MVB: Spartans top coaches poll as new season begins Friday

Oct. 22, 2026 – Trinity Western leads the way in the annual Canada West men's volleyball pre-season coaches poll, but a new-look Spartans squad will face plenty of competition as the 2026-27 season gets underway this Friday night.

The Spartans edged the Alberta Golden Bears for top spot, receiving seven first-place votes and 138 points. The Bears finished second with 131 points and two first-place votes. Last year's U SPORTS silver medallists, the UBC Thunderbirds, were third, while the Mount Royal Cougars finished fourth. Both the T-Birds and Cougars also received two first-place votes.

Coming off an exciting playoff campaign, the UBCO Heat landed fifth, followed by Thompson Rivers and Saskatchewan, who tied with 71 points apiece. Brandon, Manitoba and Calgary rounded out the top 10, with Winnipeg, Fraser Valley and MacEwan completing the 13-team poll.

A new season gets served up on Friday night with a full slate of games running throughout the weekend.

Can the Spartans reload for another run?

Trinity Western returns to the court following a championship season in 2025-26, when the Spartans captured their eighth Canada West title and eighth U SPORTS national championship. The conference crown was their sixth since 2016, while the national title completed their first double-banner season since 2017.

With key pieces graduating, the focus now shifts to a new group tasked with maintaining the program's high standards. Fifth-year outside hitter Kaden Schmidt will be counted on to provide a stabilizing presence and veteran leadership. The Mississauga product is coming off a historic season in which he led the conference with five kills per set - a full kill per set more than the next closest student-athlete.

"We graduate some key players but still return a few starters from last year’s group," says head coach Adam Schriemer, who enters his fifth season at the helm. "We return some exciting players, specifically at the outside hitter position. We look forward to seeing that position have a positive impact for us this season while we introduce some new starters in different positions."

Another powerhouse program, Alberta, appears poised to challenge for its first conference crown since 2024. Brock Davidiuk's side returns 15 of 20 players, including all but one member of its starting lineup. The Bears will be led by captain and fifth-year setter Luke Weddell, with fifth-years Marek Edwards and Jacob Sargent anchoring what will be a veteran group.

Several Golden Bears also gained valuable experience on the international stage this summer, and the program will look to translate that development to Canada West success.

"We had a large number of athletes competing with several National Teams over the summer, including Trent Cherewaty and Jacob Sargent with Next Gen Team Canada, Louis Charbonneau with Team Canada Beach, and Owen Harris, Grayson McDonald and Tyson DeZutter with 21U Team Canada as well," says Davidiuk.

Can T-Birds get over the hump?

After sitting atop the U SPORTS rankings for nearly the entire regular season last year, the UBC Thunderbirds eventually settled for Canada West bronze and U SPORTS silver at season's end. They'll look to change the colour of those medals and pursue their first Canada West title since 1986 with a strong returning group, despite losing several impact graduates, including reigning Canada West and U SPORTS MVP Mason Greves.

"This team and this program has its sights set on building off of last year's success and continuing to establish really high standards of performance," says head coach Mike Hawkins. "We've got really strong depth meaning our internal competition in training is going to push everyone to be at their best come the weekend. This season will present a tall task but we are up for the challenge.”

The T-Birds also carry a two-season regular-season home winning streak into the new campaign. Rangy outside hitter Gavin Moes will be key to the UBC attack in 2026-27, as the Canada West All-Star looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued campaign last year. After finishing among the conference's top five in total kills and top 10 in attack percentage in his last healthy season in 2024-25, Moes could see more attacking opportunities than ever as the T-Birds look to fill the void left by graduating starters.

It's one of the biggest seasons in the history of Mount Royal's men's volleyball program, as the Cougars prepare to host the 2027 U SPORTS national championship at Kenyon Court this March. Coming off a playoff appearance, MRU will look to improve offensively while continuing to lean on a strong defensive presence after ranking third in Canada West with 2.30 blocks per set last season.

Key performer Kale Orr returns after earning U SPORTS Rookie of the Year honours last season. The Magrath product took Canada West by storm, leading the Cougars with 259 kills. With four new additions to the roster, MRU will look to build on its defensive foundation and take another step forward on both sides of the ball.

