2025 VNL International Coach Symposium Registration Now Open!

Join us from June 6-8 in Ottawa for the 2025 Women’s Volleyball Nations League where coaching meets world-class competition. This is a unique chance for volleyball coaches at all levels to not only enjoy high-level matches but also to gain insights from leading figures in volleyball coaching, sport science, and beyond.

Dates:

Friday, June 6 to Sunday, June 8, 2024,

Location:

University of Ottawa (Montpetit Hall)

Presenters:

• Coaches and staff from the Canadian Women’s National Team including- Giovanni Guidetti, Shannon Winzer and Matt Krueger.

• Extensive mental performance workshop with Jason Bovin and his team on Saturday June 7

• USports coaches including Doug Reimer (10x national champion with UBC) and Lionel Woods (University of Ottawa head coach)

• Sport Science based presentations from National Team IST Leads

• Sessions organized based on a targeted athlete development stage to help coaches find context-specific knowledge

• *More presenters to be confirmed soon!

All NCCP certified coaches will receive 3 PD points per day towards the maintenance of their certification.

This symposium comes on the heels of a very successful 2024 event and looks to be a mainstay for future VNL events in the province.

To view package options and additional information, please visit the VNL Coaching Symposium page.

Or go straight to the Registration Link.

Questions? Please contact syamada@ontariovolleyball.org.

Team Ontario Debuts Inaugural Sitting Volleyball Training Camp for 2025

Team Ontario is excited to introduce the inaugural Team Ontario Sitting Program starting in 2025. This overnight training camp, hosted at Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario, from June 19 to June 22, marks a milestone for para-athletics in the province, offering a dedicated platform for high-performance training in sitting volleyball.

The camp is designed to foster a seamless transition from local community involvement to the national team level, accommodating both para-athletes and able-bodied participants to form a comprehensive training group. The initiative aims to prepare athletes for future opportunities at both national and international stages, contributing to the development of Ontario’s sitting volleyball pathway.

A variety of camp highlights ensure a holistic approach to athlete development. These include intensive on-court skill development sessions focused on both technical and tactical aspects of sitting volleyball, strength and conditioning programs tailored to the demands of high-performance sports, and nutrition workshops providing specific guidance on fueling for training and competition. Athletes will also engage in competitive match play to apply their new skills in a game environment, and a coach mentorship program will be available to help Ontario-based coaches enhance their expertise in sitting volleyball.

The camp is open to 24 athletes—12 girls and 12 boys—with a registration cost of $300 plus HST. Each group will be supported by three dedicated coaches. To be eligible, athletes must be born in 2010 or earlier and possess a physical disability or impairment, although no specific classification is required. The camp is inclusive of participants from various sports backgrounds, welcoming those new to sitting volleyball, with no prior experience necessary.

Athletes interested in joining the camp must apply by May 4, 2025. The selection process will prioritize those with classified disabilities and experience in sitting volleyball or other para sports, though motivation and a commitment to high-performance competition are also key criteria. Selections will be finalized by May 11, 2025, with chosen participants receiving an official invitation to join the camp. Applications are free, and there are no additional costs for attending the camp.

For more information or to apply, prospective participants are encouraged to visit the online application form at this link.

If there are questions about eligibility or other inquiries, interested parties can contact Oklend Llakaj at ollakaj@ontariovolleyball.org.

2025 Canada Summer Games Coaches Experience AVCA Conference and Women's NCAA Final Four

In December 2024, Team Ontario Canada Summer Games coaches had the opportunity to attend the AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) conference in Louisville, Kentucky, coinciding with the excitement of the NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball Final Four. The event not only allowed them to deepen their knowledge of the game but also gave them the chance to bond and collaborate with each other, strengthening their shared vision for the upcoming Canada Summer Games.

One of the key highlights was the informal exchange of ideas and experiences with other volleyball minds. The coaches particularly appreciated the chance to connect outside the structured setting of coaching, learning new perspectives on the game during downtime, especially while watching the semi-final matches. These interactions were invaluable in helping them sharpen their coaching instincts.

Among the most impactful sessions, Karch Kiraly, a volleyball legend, led a session on intentional gameplay, focusing on creating practice situations that directly translate to competition. This was a fan-favorite, with all the Canada Games coaches praising its relevance. Another standout was Tama Miyashiro's talk on eye sequencing, where her authoritative yet fun teaching style left a lasting impression. The central theme that emerged from these sessions was creativity—while there weren't necessarily new skills or technical teachings introduced, coaches were shown innovative ways to run drills that could cater to athletes at various levels of development.

The semi-final matches were a major highlight for the group. The Pitt vs. Louisville match stood out, with both teams executing at an exceptional level. Louisville’s resilience, especially after the injury of Anna DeBeer, was inspiring as others stepped up to fill the void. The athleticism and speed of the women’s game were particularly striking, with the packed 22,000-seat venue buzzing with energy and excitement.

Being part of such an electric atmosphere was unforgettable, and it underscored how far the sport of women’s volleyball has come, both in terms of skill and popularity. Coaches also attended a post-match session where they analyzed statistics and rotational data of the teams, gaining deeper insights into the strategic side of the game.

Ultimately, the trip was an invaluable experience for the coaches, combining top-tier learning opportunities with the chance to witness world-class volleyball in action, all while strengthening their connections to one another as they prepared for the upcoming summer games.

2025 Team Ontario Indoor and Tall Maples Coaches Announced!

The Athlete Development team is thrilled to announce the coaches for the 2025 Team Ontario Indoor programs. This year’s coaching lineup includes a mix of experienced coaches who have coached with Team Ontario in the past, alongside a few new faces ready to bring fresh perspectives to the programs.

These coaches will be leading the Team Ontario White, Red, and Black programs, ensuring that athletes across all levels receive top-tier development opportunities, coaching and competition experience. The Athlete Development team is excited about this dynamic group of coaches and looks forward to a successful year ahead!

