WVB: Defending champion Pandas top coaches poll

Oct. 22, 2026 - The road to the Canada West women's volleyball crown runs through Alberta once again, but a deep field of contenders is ready to challenge the reigning champions as the 2026-27 season gets underway this Friday night.

The Alberta Pandas topped this year's coaches poll with 160 points and six first-place votes after capturing both the Canada West and U SPORTS banners last season. But the Thompson Rivers WolfPack, UBC Thunderbirds and Trinity Western Spartans are all within striking distance, each receiving first-place votes of their own and setting the stage for another ultra-competitive race in the country's toughest conference.

The WolfPack sit second with 154 points and six first-place votes, followed by UBC (146 points) and Trinity Western (144). The Thunderbirds and Spartans each received a first-place vote. The Saskatchewan Huskies round out the top five with 107 points as they look to build on last year's postseason appearance.

Manitoba was sixth as it enters with a new-look roster, while Calgary finished seventh. UFV was eighth, Winnipeg ninth, while MRU was tenth. UBCO, MacEwan, Regina and Brandon rounded out the 14-team poll.

Can the Pandas do it again?

As back-to-back conference champions, Alberta has set the standard in recent seasons with rosters rich in high-end talent and depth up-and-down the lineup. The green and gold completed a magical 2025-26 season with their first national championship since 2007. However, the Pandas' bid for a conference three-peat will represent a new challenge for head coach Carolyn O'Dwyer after the graduation of some key pieces.

The Pandas do return 13 players from last year's title-winning roster, giving them a strong foundation to withstand the departures of setter Justine Kolody and outside hitters Payton Henderson and Abby Guezen. Fifth-years Allie Moore, Laila Johnston and Mackenzie Pool will be among the key veterans tasked with filling those gaps and keeping Alberta among the nation's elite.

"We enter the season with high expectations, backed by a deep, veteran-heavy roster with minimal turnover from the championship team last season," says O'Dwyer. "With very strong middles, a key will be for us to be able to involve them in our offence."

WolfPack hungry for more

Last season was a coming out party for Thompson Rivers, and the WolfPack are looking to make more noise in 2026-27. ​

The 'Pack are coming off the most successful campaign in program history, earning their first-ever berth at the U SPORTS National Championship after posting the best regular-season winning percentage the program has seen. They also hosted - and won - their first Canada West playoff series, taking down the defending national champion Manitoba Bisons in front of some raucous capacity crowds.

Head coach Chad Grimm, last year's Canada West Coach of the Year, returns the core of that breakthrough team, led by fifth-year libero Olivia Andulajevic. The Canada West Libero of the Year is back for her final season after a memorable summer with the Canadian National Team, helping Canada clinch qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games and win its first NORCECA title.

"We return the core of our starting line up from last season so looking to build on what we were able to accomplish last season," says Grimm. "We will need to pass and defend the ball at an elite level to efficiently score the ball from all positions in order to be successful this season."

Thunderbirds chasing another banner

The UBC Thunderbirds enter their 30th season under legendary head coach Doug Reimer with plenty of reason for optimism.

Last year's Canada West bronze medallists bring back nearly their entire roster, with just one player graduating - although it's a key loss in multi-time CW All-Star Lucy Borowski. That continuity should be a major advantage as the 'Birds look to get back on top. The team has won four national titles since 2017, but are still looking to claim their first conference championship since 2014.

Fifth-year setter Issy Robertshaw will be central to their ambitions. The Calgary product has become a cornerstone of the UBC offence, which led Canada West in kills per set, points per set and assists per set last season. Her experience and leadership will be especially important as the Thunderbirds look to turn their offensive firepower into another championship run.

"We are fortunate to have a large number of returning players, several of whom missed significant time with injuries," says Reimer. "So like many teams it will be a question of staying healthy. I feel our depth will be a positive factor in the tough CW season."

Spartans and Huskies ready to contend

Just two points separate UBC and Trinity Western in the coaches poll, with the Spartans sitting fourth at 144 points and one first-place vote.

Trinity Western enters the season with depth across the roster and a group eager to take another step forward. Fifth-year outside hitter Maryn Boldon will be a key leader for a team looking to turn its offseason work into a deep playoff run.

"We are excited about this year's group," says head coach Ryan Hofer. "They have put in a lot of work over the off-season, and we look forward to testing ourselves each weekend in a very competitive Canada West conference."

The Saskatchewan Huskies, meanwhile, are looking to build on a top-six finish last season after falling to the eventual conference silver medallists in the postseason.

Head coach Mark Dodds will lean on an experienced group featuring fifth-years Taryn Hannah, Rosie Cyr, Tielle Hagel and Tahlia Cook.

