WVB: 2025-26 Season Preview & Coaches Poll

Oct. 16, 2025 – The stage is set for another thrilling season of Canada West women’s volleyball, with first serve flying tonight as Trinity Western visits Fraser Valley (7:45 p.m. PDT | Stream on Canada West TV).

With star national team athletes and multiple championship-calibre programs across the conference, the quality of volleyball on display has never been higher.

The Alberta Pandas enter the season as defending conference champions and also the favourites to repeat, topping this year's coaches poll with nine first-place votes.

Last year's silver medallists, the UBC Thunderbirds, finished second in the rankings with a single first-place nod, while defending national champion Manitoba placed third with two first-place votes. Trinity Western, hosts of this year's national championship tournament, came in fourth with a single first-place vote of their own.

After finishing first in the regular season standings last year, the Fraser Valley Cascades landed fifth in this season’s poll. Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Huskies placed seventh following a remarkable postseason run that saw the underdogs reach the CW Final Four and qualify for nationals.

What will they do for an encore?

Both Alberta and Manitoba will start the season by raising banners - and both are hungry for more.

The Pandas thrilled their hometown fans in last year's Canada West Final, capturing their first conference crown since 2017 after a memorable final against UBC. With many returning pieces, head coach Carolyn O'Dwyer is confident her squad is ready to roar again.

"We enter the season with high expectations, with very low turnover from our CW championship roster of last season," says O'Dwyer, who enters her third season as head coach of the Pandas. "We have a strong core of returning veteran athletes that I am really excited to see how they learn and improve from last season, as well as a strong recruiting class of emerging talent.

Leading that core is third year outside hitter Abby Guezen, who is primed for a breakout season at the university level. Guezen led the Pandas in kills last season with 248, and spent the summer competing with the Canadian National Senior Team.

Meanwhile, Manitoba captured Canada West bronze before putting on the performance of a lifetime at nationals in front of their hometown fans, claiming the U SPORTS national championship with a victory over Montreal in the final.

Despite graduating a few key pieces, the Bisons will remain a force—especially with back-to-back U SPORTS Player of the Year Raya Surinx returning for her fourth season. Last year’s national championship MVP, Surinx has led the country in both total kills and kills per set in each of the last two seasons and continues to build her legacy as one of the most dominant players in Canada West history. She is also coming off time with the Canadian Senior National Team, gaining valuable experience and confidence last summer.

The road back to championship success won’t be easy, with several contenders in the mix. UBC returns a strong core of veterans, including fifth-year outside hitter Akash Grewal, who has led Canada West in aces in each of the past two seasons. Meanwhile, don’t overlook Trinity Western, who have their nationals berth already secured as hosts. Fourth-year outside hitter Maryn Boldon will once again be a difference-maker for the Spartans.

Don't miss a moment on Canada West TV

Fans can stream every game on CanadaWest.TV - Powered by BioSteel. This season, purchasing an All-Access pass allows fans to download three games to keep forever. A regular season pass is also available, allowing fans to catch all the action across both men's and women's volleyball for one low price.

The Canada West regular season runs through Feb. 14, with playoffs starting on Feb. 20.

The postseason will culminate in a "Final Four" format beginning March 6.

For the complete Canada West women’s volleyball schedule, click here.

To view CW women's volleyball history and records, click here.

2025-26 CW WVB PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

Team by Team Previews

Alberta Pandas

Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Overview: The defending Canada West champions and U SPORTS bronze medalist Pandas return 11 players from last years roster, and will be set up for another title push in 2025-26. ​ The Pandas were well represented on the international stage this summer, including head coach Carolyn O'Dwyer, who was an assistant coach on the Canadian National team. The veteran squad are well positioned to win their first national title since 2007.

From the coach: “We enter the season with high expectations, with very low turnover from our CW championship roster of last season. We have a strong core of returning veteran athletes that I am really excited to see how they learn and improve from last season, as well as a strong recruiting class of emerging talent.” - Carolyn O'Dwyer

Key Performer: Abby Guezen
​Outside Hitter | 3rd Year | Sherwood Park, Alta.

Having spent the summer competing with the Canadian National Senior Team, third-year outside Abby Guezen is primed for a breakout season at the university level.