TEAM ONTARIO WHITE BOYS

Head Coaches- Eli Merriam, Jordan Timpson, Jacob Barker, Robin Kidd

Assistant Coaches- Craig Oakey, Lori Spoltore, Mia Kurtz-Favero, Denis King

TEAM ONTARIO RED BOYS

Head Coach- Tom Ellison

Assistant Coaches- Chris Ling, Gilles Landry, Pylyp Harmash

TEAM ONTARIO WHITE GIRLS

Head Coaches- Michelle Lange, Anson Wong, Jenn Kelly, Nancy Dool-Kontio, Curtis MacPherson

Assistant Coaches- Brad Molnar, Cassidy Nicholson Clarke, Isabella Henderson, Emma Korolenko, Rebekah Hara

TEAM ONTARIO RED GIRLS

Head Coach- Kevin Sherriff

Assistant Coaches- Christina Stratford, Katia Tyndall

TEAM ONTARIO BLACK GIRLS

Head Coach- Jenny Pellegrino

Assistant Coaches- Lexi Pollard, Katie Hutchinson

TALL MAPLES

We are also pleased to announce a group of fantastic coaches to lead our 2025 Tall Maples program! These coaches will work hard to deliver a great program focused on physical literacy, motor skills, and both beach and indoor volleyball.

Thea Ziesmann, Louise Smith, Samantha Warner, Jessica Curtis, Benoit Jolicoeur, Blake Belcher, Jonathan Loos and Sean Kohler

Stay tuned for more updates and coach announcements as Team Ontario prepares for an exciting 2025 season!

2025 Team Ontario Athlete ID Application Now Open!

The Athlete ID process is open for all 2025 Team Ontario Programming! Don't miss your chance to participate and grow your game with opportunities the Athlete Development team has in store for next year!

This online application and video submission process will be followed up by an in person physical testing element at the Ontario Championships in April. Details on that portion will be released to applicants when testing windows are finalized.

All applications must be submitted by March 2nd, 2025, but please don't wait, those who apply before February 16th get a discount!

All details can be found here.

 VIDEO SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Tall Maples - no video requirement

Team O Regional Program - Mandatory highlight video.  Full game video is an optional supporting video.

Team O Beach - Mandatory movement video and EITHER a highlight or a full game video.

Team O White, Red, Black and Canada Summer Games Team - Mandatory highlight video.  Full game video is an optional supporting video.

DEADLINES

Early bird - February 16th, 2025, $50.00+hst

Final - March 2nd, 2025, $65.00+hst

2025 Athlete Identification Information Session

The Athlete Development Team hosted an information session on Tuesday, December 8th at 8:00pm. We reviewed the 2025 Athlete ID process, including; the application form, video requirements per program, and important dates and deadlines.

View the recording of the meeting here.

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Lauren via email.

Team Ontario 2025 Information Session

Join us for an upcoming information session about everything Team Ontario!

View the recording here!

Date- November 5th, 2024

Time- 8:00pm

Whether you have been through the programs before, or if you are new to the programs, we invite you to attend this online meeting to learn about what 2025 has in store!

We will be reviewing 2025 programs, the athlete identification process, Canada Summer Games selection process, and more!

Questions? Contact Lauren Sokolowski

2025 Team Ontario Coaching Applications Now Open!

The Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) is excited to announce the opening of coaching applications for the Team Ontario 2025 programs. This is a great opportunity for  OVA coaches to contribute to a supportive environment focused on athlete development, skill enhancement, and high-performance training.

A Commitment to Quality

At Team Ontario, our approach is grounded in five core conditions that foster a nurturing environment for both athletes and coaches:

1. A safe, caring environment free of coercion and fear.

2. Work done in the environment is meaningful and purposeful to all involved.

3. The movement towards quality is driven by self-evaluation.

4. Best effort of people on a continuous basis.

5. Everything we do is always constructive.

These principles ensure that every member of Team Ontario feels valued, empowered, and capable of reaching their full potential.

The Role of Coaches

Coaches at Team Ontario play a vital role in shaping this environment. We are seeking candidates who are committed to exploring key questions around coaching effectiveness, athlete development, and their own coaching philosophies. Coaches will engage in a variety of development activities through the three pillars of our Coach Matrix, which includes personal growth, coaching techniques, and volleyball expertise.

Coach Development Opportunities

Team Ontario is dedicated to the growth of coaches alongside athletes. We offer a variety of professional development opportunities focusing on:

• The Person: Self-awareness, leadership, and high-performance habits.

• The Coach: Creating safe learning environments and long-term development expertise.

• The Volleyball Expert: Technical skills, game analysis, and training systems.

Available Coaching Positions

Team Ontario offers a range of coaching roles across various programs, including both indoor and beach volleyball. Specific positions available include:

Tall Maples: 6 coaches (3 boys, 3 girls) focusing on athletes born in 2008 or later.

Team Ontario Regional Program: 12 coaches on the boy’s side, 20 coaches on the girl’s side.

Team Ontario White: 10 coaches (5 head, 5 assistant) on the girl’s side, 8 coaches (4 head, 4 assistant) on the boy’s side.

Team Ontario Red: 3 coaches (1 head, 1 assistant, 1 support) on the girl’s side, 4 coaches (1 head, 1 assistant, 2 support) on the boy’s side.

Team Ontario Black: 3 coaches (1 head, 1 assistant, 1 support) on the girl’s side.

Beach Full-Time Training Group: 4-6 coaches (2-3 on each side) for athletes aged 15-18.

Beach Camp-Based: 10 coaches (5 on each side) focusing on high-performance beach volleyball training.

Time Commitment

Coaching roles require various levels of commitment, with virtual meetings and in-person training camps scheduled from January to July 2025. Notable dates include the Team Ontario Coach Summit and competitive training camps at various locations.

Requirements for Applicants

To apply, candidates must meet several requirements as outlined in the Team Ontario Selection Policy:

• Be a registered member in good standing with the OVA and Volleyball Canada.

• Hold a valid Vulnerable Sector Screening & Police Record Check.

• Complete specified online modules related to coaching and ethical decision-making.

• Be NCCP certified or actively pursuing certification.

