silver medal at the 2019 U SPORTS Championships in Edmonton. O’Dwyer also graduated from the UofA’s Master of Coaching program in 2020, focusing her capping project on community engagement and social media.
“Carolyn is an excellent example of the successes that have come from the MCoach program within the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation,” said Athletic Director Ian Reade, who also served as O’Dwyers academic advisor. “Not only did her graduate research and coaching benefit Pandas Volleyball, but she was also a valuable resource to the entire athletic department and our other Bears and Pandas programs.”
The Calgary, Alberta native also spent considerable time as a recruiter for the PVB program, while also working in Eligibility & Compliance for Athletics. She has also coached at the provincial level with Volleyball Alberta, winning a bronze at the 2018 Canada Cup with the 17U women and a silver at the 2019 Western Canada Games with the 16U women.
“Carolyn brought out the best abilities in my game and always wanted me to push the boundaries,” said Panda Kory White, who was named the 2020 Canada West Player of the Year. “You never doubted her belief in you, and you could see the skills she taught you translate to the court each weekend. She is incredible competitive, and always pushed us to be better, and love what we were doing.”
One of O’Dwyer’s first assignments with Volleyball Canada will be at the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U18 World Championship in Durango, Mexico, from September 20-29 where she will serve as an assistant coach.
“Over the last four years, Carolyn has helped shape me into the athlete and person I am today She committed valuable time and effort to Pandas Volleyball and was instrumental in our accomplishments throughout her time here,” said Jenae Eisler. “Her energy, passion and drive filled the gym every day and we will miss that so much!”
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