Hannah, a two-time All-Star, is coming off a strong campaign in which she averaged 3.05 kills and 3.6 points per set while leading the Huskies with 184 digs.

"Ultimately we want to continue to grow as a program and take another step forward this season," says Dodds. "We have a veteran group with a lot of experience and we look to use that to increase our execution, consistency, and composure in matches."

With veteran leadership and some exciting new additions, Saskatchewan will look to establish itself among the conference's top contenders once again.

Don't miss a moment on Canada West TV

Fans can catch all the action on BioSteel Canada West TV. Purchasing an All-Access pass once again allows fans to download three games to keep forever. A regular-season sport 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. 20, with playoffs starting on Feb. 26. The postseason will culminate with the "Final Four" beginning March 12.

Nationals: Toronto will host this year's U SPORTS women's volleyball national championships from March 19-21. ​

Quick Links

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

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

2026-27 CW WVB PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 

Team - Points (First-place votes)

Team by Team Previews

Alberta Pandas

Coaches Poll Rank: #1

Team Overview: The reigning Canada West and U SPORTS champion Pandas return 13 of 19 players from last year’s title team, with Carolyn O’Dwyer entering her fourth season as head coach. They have big shoes to fill after the departures of setter Justine Kolody and outside hitters Payton Henderson and Abby Guezen, but O’Dwyer will lean on fifth-years Allie Moore, Laila Johnston and Mackenzie Pool to lead a group ready to repeat.

From the coach: “We enter the season with high expectations, backed by a deep, veteran-heavy roster with minimal turnover from the championship team last season. With very strong middles, a key will be for us to be able to involve them in our offence." - Carolyn O'Dwyer

Key Performer: Laila Johnston

Outside Hitter | 5th Year | Edmonton, Alta.

Johnston returns as one of only three fifth-year players on the roster and serves as team captain, ready to lead on and off the court. With Abby Guezen and Payton Henderson moving on, she is set to fill their roles and become a crucial piece of the Pandas’ attack.

Thompson Rivers WolfPack

Coaches Poll Rank: #2

Team Overview: It was a record-breaking season last year for a WolfPack squad that earned the program’s first-ever berth to the U SPORTS National Championship tournament. On the road to earning that berth TRU finished the regular season with the best winning percentage in program history. They hosted, and won, the first playoff series in program history with a victory over the defending national champions and had libero Olivia Andulajevic win CW Libero of the Year and head coach Chad Grimm take home CW Coach of the Year honours.

With seven new faces in the mix and the core of that team back for another season, the ‘Pack will be looking for an encore to an unforgettable campaign.

From the coach: “We return the core of our starting line up from last season so looking to build on what we were able to accomplish last season. We will need to pass and defend the ball at an elite level to efficiently score the ball from all positions in order to be successful this season.” - Chad Grimm

Key Performer: Olivia Andulajevic
​Libero | 5th Year | Victoria, B.C.

Last year's Canada West Libero of the Year, Olivia Andulajevic is back for her fifth and final season with the WolfPack. Already one of the top defensive players in the nation last season, Andulajevic had an incredible summer with the Canadian National Team. The product of Victoria was on the floor when Canada clinched qualification for the 2028 LA Summer Olympics and also helped Canada win its first NORCECA title.

UBC Thunderbirds

Coaches Poll Rank: #3

Team Overview: The Canada West bronze medallist Thunderbirds have remarkable continuity going into their 30th season under legendary head coach Doug Reimer, with only one player graduating and moving on. The loss is a major one though, with multi-time Canada West All-Star Lucy Borowski leaving after a fabulous five season career.

Otherwise, the winningest coach and program in U SPORTS history is looking to take its first national title since 2024 and its 11th since 2000. Oddly, the team has won national championships since its last conference championship in 2014, a streak which the 'Birds aim to break as they chase down their 17th conference championship in program history this season. ​

From the coach: “We are fortunate to have a large number of returning players, several of whom missed significant time with injuries. So like many teams it will be a question of staying healthy. I feel our depth will be a positive factor in the tough CW season.” - Doug Reimer

Key Performer: Issy Robertshaw
​Setter | 5th Year | Calgary, Alta.

Issy Robertshaw is entering her fifth and final season as a Thunderbird, looking to add a third national championship to her decorated resume. Robertshaw has been an integral part of the T-Birds in all four seasons, starting with a Canada West All-Rookie Team selection as a regular contributor in her first year before becoming the team's unquestioned, full-time starter for the last three seasons. The Calgary native is a leader for UBC on and off the court, facilitating a Thunderbirds offence that was first in kills per set, points per set and assists per set in Canada West in 2025-26.

Trinity Western Spartans

Coaches Poll Rank: #4

Team Overview: The Spartans enter the season with depth at every position and a group eager to build on its offseason work. Returning players are looking to take on bigger roles, while a strong incoming class will look to contribute immediately. In a highly competitive Canada West conference, the Spartans will focus on improving each week, strengthening their team culture, and positioning themselves for a deep playoff run.