Candidates are encouraged to demonstrate practical knowledge of Volleyball Canada’s Long-term Development model and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Important Info, Dates & Links

Coaches applying for a Team Ontario coach position must be registered members with the OVA and have an active account in MRS. This is how we verify that applicants meet the OVA Screening policy requirements.

Coaches who do not currently have a Coach membership in MRS can sign up for a Volunteer Leader membership to satisfy the requirements of this application process (you will be asked to complete the screening steps as part of your registration). Coaches without an active Coach or Volunteer Leader account in MRS will not be considered.

Coaches interested in applying for a Team Ontario coaching position must complete the following steps before 11:59 p.m. on November 10, 2024.

• Complete the online 2025 Team Ontario Coach Selection Form (≈15min).

• New coaches will be required to submit a volleyball resume within the application form.

Returning 2024 Coaches

Ensure you have submitted your 2024 Self-Evaluation and Feedback Form.

New Coaches

Coaches who were not with a program in 2024.
Complete the Virtual Interview Process (≈30-60min).

This virtual interview must be completed in a single session. Please plan your time accordingly.

Join Team Ontario and be a part of shaping the future of volleyball in Ontario! Your dedication and expertise could make a significant difference in the lives of young athletes.

---

Questions? Contact Lauren Sokolowski

OVA Opens Request for Proposal for 2025 Team Ontario Summer Volleyball Training Camps

The Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) excited to announce its Request for Proposal (RFP) process for venues interested in hosting the upcoming 2025 Team Ontario summer training camps.  Team Ontario volleyball summer programming continues to be a cornerstone of the OVA's athlete development calendar, immersing hundreds of young athletes in a high-performance training environment, providing them with invaluable experience and resources.

As part of our commitment to transparency and quality, all interested venues are invited to submit their proposals by adhering to the requirements outlined in the RFP document. The selected venues will play a crucial role in fostering the development of athletes across the province.

Who Can Apply?

Venues that have hosted a Team Ontario program within the last five years can submit their proposals via email to the OVA Athlete Development Coordinator. Required information includes:

• Program(s) of Interest & Proposed Dates

• Updated Costs

• Any updates to previous bids (facility, accommodations, etc.)

For venues that have not hosted a Team Ontario program in the past five years, a completed Host Application Form is required to express interest.

Facility Requirements

Complete list of requirements included in the Application Manual.

To ensure a successful training camp, the selected facility must meet a comprehensive list of requirements, including:

• Training Sessions: A minimum of four meters of free space around each court, a ceiling height of at least 30 feet, and access to at least six courts for beach volleyball. Indoor facilities must accommodate one court for every 12 players and provide air conditioning and adequate lighting

• Accommodation: On-site accommodations must be available for all athletes, coaches, and staff, with clear separation for male and female housing. Amenities should include a coaches' lounge and Wi-Fi access.

• Food Services: The facility should offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a cafeteria-style setting, with healthy meal options suitable for high-intensity training. Custom meal plans and the ability to provide lunch boxes are preferred.

• Meeting Spaces: At least two meeting rooms must be available, one with a capacity of over 60 people and another for 12 or more. Both should have Wi-Fi access

Added Value Features

Venues are encouraged to enhance their proposals with added value features such as:

• Complimentary parking for staff and reduced rates for participants.

• Internet access and printing services for staff and coaches.

• Access to specialized training equipment and entertainment options for athletes on their days off.

Submission Deadline

All proposals must be submitted by October 27, 2024.

Applications must be submitted to OVA Athlete Development Coordinator Lauren Sokolowski at lsokolowski@ontariovolleyball.org

Following the deadline, the OVA will review applications and only contact venues they wish to pursue. In December, virtual meetings will occur to review Host Applications with selected venues only, following which a decision will be made on hosts for each Team Ontario program.

Confirmation of venues for all Team Ontario programs is anticipated in December 2024.

The selection process will prioritize venues that can guarantee a minimum of eight hours of gym time per day, ensuring an optimal training experience for all participants.

This RFP process highlights our dedication to providing a top-tier training environment for athletes throughout Ontario. We look forward to receiving proposals from venues that share our commitment to excellence in athlete development.

For more information, please access the full RFP document and host application form attached in this news article. 

Conor Dorsey Awarded Jason Senechal Trophy

Conor Dorsey was presented with the 2024 Jason Senechal Award this past weekend at the Beach Ontario Championships. There to help present the award was Jason's mother Gale and sister Trina (not pictured).

Conor competed in the Youth Open division this past weekend and has been on multiple podiums on this years Beach Tour. He is enrolled at Cambrian College where he competes on the men's volleyball team and is also a Team Ontario beach targeted support athlete with partner Aiden Hilkowitz. With Hilkowitz, the two have competed internationally on the FIVB Beach Pro Tour in Belgium and later this month, are entered in the FIVB Futures event in Halifax, NS.

On and off the court Conor is known by his coaches and competitors as a quality person. Fun, fair, supportive and a great ambassador to our sport. 

What makes this award different from other OVA awards, is nominees are chosen by other players on the OVA Beach Tour. This means Conor was singled out by his opponents as someone deserving of this award,

Congratulations Conor and good luck moving forward!

2024 Team Ontario Beach Rosters

Ontario Volleyball and Team Ontario would like to congraluate the following athletes on being selected for the Team Ontario Beach Full-Time and Camp Based Program for the summer of 2024.

Team Ontario Beach is a Learn to Compete development program designed to identify and expose athletes to the beach high performance training environment. The objective is to create stepping stones towards future international and national team success. Identified athletes benefit from support in all areas of development that include services from partners such as Volleyball Canada and the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO).