"This year's team has experience and depth at every position," says head coach Shawn Sky. "With a versatile roster and competitive training environment, the Cougars will be in the hunt for the 2027 Canada West Championship and U SPORTS national title."

UBCO eager for more success in 2026-27

After reaching the Canada West quarterfinals for the first time since 2011-12, the UBCO Heat are hungry to take another step forward this season. Boasting a roster of nine fourth- or fifth-year players, the Heat will put forth a veteran-laden group led by outside hitter Seba Manuel, one of the conference's premier attackers after finishing second in both points (302) and kills (262). Fifth-year middle and Canada West Second Team All-Star Thys Westrate also returns after ranking second in the conference with 1.19 blocks per set.

The team's depth at setter will be tested as it looks to replace the production of Canada West First Team All-Star Zach van Geel, the program's career assists leader. Dominic Sodaro is prepared to step into the starting role following van Geel's graduation. After last season's breakthrough campaign, expect more raucous crowds at the Furnace as the Heat look to build on the highest expectations of the Scott Koskie era.

Parity reigns supreme

For the first time since 2012-14, three different programs have claimed Canada West men's volleyball titles across three consecutive seasons, underscoring the conference's depth of quality.

Despite finishing ninth in the poll, Manitoba will look for another strong year coming off an appearance in the CW final and a U SPORTS bronze medal. Brandon is also looking to take a step forward and still boasts plenty of veteran experience, returning eight members of their 2025 U SPORTS national championship team.

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The Canada West regular season runs through Feb. 20, with playoffs starting on Feb. 26.

The postseason culminates in a single elimination "Final Four" format, with semifinals and medal games played March 12-13.

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2026-27 CW MVB PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

Team by Team Previews

Trinity Western Spartans

Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Overview: The Spartans enter the season with returning experience and new faces stepping into starting roles as they prepare for the highly competitive Canada West conference. Following the graduation of several key players, TWU returns a number of starters from last year’s squad, including an exciting group of outside hitters expected to make a significant impact this season. Their contributions will be important as the Spartans integrate new starters at other positions.

From the coach: “We are excited to play in the most competitive conference in U SPORTS Volleyball. We graduate some key players but still return a few starters from last year’s group. We return some exciting players, specifically at the outside hitter position. We look forward to seeing that position have a positive impact for us this season while we introduce some new starters in different positions." - Adam Schriemer

Key Performer: Kaden Schmidt
​Outside Hitter | 5th Year | Mississauga, Ont.

Schmidt is coming off a historic season where he averaged five kills a set. While it might not be easy to improve statistically after a season like that, the Spartans are excited to see how Kaden improves this year and leads the team.

Alberta Golden Bears

Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Overview: The Golden Bears return 15 of 20 players for Brock Davidiuk’s eighth season, led by captain and fifth-year setter Luke Weddell, with fifth-years Marek Edwards and Jacob Sargent anchoring the veteran group. The expectation is another run at Canada West contention as the Bears chase their 19th conference championship.

From the coach: “We are returning everyone from our starting line last year except one of our senior left sides. We had a large number of athletes competing with several National Teams over the summer including Trent Cherewaty & Jacob Sargent with Next Gen Team Canada, Louis Charbonneau with Team Canada Beach and Owen Harris, Grayson McDonald and Tyson DeZutter with 21U Team Canada - Tyson was named the NORCECA Pan Am Cup's second best spiker of all athletes from all countries in the tournament." - Brock Davidiuk

Key Performer: Luke Weddell
​Setter | 5th Year | Red Deer, Alta.

Luke Weddell returns as captain for his fifth and final season with the Golden Bears, and fans can expect more of the same steady leadership. The setter from Red Deer will look to run the Golden Bears’ offence all season long as they chase their 19th Canada West championship.

UBC Thunderbirds

Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Overview: After sitting atop the U SPORTS rankings for nearly the entire regular season in 2025-26, the Thunderbirds settled for Canada West bronze and U SPORTS silver at season's end. With reigning Canada West and U SPORTS MVP Mason Greves, two-time Canada West Libero of the Year Logan Greves and two-time Canada West All-Star Reeve Gingera among an impactful group of graduates who won't be returning this year, the T-Birds will be looking to maintain their run of success with a mostly new starting lineup.

