VIU will have home-court advantage in ‘drive for five’

The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Volleyball National Championship will be hosted by Vancouver Island University (VIU) in 2023.

The Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) institution, which has captured four consecutive CCAA titles in Women’s Volleyball, will host the event in Nanaimo, BC, from March 8-11, 2023.

“We believe we have demonstrated our ability to host an exceptional event,” said Danielle Hyde, Director, Athletics & Recreation at VIU and the Tournament Chairperson. “And we also want the opportunity to host another CCAA Championship as our Women’s Volleyball program goes on their ‘drive for five’.”

VIU, a strong player in Canada’s varsity athletics scene, has developed an undeniable dynasty with its Women’s Volleyball program.

Under Head Coach Shane Hyde, the Mariners have earned 16 CCAA medals in 22 seasons, including seven CCAA Championship titles. VIU has medalled at Nationals in nine of the past 11 seasons.  

The tournament will feature eight teams from across Canada: conference champions from the PACWEST, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC), Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA), Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) and Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) as well as a wildcard team and the host Mariners.

All championship matches will be held at the VIU gymnasium.

This event will be VIU’s fifth CCAA Championship hosted since 2012. The Mariners have welcomed the CCAA’s best teams in Women’s Volleyball (2012), Women’s Basketball (2015), Badminton (2016), Men’s Soccer (2017) and most recently Women’s Basketball (2022).

“The CCAA is thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Nanaimo and the reigning four-time national champion Mariners aren’t your average hosts,” said Beth Clark, CCAA Women’s Volleyball Convenor. “Danielle and her team at VIU will also be focused on delivering an athlete-centered championship that will be memorable for all participants.”

VIU acknowledges that it is hosting on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw people.

Media Contact:
Rodney Wilson / rodney@ccaa.ca
Manager, Communications & Events