• FTG Females

  Stella Bates - Halton Region Volleyball Club / Burloak Volleyball
  Sarah Botha - Leaside Volleyball
  Maya Boutanos - Pakmen Volleyball Club
  Ezrie Burke - Barrie Elites Volleyball Club
  Georgia Cartwright - Leaside Volleyball
  Kate Chipman - Pakmen Volleyball Club
  Aris Dhanoa - Leaside Volleyball
  Zoe Dirisio - Durham Rebels Volleyball Club
  Sophie Hancock - Titans Volleyball Association
  Riley Hiemstra - Oakville Thunder
  Nina Lulic - Mountain Volleyball club
  Kaia McLean - Phoenix Volleyball Club
  Portia Petherick - Durham Attack Volleyball Club
  Hannah Schad - Durham Attack Volleyball Club
  Maeve Suddergaard - Milton Youth Volleyball Club
  Kailie Sutherland - Maverick Volleyball Club
  Beatrix Webb - Pioneers Volleyball Club
  Sonia Wojnicki - Pakmen Volleyball Club / LKTS
  Olivia Woolley - Durham Attack Volleyball Club

• FTG Males

  Aengus Adams - Leaside Volleyball
  Aaron Berthelot - Leaside Volleyball
  Alexander Carmichael - Leaside Volleyball
  Silas Carr - Bluewater Ballistix
  Vitorio Forte - Niagara Rapids Volleyball Club
  Carter Hunor Crooks - Phoenix Volleyball Club
  Kian Khademi - Storm Volleyball
  Michael Korman - Phoenix Volleyball Club
  Stefan Lukowski - Phoenix Volleyball Club
  Matthew McCarvell - Pakmen Volleyball Club
  Brecken Morrison - Pakmen Volleyball Club
  Michael Sim - Storm Volleyball
  Alex Szarka - Scorpions Youth Volleyball Club

• Camp Based Females

  Ella Hammond - EVP Canada
  Ella Harman - Synergy Volleyball Club
  Nolyn Houben - Barrie Elites Volleyball Club
  Cassidy Myslik - Scorpions Youth Volleyball Club
  Elisabeth Spence - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club
  Vienna Wei - Leaside Volleyball

• camp based males

  Mekhi Fitzgerald - Pakmen Volleyball Club
  Jackson Gauvin - Unity Volleyball
  Gavin Goodwin - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club
  Tristan King - Maverick Volleyball Club / Max Beach Volleyball Ottawa
  Rennick Koskela - Pakmen Volleyball Club
  Milan Safa - Venom Volleyball club
  Adrian Skopek - Mountain Athletic Club

• Targeted Support Teams

  EJ Cudmore - Titans Volleyball Association
  Autumn Mikel - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club
  Connor Dorsey - Cambrian College
  Aiden Hilkowitz - University of Toronto
  

2024 Tall Maples Rosters

Ontario Volleyball and Team Ontario would like to congraluate the athletes below for being selected to the Tall Maples Program for 2024.

The camp is tailored to athletes with above average physical attributes who show potential to contribute to the success of the Team Ontario programs in the future. The camp is focused on addressing the needs of tall athletes and integrates both indoor and beach volleyball.

• TM Girls roster

  Phoenix Baatje - Orillia Suns Volleyball Club

  Abena Baisie - Caspian Sport Club

  Carolyn Barbe - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Annie Beveridge - Leaside Volleyball

  Arshpreet Cheema - Thundercats Volleyball

  Nora Dunbrack - Durham Attack Volleyball Club

  Kayce Hebert - Chatham Ballhawks Volleyball Club

  Alexie Houle - Northern Chill Volleyball Club

  Penny Ingram - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club

  Mackenzie Kane - Titans Volleyball Association

  Kadynce Lamont - Mountain Volleyball club

  Makenna Maxton - Superior North Volleyball Club

  Finley McKie - Titans Volleyball Association

  Rachel Meagher - Titans Volleyball Association

  Teghan Meredith - Chatham Ballhawks Volleyball Club

  Audrey Moore - Kingston Rock Volleyball Club

  Teagan Munro-Houlton - Milton Youth Volleyball Club

  Geri O'Reilly - 41SIX Volleyball Club

  Emma Pinchin - Belleville Ravens Volleyball Club

  Breanna Sloetjes - FCVC

  Claire Stevens - Durham Rebels Volleyball Club

  Zoe Thake - Smash Raiders Volleyball Club

• TM Boys ROSTER

  Aiden Asselstine - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club

  Curtis Belcher - Halton Region Volleyball Club

  Ante Blazanin - 41SIX Volleyball Club

  Iain Brown - Phoenix Volleyball Club

  Logan Carpenter - Titans Volleyball Association

  Grayson Comeau - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Jonathan Crisan - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club

  Greyson Detlor - Guelph Youth Volleyball

  Luc Erclik - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Matthew Grant - SKY Volley

  Alexander Hannah - Durham Attack Volleyball Club

  Elliott Langley - LVC Fire (London Volleyball Club)

  Andrew Lock - Mountain Athletic Club

  Ethan Matthews - Mountain Athletic Club

  Varin Padroo - Halton Region Volleyball Club

  Cooper Schofield - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Graham Teague - Georgina Riptide Volleyball Club Association

  Eli Trotter - Leaside Volleyball

Team Ontario Regional Program Roster Announcment

Ontario Volleyball and Team Ontario would like to congraluate the following athletes on being selected for the Team Ontario Regional Program (TORP) in 2024.

The TORP camp returns to the University of Guelph this July and will culminate with the 2024 Ontario Summer Games in London.

• TORP Girls Roster

  Aisha Alvi - Leaside Volleyball

  Grace Archibald - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Amélie Aubin - NBYVC Lakers

  Veronica Baier - Mountain Volleyball club

  Macie Barlow - Northern Chill Volleyball Club

  Eleanor Baur - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Lauren Baxter - Durham Attack Volleyball Club

  Zadie Biss-Mantziounis - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Claire Bradstock - Durham Rebels Volleyball Club

  Madelyn Brassard - Superior North Volleyball Club

  Peyton Brooks - FCVC

  Ariana Burlacu - Storm Volleyball

  Sophie Buttaro - DVBC - (Defensa Volleyball Club)

  Elodie Card - Titans Volleyball Association

  Paige Carter - Leaside Volleyball

  Peighton Carter - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Caraghan Casey - Durham Rebels Volleyball Club

  Arianna Chen - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Haley Claus - Storm Volleyball