The 2025 CW Second Team All-Star led the Pandas with 248 kills last season, and will be the beneficiary of a deep roster that includes returners Allie Moore, Ronnie Dickson, and Mackenzie Pool.

UBC Thunderbirds

Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Overview: The Thunderbirds return a battle-tested core of veteran players for the 2025-26 campaign, and expect to be championship contenders once again. They'll aim to continue to make War Memorial Gym a fortress, sporting a 25-5 overall record at home over the last two years.

From the coach: “We return a number of key players and have added some strong recruits so we hope to play with the consistency needed during league play. We also recognize the strength that is in the conference this year so we hope to grow as a group and improve through the year to compete with the top teams in the conference.” - Doug Reimer

Key Performer: Akash Grewal
​Outside Hitter | 5th Year | Vancouver, B.C.

Grewal is an electric outside hitter who is an integral piece to the Thunderbirds' high-scoring attack. She's led Canada West in aces each of the last two seasons, with a powerful serve that is very difficult to stop.

Manitoba Bisons

Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Overview: The defending national champions, Manitoba returns four starters from last year's group and six overall who saw notable playing time. That, on top of a rising crop of stars and impact recruits, have set up the Herd well to repeat for the first time in 24 years.

From the coach: “We retain an exceptional veteran group of fourth and fifth year players while looking to replace a setter and libero - both record setters in Bison history. We are fortunate to have players ready to fill those roles. We see our team remaining competitive in an extremely competitive conference.” - Ken Bentley

Key Performer: Raya Surinx
​Left Side | 4th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

Back-to-back U SPORTS Player of the Year Raya Surinx enters her fourth season with the Herd fresh off another summer spent with Team Canada, this time with the Senior National Team, where she gained valuable experience and confidence.

Last year's National Championship MVP, Surinx has led the country on kills and kills per set each of the last two seasons. She enters 2025-26 with 1,174 career conference regular season kills, just 194 shy of setting a new school record (rally scoring era). She is also just 73 career kills shy of a new career record for the program (record is 1,390).

Trinity Western Spartans

Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Overview: It will be an interesting and different approach to this season for a Spartans team hosting the 2026 U SPORTS national championship. With an intriguing mix of young players and experienced talent, a key focus for the team will be earning their nationals berth.

From the coach: “This group of young and veteran athletes has worked extremely hard this off season and is looking forward to seeing where they stand in the league. There's a different feeling knowing we'll be part of the [U SPORTS] championship tournament, but there's still a strong desire to earn that berth along the way.” - Ryan Hofer

Key Performer: Maryn Boldon
​Outside Hitter | 4th Year | Okotoks, Alta

"Every year Maryn has built off the season before and this year should be no different. We are looking forward to seeing how her time with the National Team transfers to the game and the impact she can make on our team." - Ryan Hofer

Fraser Valley Cascades

Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Overview: After topping the standings but being upset in the Canada West quarterfinal last season, an experienced Cascades squad will look to rebound and show they are still amongst the best in the conference. UFV returns many of their top players, while a few new faces will look to have an immediate impact on a team with lofty expectations for the 2025-26 season.

Key Performer: Cailin Bitter
​Setter | 5th Year | Abbotsford, B.C.

Having proved over the past few seasons she is amongst the best in Canada West, Cailin Bitter returns for her fifth season to lead of the Cascades. With outside hitters Lauren and Talia Attieh, as well as Mandi Feist returning, Bitter will once again have her top three weapons from last season in 2025-26.

Thompson Rivers WolfPack

Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Team Overview: The WolfPack will look to build on what was a monumental season last year. Ranked in the U SPORTS Top 10 for the entire year, TRU's 13 wins in the regular season tied the best mark in program history. A veteran core returns for TRU for what promises to be an exciting 2025-26 campaign.

From the coach: “We are looking once again to compete in a very tough conference after losing a number of experienced players. We will need to receive and defend the ball at a high level to give ourselves a chance in every match and are excited to embrace that challenge this season.” - Chad Grimm

Key Performer: Rida Erlalelitepe
​Outside Hitter | 2nd Year | Izmir, TUR

After helping the team to one of the best seasons in program history last year, outside hitter Rida Erlalelitepe is back for another year with the WolfPack. The product of Izmir, TUR finished fourth in the conference with 258 kills and was named a Canada West first team all-star in just her first season with TRU last year.