From the coach: “We are excited about this year's group. They have put in a lot of work over the off-season, and we look forward to testing ourselves each weekend in a very competitive Canada West conference. We feel we have good depth at every position, with returning players ready to take another step forward and a strong incoming class eager to contribute. Our focus will be on getting better each week, building a strong culture and going as deep as we can in playoffs.” - Ryan Hofer

Key Performer: Maryn Boldon
​Outside Hitter | 5th Year | Okotoks, Alta

“Maryn has put in the time and hard work, and I am excited to see the impact she is going to make on our team and across the league this year. She has developed into an outstanding leader, and we are excited to see her continue to grow in that role. She leads by example, has earned the respect of her teammates, and brings a competitive edge that makes everyone around her better.” - Ryan Hofer

Saskatchewan Huskies

Coaches Poll Rank: #5

Team Overview: After earning a top-six finish last season and ultimately falling to the eventual conference silver-medalists, the Huskies are looking to once again put themselves in a position to contend in an always challenging Canada West conference.

Leading the way in 2026-27 is a group of key contributors and veteran athletes, many of which will take the court for their final seasons of eligibility this year. With that talented, experienced core at the helm and some exciting incoming athletes adding depth and youth to the roster, the latest version of the program is well prepared to meet the challenges of the new season.

From the coach: “Ultimately we want to continue to grow as a program and take another step forward this season. We have a veteran group with a lot of experience and we look to use that to increase our execution, consistency, and composure in matches. Our 5th-year group of Taryn Hannah, Rosie Cyr, Tielle Hagel, and Tahlia Cook will be key to lead our team on-and-off the court. We have a special group this year and it will be enjoyable to watch them compete in the tough Canada West conference!" - Mark Dodds

Key Performer: Taryn Hannah
​Outside Hitter | 5th Year | Battleford, Sask.

Coming off back-to-back All-Star campaigns, Taryn Hannah will once again look to elevate her game as she takes the court for her final season as a member of the Saskatchewan Huskies. The 2025-26 campaign saw the North Battleford product finish among the most product outside hitters in Canada West, averaging 3.05 kills and 3.6 points per set. Hannah is also a crucial members to the Saskatchewan defensive effort and lest season led the team with 184 digs while adding 22 blocks.

Manitoba Bisons

Coaches Poll Rank: #6

Team Overview: Over the past two seasons, the Bisons have said goodbye to 11 seniors, all with national championship experience. The turnover continued last season with the departure of Raya Surinx, one of the most prolific point scorers in U SPORTS history. The scale of the roster changes is significant, but Bentley doesn’t expect the Bisons to suddenly become a different team. The program’s style of play will remain largely intact, with the focus instead shifting to developing a new group of players into those roles.

From the coach: “Our team will have plenty of new faces on the court after graduating six seniors last season. We will have a good mix of returning players along with an excellent recruiting class that will allow us to remain competitive in Canada West in 2026-27.” - Ken Bentley

Key Performer: Chelsea Siebenga
​Libero | 5th Year | Ancaster, Ont.

Chelsea Siebenga brings both the on-court confidence and off-court stability required by a young team. She's proved excellent after transitioning into her role as a full-time libero, passing well off the conference's best hitters and setting critical points out of system. She brings a relentless energy that helps form the team's identity.

Calgary Dinos

Coaches Poll Rank: #7

Team Overview: The Dinos enter the 2026-27 season looking to build on last season's campaign that saw them reach the CW play-in round. Head Coach Christine Biggs will have a strong core to work with, joined by several talented additions. With most of the roster having another year of experience under their belt, the Dinos posses a group capable of pushing on a stronger postseason run.

From the coach: “The team has been training hard and are a dynamic and flexible group this season. Expect contributions from various positions, a creative and balanced offence, and strong leadership & teamwork as the keys to success.” - Christine Biggs

Key Performer: Evvia Belireau
​Libero | 5th Year | Canmore, Alta.

Establishing herself as a leader on and off the court, fifth-year Evvia is a mature and steady performer and is able to create strong scoring opportunities defensively and offensively, making her effective in all areas of the game.

Fraser Valley Cascades

Coaches Poll Rank: #8

Team Overview: It will be a new look Cascades team this season, as multiple impactful players graduated at the end of last year. However, with a couple of exciting transfers and a number of exciting first-year players stepping in, UFV is poised to continue to be a tough team to face in Canada West. Star outside hitter Talia Attieh will provide a big impact, but there is talent throughout the lineup ready to shine.

Key Performer: Talia Aiiteh
​Outside Hitter | 5th Year | Surrey, B.C.