  Brooke Clubine - Durham Attack Volleyball Club

  Allie Convery - Smash Raiders Volleyball Club

  Kendall Cressman - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club

  Tori D'Angela - Mountain Volleyball club

  Izabella Distefano - South County Bandits

  Sara Finotti Do Nascimento - Titans Volleyball Association

  Reese Fitzgibbon - Smash Raiders Volleyball Club

  Abbey Fraser - Mountain Volleyball club

  Erin Fresco - Mountain Volleyball club

  Fallon Fulcher - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club

  Lily Fullarton - EVP Canada

  Erin Fulsom - Smash Raiders Volleyball Club

  Jacqueline Galipeau - Niagara Rapids Volleyball Club

  Briar Gemmell - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club

  Julia Gilbank - Synergy Volleyball Club

  Vivian Gilmour - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Daria Giurgean - Scorpions Youth Volleyball Club

  Anjna Goela - FCVC

  Maddy Hall - Niagara Rapids Volleyball Club

  Grace Hallman - Oakville Thunder Volleyball Club

  Narin Han - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Esme Harris - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Eve Herbert - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Ella-Grace Hoang - Synergy Volleyball Club

  April Hofland - Orillia Suns Volleyball Club

  Ceanna Jeffrey-Cote - Titans Volleyball Association

  Mckinley Kelly - Halton Region Volleyball Club

  Sava Kovinjalo - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Camden Kribs - Unity Volleyball

  Amalia Kuruc - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Miranda Laing - DVBC - (Defensa Volleyball Club)

  Alora List - Barrie Elites Volleyball Club

  Mila Ljubicic - Smash Raiders Volleyball Club

  Lilianna Locklin - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club

  Sofija Lukic - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Karli Maars - FCVC

  Scarlett Martin - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club

  Chelsea Maslen - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Sarah Masters - Peterborough Thunder Volleyball Club

  Chloe Mccabe - Stratford Volleyball Club

  Morgan Mcdonald - Titans Volleyball Association

  Gisele Mckaig - Chatham Ballhawks Volleyball Club

  Audrey Mckenzie - Milton Youth Volleyball Club

  Sophie Mckinnon - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Yolana Mcneilly - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club

  Elizabeth Mcqueen - Niagara Rapids Volleyball Club

  Iris Michell - Belleville Ravens Volleyball Club

  Gabrielle Mielko - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Lily Mills - FCVC

  Alex Mohart - Mountain Volleyball club

  Claire Moncada - Georgian Cubs Volleyball Club

  Kyla Morden - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club

  Emma Moussadji - Titans Volleyball Association

  Arielle Moussadji - Titans Volleyball Association

  Ania Nesti - Superior North Volleyball Club

  Kinlee Nguyen - Waterloo Volleyball Club

  Maya Oates - Durham Rebels Volleyball Club

  Rylie Organ - Chatham Ballhawks Volleyball Club

  Tayler Osborne - Georgian Cubs Volleyball Club

  Shyla Patel - EVP Canada

  Charisse Pau - Titans Volleyball Association

  Breya Peters - Mountain Volleyball club

  Ava Peterson - Superior North Volleyball Club

  Peyton Petican - Smash Raiders Volleyball Club

  Aubrey Petican - Smash Raiders Volleyball Club

  Addisyn Posthumus - Leaside Volleyball

  Gracie Reeve - Grimsby Volleyball Association

  Quinn Reid - Mountain Volleyball club

  Ava Renshaw - Barrie Elites Volleyball Club

  Rae Robertson - Storm Volleyball

  Scarlett Rossi - FCVC

  Kenda Sabljak - DVBC - (Defensa Volleyball Club)

  Samantha Santiago - Unity Volleyball

  Callista Sarmiento - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Emily Schad - Peterborough Thunder Volleyball Club

  Grace Sevitti - DVBC - (Defensa Volleyball Club)

  Grace Shi - Halton Region Volleyball Club

  Keira Shiryaev - St. Thomas EXPRESS VC

  Violet Sloan - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Alexis Spehr - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Elena Stankova - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Alexandra Steele - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Renae Stefels - Niagara Rapids Volleyball Club

  Ellie Stewart - Storm Volleyball

  Brynn Sudds-McDonald - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Liliana Suppa - Durham Rebels Volleyball Club

  Olivia Tatham - Leaside Volleyball

  Katelyn Tucker - NBYVC Lakers

  Claire Tutching - Leaside Volleyball

  Maïka Vaillancourt - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Gabi Valdivieso - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Lauren Valeriote - FCVC

  Brielle Vandenberg - Durham Attack Volleyball Club

  Vivian Vargas - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Avery Vickers - REACH Volleyball Club

  Nancy Wang - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Serena Warren - Superior North Volleyball Club

  Chelsea Whiting - Ottawa Valley Vikings

  Juliet Wilson - DVBC - (Defensa Volleyball Club)

  Ella Winegarden - Smash Raiders Volleyball Club

  Lily Wittig - FCVC

  Kaia Wong - Storm Volleyball

  Tessa Yang - Leaside Volleyball

  Angela Zhang - Synergy Volleyball Club

• TORP Boys roster

  Mac Adams - Barrie Elites Volleyball Club

  Thomas Adolph - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Andrew Ashfield - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Bruno Azevedo - Halton Region Volleyball Club

  Connor Bourque - Venom Volleyball club

  Shane Bowes - Halton Region Volleyball Club

  Logan Brooker - Barrie Elites Volleyball Club

  Chimaobi Charles - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Adam Chow - REACH Volleyball Club

  Aidan Collins - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Seth Cooper - Mountain Athletic Club

  Ethan Craig - Halton Region Volleyball Club

  Finn Crix - Leaside Volleyball

  Owen Denbak - Niagara Rapids Volleyball Club

  Tyson Denison-Gillis - Venom Volleyball club

  Kian Dezfulian - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  William Downey - Phoenix Volleyball Club