Saskatchewan Huskies

2024-25 Coaches Poll Rank: #7

Team Overview: Coming off a 2024-25 campaign which saw the Huskies earn a U SPORTS Championship appearance for the first time in over two decades, an intact core of student-athletes are hungry and motivated for another deep postseason run. With the majority of their starting lineup back for another year in green & white, some exciting additions, and plenty of depth, the team looks poised to be back in the mix come playoff time.

From the coach: “We are returning a good portion of our core and have added some key pieces that make our team better. We are excited to build off of the momentum created at the end of last season and maintain it with this group. Veterans like Tielle Hagel, Taryn Hannah, Jessica Bergstrom, and Keely Anderson are in a position to lead the way, but our depth will play a huge factor in our success.” - Mark Dodds

Key Performer: Taryn Hannah
​Outside Hitter | 4th Year | Battleford, Sask.

Coming off a 2024-25 season which saw her earn the first All-Star nod of her career, fourth-year outside hitter Taryn Hannah is set up to once again lead the Huskie attack in 2025-26. Despite her success last season, the Battleford, Sask, product has put in more offseason work then ever in preparation for the upcoming season and will be looking to build off a year which saw her finish top-3 in the conference in both kills and points.

Mount Royal Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #8

Team Overview: The Cougars returned to the playoffs last season and going into the 2025-26 campaign, they are looking to take another step as head coach Rhonda Schmuland enters her second season at Mount Royal. Highlighted by a combined eight fourth-and-fifth year players, the Cougars' lineup is well-versed in what it takes to win in a competitive league. The experienced core hopes to outdo their 12-8 record from last season.

From the coach: “We are looking to positively building the momentum we had coming out of the 2024-25 season. We have added some great additions to our roster which have given us more depth in multiple positions in addition to having a really strong returning group from last year. The main keys to our success this season will be the connectedness on-and-off the court and the passion with which we play!” - Rhonda Schmuland

Key Performer: Mya Morgan
​Middle | 5th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

As the lone fifth-year on the MRU roster, Mya Morgan is tasked with being a leader and anchoring the middle blocker position. Her 64 total blocks ranked her sixth in Canada West last season. Morgan will be expected to be a force on offence and a significant factor on defence in her final season.

Winnipeg Wesmen

Coaches Poll Rank: #9

Team Overview: The Wesmen look to reload for a playoff run after the departure of four seniors from 2024-25. Winnipeg should have success attacking from the pins with veterans Brooke Duncalfe, Ella Werbiski and Megan Kendziora providing the swings. A solid group of third-years, that also includes middle Grace Vallis, looks to make another leap as integral pieces to the Wesmen success.

From the coach: “The Wesmen will depend on their strong defensive play and fast offensive system to compete with the top teams in Canada West. We will be led by fifth year libero Taylor Cangemi and third year setter Naoimi Unger.” - Phil Hudson

Key Performer: Taylor Cangemi
​Libero | 5th Year | Calgary, Alta.

Senior Taylor Cangemi returns to bolster a Wesmen defence that ranked No. 1 in digs in the Canada West in 2024-25. One of the top liberos in Canada, Cangemi also assumes a role as an unquestioned leader as the Wesmen look to return to the post-season for the fifth time in six seasons.

Calgary Dinos

Coaches Poll Rank: #10

Team Overview: The Dinos are looking to take that next step this season. A year after earning a spot in the Canada West postseason, Calgary will try to build upon that experience with a roster that returns all but one starter, while bringing in eight talented newcomers.

From the coach: “With a lot of young and physical talent, we project a lot of growth and development throughout the year. Some key returners will provide strong leadership and consistency through the season. With a lot of individual strengths within the roster, we expect to see lots of different players on the court making contributions and competing day to day.” - Christine Biggs

Key Performer: Sophia Hansen
​Outside Hitter | 2nd Year | Edmonton, Alta.

It was a breakout rookie season a year ago for Sophia Hansen. The 6-foot-2 outside hitter from Edmonton led the Dinos with 238 kills last year on her way to being named the Canada West Rookie of the Year and a U SPORTS All-Rookie selection. Hansen will now be looked to help lead a Dinos squad that has 12 newcomers or second years.