Led by defending Canada West and U SPORTS Coach of the Year Mike Hawkins, the T-Birds are carrying a two-season long regular-season home winning streak into the new campaign, where the goal, and expectation, is for the team to take home its first Canada West championship since 1986.

From the coach: “This team and this program has its sights set on building off of last year's success and continuing to establish really high standards of performance. With the graduation of a meaningful core of talented players, we are thrilled at the arrival of transfer Wil Basilio and the elevation of National Team members like Danny Cravioto-Ross, Daniel Lewis, and Parker Ocampo to fill those roles effectively. That said, we've got really strong depth meaning our internal competition in training is going to push everyone to be at their best come the weekend. This season will present a tall task but we are up for the challenge.” - Michael Hawkins

Key Performer: Gavin Moes
​Outside Hitter | 5th Year | Barrhead, Alta.

Rangy outside hitter Gavin Moes should be the focal point of the UBC Thunderbirds offence this season, as the 2024-25 Canada West All-Star looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued campaign last year. Equipped with the highest velocity serve on the team, and the ability to be a dangerous attacker from any position on the court, the fifth year will aim to finish his UBC career with his first championship in the blue and gold.

After being top-five in total kills and top-10 in attack percentage in his last healthy season two years ago, Moes should see more attacking opportunities than ever, as the T-Birds look to fill the void left by the graduation of four longtime starters.

Mount Royal Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Overview: The Mount Royal Cougars men's volleyball team looks to build on an eighth-place finish and playoff appearance as they open the 2026-27 season. Under head coach Shawn Sky, entering his 23rd season, the Cougars will look to improve offensively while continuing to lean on a strong defensive presence after ranking third in Canada West with 2.30 blocks per set last season.

Key performer Kale Orr returns after earning U SPORTS Rookie of the Year honours last season and leading MRU with 259 kills, while Cody Hudson adds a strong presence at the net after leading the team in blocks (71) and hitting percentage (.363). With four new additions, including Josh Watson and Dylan Annala, the Cougars will look to take another step forward in a season highlighted by MRU hosting the 2027 U SPORTS Men's Volleyball Championship.

From the coach: “A very exciting year ahead as MRU hosts U SPORTS Nationals! This year's team has experience and depth at every position. With a versatile roster and competitive training environment, the Cougars will be in the hunt for the 2027 Canada West Championship and U SPORTS national title.” - Shawn Sky

Key Performer: Kale Orr
​Outside Hitter | 2nd Year | Magrath, Alta.

Kale Orr is a key piece of the Cougars' offence after leading the team with 259 kills in his rookie season. The U SPORTS Rookie of the Year will be counted on to build on that success and provide a consistent scoring threat as MRU looks to climb the Canada West standings. With the Cougars set to host the U SPORTS Men's Volleyball Championship, Orr's continued development and offensive production will be crucial to the team's success.

UBCO Heat

Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Overview: After making the Canada West quarterfinal round for the first time since 2011-12, the UBCO Heat are hungry for more this coming season. Boasting a roster of nine fourth- or fifth-year players, this veteran-laden group is led by outside hitter Seba Manuel, one of the conference's premier attackers after finishing second in both points (302) and kills (262), and fifth-year middle and Canada West Second Team All-Star Thys Westrate, who ranked second in the conference with 1.19 blocks per set.

The team's depth at the setter position will be tested as it looks to replace the production of Canada West First Team All-Star setter Zach van Geel, the program's leader in career assists. After last season’s breakthrough campaign, a raucous crowd at the Furnace awaits a team carrying the highest expectations of the Scott Koskie era.

From the coach: “The Heat return a veteran group and are hoping to build on the successes of last season. Setter Dominic Sodaro is prepared to step into the starting role following graduation of first team All-Canadian setter Zach van Geel. If the Heat can find a new rhythm and evolve their identity, they could be a team that contends in the playoffs." - Scott Koskie

Key Performer: Thys Westrate
​Middle | 5th Year | Kelowna, B.C.