  Leo Fay - Superior North Volleyball Club

  Logan Flear - Barrie Elites Volleyball Club

  Matthew Foulds - Superior North Volleyball Club

  Maxwell Gardiner - Ottawa Fusion Volleyball Club

  Noah Gardon - Milton Youth Volleyball Club

  Caleb Greene - Durham Attack Volleyball Club

  Aaryan Habib - Markham Revolution Volleyball Club

  Jacob Harrison - Scorpions Youth Volleyball Club

  Tanner Hart - Halton Region Volleyball Club

  Evan Hodgins - Northern Chill Volleyball Club

  Jaden Hoff - Niagara Rapids Volleyball Club

  Alex Hum - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club

  Steven Itterman - LVC Fire (London Volleyball Club)

  Colin Jones - Niagara Rapids Volleyball Club

  Greydon Jones - Halton Region Volleyball Club

  Greg Kao - Northern Chill Volleyball Club

  Armaan Kaushal - Markham Revolution Volleyball Club

  Sebastien King - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Austin Kwon - Halton Region Volleyball Club

  Cédric Larouche - Northern Chill Volleyball Club

  Owen Leahey - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Alessio Leri - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club

  Jordon Li - REACH Volleyball Club

  Thomas Lipsett - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Charles Lobrin-Amurao - Titans Volleyball Association

  Brayden Lucas - LVC Fire (London Volleyball Club)

  Ethan Luis-Gaudet - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club

  Zachary Mcgrath - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Trace Mcmanus - FCVC

  Samuel Moore - FCVC

  Karsen Morse - Titans Volleyball Association

  Odin Pleau - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club

  Andrew Pook - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club

  Nithan Prakash - Milton Youth Volleyball Club

  Amin Qureshi - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Merek Rajtar - Kitchener Waterloo Predators Volleyball Club

  Nathan Ramjass - Barrie Elites Volleyball Club

  Matthais Robinson - LVC Fire (London Volleyball Club)

  Maksim Rybiak - Northern Chill Volleyball Club

  Christian Samoy - Scorpions Youth Volleyball Club

  Liam Samson - Mountain Athletic Club

  Brody Sinclair - Stratford Volleyball Club

  Nathan Spence - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Daniel Tan - Unity Volleyball

  Devan Tarrant - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Keane Thompson - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Tudor Vlad - REACH Volleyball Club

  Benjamin Wang - REACH Volleyball Club

  Tyus Welch - Maverick Volleyball Club

  Noah White - LVC Fire (London Volleyball Club)

  Robbie Whitelock - Pakmen Volleyball Club

  Derek Wu - REACH Volleyball Club

  Sean Wu - Markham Revolution Volleyball Club

  Wylan Yee - REACH Volleyball Club

  Marco Zorzetto - Mountain Athletic Club

The Team Ontario Regional Program will allow athletes from across the province to experience a high-performance style of training and instruction in both, indoor and beach volleyball, through an overnight training camp. The goal of the program is to expose more athletes to high-performance volleyball concepts to create a broader and more skilled group of athletes in Ontario.

The Ontario Summer Games were first delivered in 1973 by the City of Oshawa. Since then, the Games have grown to host over 3,500 participants competing in 18 sports. The London 2024 Ontario Summer Games presented by London Hydro will be the 27th edition. For many young athletes, the Ontario Summer Games is the highpoint of their sporting career, while for others the Games are a stepping stone for the Pan Am Games or even the Olympics.

2024 VNL International Coaching Symposium Registration Now Open!

Registration is now open for the 5th edition of the International Coaching Symposium (ICS), held in conjunction with the upcoming 2024 Volleyball Nations League event in Ottawa, Ontario. The ICS will run from Friday, June 7 to Sunday, June 9 at the University of Ottawa (Montpetit Hall). 
 
Join us in Ottawa for the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (men's week two), where coaching meets world-class competition. This is a unique chance for volleyball coaches at all levels to not only enjoy high-level matches but also to gain insights from leading figures in volleyball coaching, sport science, and beyond. 

The 2024 ICS program spans three days and includes over 14 one-hour sessions, plus an extensive mental performance half-day workshop. With topics ranging across classroom learning and hands-on gym training, the sessions are organized into two streams tailored to the developmental stages of your athletes. The Train to Train/Learn to Compete stream will address the needs of club and high school athletes while the Train to Compete stream will approach topics from the lens of post-secondary athletes. 

Choose from four distinct registration options to fit your schedule and needs: Day Passes, Two-Day Passes, and Full Packages—with or without accommodation.  

It's an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge, network with peers, and take your coaching skills to the next level. We look forward to welcoming you to an eventful and enriching experience. 

Contact lsokolowski@ontariovolleyball.org if you have any questions and/or require additional information. 

La période d’inscription est en cours pour la 5e édition du Symposium international des entraîneurs, présenté dans le cadre de l’étape de la Ligue des Nations de volleyball 2024 à Ottawa. Le Symposium se déroulera du vendredi 7 juin au dimanche 9 juin au Pavillon Montpetit de l’Université d’Ottawa. 
 
Rejoignez- nous à Ottawa pour la Ligue des Nations de volleyball 2024, où l’entraînement rencontre la compétition de classe mondiale. C’est une chance unique pour les entraîneurs de volleyball de tous les niveaux de non seulement profiter de matchs de haut niveau, mais aussi d’apprendre de figures de proue de l’entraînement en volleyball, en sciences du sport et plus encore.  

 
Le programme du Symposium s’étend sur trois jours et comprend plus de 14 séances d’une heure, ainsi qu’un atelier intensif d’une demi-journée sur la performance mentale. Avec des sujets couvrant l’apprentissage en classe et l’entraînement en gymnase, les sessions sont organisées en fonction du stade de développement des athlètes pour donner aux entraîneurs la chance de choisir les sujets qui sont les plus pertinents pour leur contexte.  

Choisissez parmi quatre forfaits d’inscription en fonction de vos besoins : Passe journalière, passe de deux jours ou forfait complet, avec ou sans hébergement.  

C'est une excellente opportunité pour approfondir vos connaissances, réseauter avec des pairs et élever vos compétences d'entraînement à un niveau supérieur. Nous avons hâte de vous accueillir pour une expérience riche et pleine d'événements. 