UBCO Heat

Coaches Poll Rank: #11

Team Overview: The Heat will be eager to return to the Canada West postseason in 2025-26 with a mix of veterans and a few new faces. Boasting a strong group, led by senior middles Natalie Funk and Madison Gardner, the team will look to replace the program’s all-time leader in kills, points and aces, Amaya Perry, by committee this season after her graduation from the program. Keep an eye on Marija Josipovic, a third-year middle/right side who is poised to have a breakout season. The Heat’s offence will be quarterbacked by fourth-year setter Kylan Finseth who will be starting her second season with the Heat after playing her first two in the CCAA.

From the coach: “We are excited for the season with an interesting mix of veterans and players that will have their first opportunities. Key for us will be to play an aggressive style of volleyball with strong ball control and efficient play. Natalie Funk will play a large role as will our setter Kylan Finseth. Marija Josipovic will make a great addition on the outside, making the move from the middle blocker position." - Steve Manuel

Key Performer: Natalie Funk
​Middle | 5th Year | Strathmore, Alta.

Entering her final season with the Heat, Funk will be a centrepiece on offence and defence for head coach Steve Manuel. Her ability to hit efficiently in attack and to be a presence at the net on defence will play a key part in UBCO's success in 2025-26. She currently ranks in the Top 10 all-time in team history for both hitting percentage and total blocks. In addition, her leadership and experience will be crucial as she brings over 80 matches and 300 sets of experience to the floor.

Regina Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #12

Team Overview: The Cougars have four fifth year players and are looking forward to making progress as a group. The team hopes to challenge for a playoff spot.

From the coach: “We have four senior/graduating athletes. Returning captain and OH returns after a season off from injury.” - Prateek Yadav

Key Performer: Bailey Balaberda
​Outside Hitter | 4th Year | Regina, Sask.

"Bailey is a team captain and leader for us. She missed last season due to injury, but is healthy and will be an impact player for us this season." - Prateek Yadav

MacEwan Griffins

Coaches Poll Rank: #13

Team Overview: Returning almost their entire starting lineup from a year ago - including four fifth-year starters Payton Shimoda, Alyshia Bryks, Arden Butler and Kara Frith - the Griffins are primed to contend for a playoff spot in 2025-26. Their promising incoming recruiting class also includes veteran Douglas College PAC West all stars Alana Murr and Anna von Krosigk, headlining a deep group that will keep the Griffins competitive for seasons to come.

From the coach: “We’re excited about the balance and depth of this year’s group, blending experienced returners with talented new faces across all positions.” - Chris Wandler

Key Performer: Payton Shimoda
​Setter | 5th Year | Edmonton, Alta.

The linchpin of the Griffins' attack, fifth-year veteran Shimoda can be a difference-maker for the Griffins as one of the top setters in the conference, consistently able to set a varied offence.

After breaking the program record for the most career assists by a Griffins setter last season (currently sitting at 2,144), Shimoda returns for her final season with the Canada West all-time career list in sight. She is 797 assists back of the top-10.

Brandon Bobcats

Coaches Poll Rank: #14

Team Overview: The outlook for the Bobcats revolves around the stability provided by head coach Kailan Robinson, who was officially named to the role after two seasons as interim head coach, and the growth of returning core players like Carly Thomson, Megan Pickford, Brooklyn Pratt and Nerissa Dyer. Competing in the highly challenging Canada West conference, the team's primary expectation is to continue building a strong team culture and system, aiming for consistent improvement and the ability to compete against the top teams in the league. Their success will likely be driven by veteran leadership and the continued development of their young talent.

From the coach: “Our goal is always to prove ourselves, achieve our team goals in terms of metrics, and of course push for a playoff spot. Our team features a fairly similar starting line-up to last season, the two left side positions will be filled by new players. Players like Carly Thomson and Nerissa Dyer will help lead our team forward with their skill and years of experience in the league.” - Kailan Robinson

Key Performer: Nerissa Dyer
​Middle | 4th Year | Black Rock, Barbados

Nerissa Dyer's importance lies in her production as a middle. Her .240 hitting percentage in 2024-25 demonstrates high efficiency on offence, and her 41 total blocks mark her as a critical defensive barrier at the net. As she enters her final year, she projects to be a central, high-impact veteran on both attack and defence.