Thys Westrate, a Canada West Second Team All-Star last season, returns as one of the top attackers and blockers in the conference. His versatility is what makes him a special player. The Kelowna native controls the net from the middle position, ranking second in the conference with 1.19 blocks per set, while also providing a strong attacking option from the right side and contributing defensively with 117 digs. Stepping into a co-captain role this season, Westrate is one of several veterans who will be counted on to lead the Heat on a deep postseason run in 2026-27.

Thompson Rivers WolfPack

Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Team Overview: The WolfPack will be eyeing a return to the postseason in 2026-27 after just narrowly missing out last year. Returning many important contributors from last season and looking to mix in seven new faces, TRU had a strong preseason campaign that saw them go 9-2 against U SPORTS competition.

Key Performer: Walker Sodaro
​Setter | 4th Year | Kelowna, B.C.

Walker Sodaro is back for his fourth year with the WolfPack and looking to build off an impressive 2025-26 campaign. The product of Kelowna was ever-present for TRU, suiting up in 77 sets and leading the squad in assists, blocks and digs. Alongside his impressive work on the court, Sodaro spent this summer on the sand playing with the Canadian Summer Beach National team.

Saskatchewan Huskies

Coaches Poll Rank: #7

Team Overview: The 2026-27 Saskatchewan Huskies enter the season with a young roster eager to establish itself in the always competitive Canada West conference. Although the program graduated several key contributors from recent seasons, including both starting outside hitters, a talented group of second and third-year athletes is poised to take the next step after developing within the Huskie system.

Led by veteran leaders Ethan Smith, Lucas Musschoot, and Jacob Baird, and bolstered by an exciting incoming recruiting class, the Huskies have the talent and potential to separate themselves from the pack this season. As the program continues to build toward hosting the 2027-28 U SPORTS Men's Volleyball Championship in Saskatoon, this year's campaign will provide valuable experience for a team with its sights set on competing for a national title on home court.

From the coach: “After a large turnover last year we have very few returning starters in the gym. This has created some great battles and a lot of room for growth. We hope to play a more physical game and slightly different style of ball than past years." - Sean McKay

Key Performer: Ethan Smith
​Libero/Outside Hitter | 5th Year | Prince Albert, Sask.

A veteran leader and defensive specialist, Ethan Smith features to be a cornerstone of the 2026-27 edition of the Huskie Men's Volleyball team. The Prince Albert product returns for his final season as the lone fifth-year athlete in the program, bringing both experience and leadership to a youthful and talented lineup. Throughout his career he has proved to be a steadying presence with his defensive efforts and serve reception, and will once again be expected to help guide the Huskies through a new Canada West campaign.

Brandon Bobcats

Coaches Poll Rank: #8

Team Overview: After another strong recruiting class, the Bobcat Men's Volleyball team looks to rebound from last year's results and move back towards the top of Canada West. Anchored by veterans like Liam Kindle, Sam Chen and Riley Brunet. Meanwhile, second and third year standouts like Cooper Bevan, Ethan Baraniuk and Matthew Siebenga will look to take another huge step in their development this season.

From the coach: “A new look Bobcat team aims to remain competitive in the always deep Canada West. With a mix of a few veterans and an influx of some young talent, the Bobcats will be a work in progress but a fun and exciting group to watch.” - Grant Wilson

Key Performer: Liam Kindle
​Left Side | 5th Year | Brandon, Man.

Liam's role has grown each year, culminating in this his senior year where he will be expected to lead a talented group of young players through the season. Being one of the eight remaining members of the 2025 National Championship team, he will look to bring his leadership skills to the young guys.

Manitoba Bisons

Coaches Poll Rank: #9

Team Overview: With so much experience leaving the program, Manitoba will need several returning players to take on greater responsibility. At the same time, the newcomers bring a different set of qualities to the group, including strong ball-handling skills and athleticism. Despite the turnover in talent, the team's expectations are high, fresh off the U SPORTS bronze medal last season.

From the coach: “Our goal is to become a competitive, united team that improves throughout the season. We will focus on developing our young players, establishing a strong team culture, and learning to compete consistently at the U SPORTS level. By the end of the season, we want to be a team that can compete with anyone in Canada West and be successful in the playoffs.” - Arnd Ludwig

Key Performer: Jordy Heppner ​
​Middle | 5th Year | La Broquerie, Man.