Des questions, contactez: lsokolowski@ontariovolleyball.org 

2024 TEAM ONTARIO BEACH TEAM FUNDING GRANT

The Team Ontario Beach Team Funding Program provides financial support to identified teams that demonstrate the commitment to developing their relationship skills as an athlete through training in a single partnership for a whole season. In consultation with high performance leads of both the Ontario Volleyball Association and Volleyball Canada, it is recognized that the delivery of a dedicated team program as an effective approach to supporting the development of beach volleyball athletes along the Olympic pathway. This program is supported and funded by the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO) through the Ontario High Performance Sport Initiative Program (OHPSI).

Teams must have the intentions to meet the mandate of OHPSI and are fully engaged in their respective Team Ontario training program.

• Athletes are committed single partnerships for the season.

• Teams are fully committed to a single training plan with Team Ontario not already receiving any support/training in other environments (national team/club/personal support team)

• With the support of an OHPSI Team coach, teams will engage in a planning process to create a developmentally appropriate season plan that includes out of province competitions.

• Athletes on identified teams will sign an athlete agreement.

• Teams who earn the opportunity to represent Canada at NORCECA &/or FIVB key events will have expenses for an OHPSI team coach covered at select events to support the team internationally.

• Teams committed to the requirements of their respective Team Ontario programs are eligible to receive up to $8000 in financial support for flights, accommodations, registration fees for approved out of province events.

• Exact amount of funding eligible per team will be determined by the # and make up of teams selected as well as approval of season plan.

• Funds will be paid out to athletes upon submission of receipts and a report at the end of each eligible event or program.

Identified teams from will be notified by week of June 5, 2023 upon review of application package by OHPSI evaluation committee.

• Download application package here

• Submit application package here by April 19, 2024

CANADA SUMMER GAMES BEACH PROGRAM

Canada Games has grown into Canada’s largest multi-sport event since its first event in 1967. The event is considered the pinnacle of inter-provincial/territorial sport programs and a springboard to National level programs. Every year that beach volleyball has been offered at the games, Ontario has finished on the podium.

Identification for Team Ontario Beach Canada Games candidates begins in the 2024 season.

Athletes interested in competing at the 2025 Canada Games program should apply to the 2024 Team Ontario Beach Targeted Support Program to begin their preparation leading into the 2025 Canada Games.

Athletes identified to the 2024 Team Ontario Beach OHPSI Targeted Support program are serviced by a holistic integrated support team of sport dietician, strength and conditioning coach, athletic therapist, performance coach, and team coaching while beginning their working relationship with the Canada Games coach through a committed season.

May 1, 2024 – Aug 31, 2024 Targeted Support Program
May 1, 2025 – Aug 31, 2025 Canada Games Team

The 2025 Canada Summer Games selection trials will take place in May/June at Ashbridges Bay, Toronto. One Winning team per gender earning the opportunity to represent Ontario at Canada Games through a tournament. 2nd place teams will be named alternates. The trial format will include a qualifier into the main draw. Qualifier to take place Friday evening.

2025 CANADA GAMES beach COACHES

• Males: Kelly McGuire

  • Kelly McGuire, an athlete-centered coach, is dedicated to fostering the well-rounded development of athletes, both as competitors and as individuals. His coaching philosophy centers on placing athletes at the core of his approach, creating an inclusive and safe environment where growth and learning from mistakes are encouraged on the path to excellence. Kelly's core values, such as integrity, honesty, and fairness, underpin his coaching principles, emphasizing trust and accountability within his teams. He prioritizes collective success over individual achievements, nurturing a strong sense of teamwork.

    With a growth mindset, he encourages athletes to embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for personal and athletic growth. Instilling the value of giving one's best effort, on and off the court, Kelly emphasizes hard work and determination. He also inspires a competitive spirit, motivating athletes to consistently push themselves to reach their full potential. This coaching philosophy, deeply rooted in values and principles, has been instrumental in Kelly McGuire's successful coaching career.

    Throughout his coaching journey, Kelly has achieved remarkable milestones. His coaching expertise was showcased when he served as the Head Coach for the Ontario Summer Games in 2018, and he has continued to make a lasting impact as the Team Ontario Indoor Coach. In 2019, he expanded his influence as the Team Ontario Beach Coach, further contributing to the growth of beach volleyball talent. Leading the Conestoga Men's Volleyball team as Head Coach since 2019, Kelly cultivated a culture of excellence and teamwork. His proficiency in coaching was recognized with the OCAA Women's Volleyball Coach of the Year title in 2022-23.

    Kelly McGuire's relentless passion and dedication to athletes' growth have solidified his role as an influential figure in the world of sports, serving as an inspiration to both athletes and fellow coaches. His journey reached a pinnacle in 2023-24 when he was appointed as the Team Ontario Elite Coach, underscoring his commitment to developing high-level athletes and his continued impact in the sporting community.

• Females: Laura Condotta

  • Laura, as a dedicated coach, values a nurturing and supportive environment tailored towards empowering athletes to achieve their goals. She prioritizes a commitment to a high-performance mentality, as well as a pursuit of excellence and quality in every opportunity presented. Laura's coaching philosophy revolves around presenting learning opportunities through self-evaluation and fostering the importance of an athlete's growth through continuous learning, skill refinement, and technical development.

    As an indoor volleyball player, she played at the club level for Etobicoke Titans Volleyball Club, in the OUA for Brock University (2015-2020), and at the professional level in Switzerland, Cyprus, the Philippines, and Austria (2020 - 2023). In beach volleyball, she was a member of Team Ontario Beach for four years before competing on the Canadian Summer Development Program from 2019-2022, while also participating in the world tour. This past summer, Laura completed her first season as a full-time coach with Team Ontario Beach, after two years of being mentored through coaching at the provincial level. Recently, she has taken on a role as an assistant coach for the Brock University Women's Volleyball team and as the Technical Director for the Toronto Titans (West) Volleyball Club. Her passion lies in helping athletes succeed, and she is committed to continuing this journey.