Jordy Heppner will be a leader on this young team, looking to convert last year's success into a culture that young players can quickly learn and build within. The fifth-year is one of the most consistent servers in the conference, putting opponents under constant pressure. His serving, blocking, attacking and even his defence have been the best they've ever been, and he's constantly pushing himself and others to get better every day in practice.

Calgary Dinos

Coaches Poll Rank: #10

Team Overview: Calgary will look to take the next step under head coach Graham Vigrass this season. With six new additions joining the squad, the Dinos will be looking to build depth and integrate fresh talent alongside a core of returning players as they aim to push further up the Canada West standings.

From the coach: “Keys to success are to keep focused on improving every day. Our group is hungry to compete and excited for the season to start.” - Graham Vigrass

Key Performer: Cole Czepuryk
​Outside Hitter | 3rd Year | Calgary, Alta.

Entering his third year as a Dino, Cole has emerged as a big leader on the team. The 6-foot-8 hitter led the team for kills last season, reaching double-digits on eleven occasions. As a fierce competitor with the skills to back it up, his aggressive attitude when he plays helps him and his teammates perform to a higher standard.

Winnipeg Wesmen

Coaches Poll Rank: #11

Team Overview: The Wesmen will enter 2026-27 with some roster overhaul after four regulars graduated last season. Luke Lodewyks enters as the most likely contender for the bulk of the swings on offence after finishing second on the team in kills last season and compiling more than 400 overall the past two seasons. A strong class of freshmen provides some intrigue and returning former conference rookie of the year Easton Dick solidifies the middle as the Wesmen enter a new era with expectations of remaining a playoff contender.

From the coach: “After losing seven athletes, our team will have a different look this season. It's exciting to see guys step into new roles. The keys for us will be to have consistent side-out, tenacious defence, and constant service pressure.” - Chris Voth

Key Performer: Tristan Arnold
​Setter | 5th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

Tristan Arnold readies himself for his fifth season and first as the bona fide starter after posting a career-high 372 assists in 2025-26. Arnold will quarterback a Wesmen offence that lost firepower to graduation but nevertheless returns key contributors from the squad that finished top-six in the conference in kills and kills per set.

Fraser Valley Cascades

Coaches Poll Rank: #12

Team Overview: A very young Cascades team enters 2026-27 with a new look. With much of the previous team moving on, the Cascades will look to veteran leadership from Easton Sarich and Kian Bos, while a group of hungry and talented players look to reverse the team's fortunes from last season. The Cascades will look to battle night in and night out as they grow together throughout the 2026-27 campaign.

From the coach: “We are a young team this year, but that being said we are an exciting team and are looking to disrupt the league standings. There will be a lot of learning and growth this season, and we are looking to make life difficult for the teams that will play us this year. We are looking forward to a competitive season." - Nathan Bennett

Key Performer: Chase Walker
​Outside Hitter | 1st Year | Calgary, Alta.

First year outside hitter Chase Walker has impressed with a young Cascades squad in preseason. The highly touted rookie comes in looking ready to play at the Canada West level with a team set for a year of growth in 2026-27.

MacEwan Griffins

Coaches Poll Rank: #13

Team Overview: So far, a Canada West playoff berth has eluded the Griffins since they joined the conference, but some of the young talent coming in could eventually be the group that changes that. Highlighted by top B.C. prospects Kingsley Ndu and Nathaniel Jarrett, this is one of the best recruiting classes head coach Brad Poplawski has had in recent memory. A solid, high-character veteran group will try to get the new faces up to speed to make some noise this season.

From the coach: “A lot of new faces and a young team that is working hard and excited to compete in the best conference in Canada.” - Bradley Poplawski

Key Performer: Jarod Robert
​Outside Hitter | 5th Year | Mount Maunganui, NZ

Recovered from an injury that forced him to suit up mostly at the libero position when he played last season, the hard-serving Kiwi returns for his final season of eligibility as MacEwan's key attacker from the left side.

Known for his strong passing to complement a solid attack and serve game, Robert can impact the court in multiple ways for the Griffins. As a veteran who previously won a CCAA national championship with the NAIT Ooks, his leadership will also be counted on for a team full of new faces.