2024 TEAM ONTARIO BEACH TARGETED SUPPORT PROGRAM

Application for Team Ontario Beach Targeted Support Program is now open.

Through the support of a daily training environment (DTE) with a personal team coach and an Integrated Support Team (IST), the Team Ontario OHPSI (Ontario High Performance Sport Initiative) Program exists to assist the development of two specifically targeted areas of the Canadian beach development pathway towards future Olympic games.

1. The development of committed partnerships.

   • Teams that demonstrate the commitment to train for future Age Division World Championships, NORCECA Continental, or FIVB World Tour beach events.

2. The development of future international blockers or universal defenders.

   • Athletes that are a prospective international blocker/universal athlete interested in exploring high performance beach volleyball in a highly supported holistic environment.

The main objective of the Team Ontario OHPSI Program is to provide and optimize the physical and mental preparation of committed athletes by following a well-prepared season plan developed in collaboration with integrated support team. The Team Ontario OHPSI Targeted Support program will also serve as preparation for 2025 Canada Games..

This program is supported and funded by the Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario (CSIO) through the Ontario High Performance Sport Initiative (OHPSI). The Team Ontario Beach integrated support team (IST) consists of:

• Strength & Conditioning (Matt Golas, CSCS)

• Sports Dietician (Christine St. Clair, RD)

• Athletic Therapist (Alice Sobiesiak, RMT, CAT(C))

• Medical Team - CSIO

• OHPSI Team Coach (Angie Shen, ChPC, Eddie Coleman, ChPC)

Athletes can apply as an OHPSI Team or as an OHPSI Tall Maple

Application deadline is April 19th, 2024.

For the application package and more information on the OHPSI team funding grant and the targeted support Tall Maples, please click here

2024 Team Ontario Regional Program Coach Announcement

The Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) and the Athlete Development Team would like to Congratulate the following coaches on their selection for 2024 Team Ontario Regional Program. The training camp will take place July 28th - August 1st before athletes and coaches travel to London, ON to compete in the Ontario Summer Games (August 2-4th) in both indoor and beach volleyball.

The Team Ontario Regional Program allows athletes from across the province to experience a high-performance style of training and instruction in both, indoor and beach volleyball, through an overnight training camp. The goal of the program is to expose more athletes to high-performance volleyball concepts to create a broader and more skilled group of athletes in Ontario.

Welcome to Team Ontario coaches, we are so happy to have you join us this summer!

TORP PROGRAM LEADS

Ashley Nixon, Colin Walker, Corinne Williams, Jenny Pellegrino

TORP BOYS COACHES

Andrew Tauhid, Benoit Jolicoeur, Blake Belcher, Craig Oakey, Denis King, Elaine Pilgrim-Susi, Jeremy Staveley, Jonathan Loos, Kevin McKee, Kyle Johnston, Lori Spoltore, Marc Wilson

TORP GIRLS COACHES

Anna Scarfe, Aya Utahara, Bradley Molnar, Calogero Coccaro, Carrie Welsh, Cassidy Nicholson-Clarke, Chris Jephson, Daniel Goyes, Isabella Henderson, Jamie Spencer, Jasmine Safar, Jessica Curtis, John Curtis, Kathryn Jung, Tania Polcyn, Thea Ziesmann, Tiffany Tenn, Tyson Roffey

2024 Team Ontario Program Coach Announcement

The Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) and the Athlete Development Team would like to Congratulate the following coaches on their selection for Team Ontario Programs for the summer of 2024.
Welcome to Team Ontario coaches, we are so happy to have you join us this summer!

TEAM ONTARIO BEACH

(FULL-TIME GROUP)
Becky Dorsey, Cicero Oliveira, Eddie Coleman, Jason Marchant,
Laura Condotta, Mateusz Golas, Oklend Llakaj

(CAMP-BASED)
Ashley Nixon, Derek Dedman, Kelly McGuire, Luka Senk,
Nolan Shapcott, Pierce Johnson, Samantha Warner

TALL MAPLES

Iliana Schlechta, Louise Smith, Milan Ivanisevic, Ryan Fong, Sean Kohler, Stefan Pernu

TEAM ONTARIO WHITE

(GIRLS)
Anson Wong, Chris Ling, Christina Stratford, Curtis MacPherson,  Emma Korolenko, Jeff Farrell, Katia Tyndall, Michelle Lange, Terry McMahon, Zandra Bear-Lowen

(BOYS)
Ariel Castromayor, David Reed, Elijah Merriam, Gilles Landry, Kelly McGuire, Marko Milenkovic, 
Mia KurtzFavero, Ryan Leknois

TEAM ONTARIO RED

(GIRLS)
Andrew Mallory, Jennifer Kelly, Kevin Sherriff, Nancy Dool-Kontio, Rebekah Hara, Sergio Chuy

(BOYS)
Gerry DeGirolamo, James Gravelle, Jordan Timpson, Matt Harris, Tom Ellison

TEAM ONTARIO BLACK

(GIRLS)
Amy Wilson, John Nguyen, Lexi Pollard, Megan Kalbfleisch, Mel Smyth

2024 Athlete Identification Information Session Recording

The OVA Athlete Development team hosted an information session on December 12th with information on the following;

• 2024 Team Ontario Pathway and Programs

• The 2024 Athlete Identification Process

You can find the recording of the Zoom session here- Athlete ID Information Session

The Athlete Identification application will open on January 2, 2024. Applications will be submitted via Formstack (link will be provided). The early bird fee for applications submitted before February 28, 2024 will be $50.00. The fee for applications submitted between February 28, 2024 and March 6, 2024 will be $65.00. All applications must be submitted by March 6, 2024.

Athletes will be required to complete physical testing at Ontario Championships.

Further details on the Athlete Identification process (video requirements and guidelines) will be posted on our website soon.

Important action items :

• Start taking video at tournaments and scrimmages

• Attend OVA beach tour events if you are missing beach volleyball footage (for beach programs)

• Attend the physical testing booth at Ontario Championships

Questions? Contact Lauren Sokolowski