Talia Attieh enters the season as the Cascades biggest weapon offensively. The fifth-year outside hitter will look to build on her outstanding numbers from last season, but will have to do it with a team that will look very different on the court. The outside hitter will receive a lot of volume in the attack, but equally important will be her serve as her 31 aces from last season put her in the top 10 in the conference.

Winnipeg Wesmen

Coaches Poll Rank: #9

Team Overview: The Wesmen look to return to the post-season for the sixth time in seven seasons with a veteran-laden roster that is likely to start six fourth-years on most nights. The foundational group of Grace Vallis, Brooke Duncalfe, Emily Lavallee and Ella Werbiski have each appeared in at least 50 matches over the past three seasons, and fourth-year student-athletes Megan Kendziora and Naomi Unger have both stepped into bigger roles each of the past two seasons with a combined 84 appearances in that span.

From the coach: “The Wesmen will rely on strong defensive play and a well rounded offence with scoring from each position.” - Phil Hudson

Key Performer: Brooke Duncalfe
​Left Side | 4th Year | Winnipeg, Man.

After developing behind veteran outsides for her first two seasons, Duncalfe had a breakout junior year in 2025-26, leading the team in kills on her way to making second-team all-conference. Duncalfe was also second on the team in digs and in 2026-27 will once again be a focal point in Winnipeg's success.

Mount Royal Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #10

Team Overview: The Mount Royal Cougars women's volleyball team is ready to turn the page and take a step forward in 2026-27 under third-year head coach Rhonda Schmuland.

With a blend of veteran leadership and fresh talent, the Cougars will look to build a new identity after finishing 13th in Canada West with a 4-16 record last season. Fifth-year outside hitter Aurora Bentrim leads the returning group after recording 109 kills and 129 points in 56 sets, while key additions Erika Bang and Norah Matthews bring valuable university experience to the lineup. With five first-year players eager to make their mark, the Cougars will begin their season Oct. 23 against Thompson Rivers.

From the coach: “In the 2026-27 season we will see multiple new faces in our starting line-up. As the team gains experience together we will find ourselves in some great battles with the rest of the conference. Our keys to success this year will be the courage, passion, and intensity that we will play with from the beginning to end of each match. Players that will have a significant impact on our success will be Aurora Bentrim (5th-year Outside), Finoa Brown (4th-year Libero), and Faith Obasi (4th-year Middle)." - Rhonda Schmuland

Key Performer: Aurora Bentrim
​Outside Hitter | 5th Year | Calgary, Alta.

Aurora Bentrim brings valuable experience and offensive production to the Cougars as a fifth-year outside hitter, providing a veteran presence for a roster featuring five first-year players. Last season, the Calgary native recorded 109 kills, 129 points and 98 digs across 56 sets, showcasing her ability to contribute on both sides of the ball. Her experience and all-around skill set will be key as Mount Royal looks to take a step forward in Canada West this season.

UBCO Heat

Coaches Poll Rank: #11

Team Overview: The Heat are seeking to make the playoffs for the fourth time in six years under a new leader at the helm as Mark Broome takes over for Steve Manuel, who spent 25 seasons as the team’s head coach. Natalie Funk is a key departing piece for UBCO, as she was the team’s top hitter and provided stability on the outside, and the Heat will look to a complement of players to replace her team-leading production of 185 kills and 251 points. Broome will have familiar pieces to work with as the Heat offence will be led by fifth-year setter Kylan Finseth, who finished in the upper half among conference setters with 581 assists, while 2025-26 Canada West All-Rookie Team member Ali Rathlef returns after ranking second among qualified conference hitters with a .378 hitting percentage. ​ ​

With a veteran core already in place, the addition of Team BC products Ryan Assaly, Tyler Dahl and Bree McKee gives the Heat even more reason for optimism heading into 2026-27.

From the coach: “UBCO's outlook is very promising. We have a physical, talented, and deep veteran class of about 10 4th-and-5th year athletes. I believe this will be UBCO's strongest season in 4-5 years.” - Mark Broome

Key Performer: Korey Jenkins
​Outside Hitter | 3rd Year | Calgary, Alta.

Korey Jenkins is a versatile attacker and strong receiver who brings stability on the outside pin. The Calgary native's ability to pressure opponents from the service line and create scoring opportunities makes her a threat from both the front and back court. A veteran presence in the Heat lineup, Jenkins has been a mainstay starter throughout her career and will bring that experience to a team with high aspirations in 2026-27.

MacEwan Griffins

Coaches Poll Rank: #12

Team Overview: After qualifying for the Canada West playoffs in two of the past three seasons, the Griffins saw most of their starting lineup from last season graduate or move on, including MVP setter Payton Shimoda and kills leader Kara Frith. MacEwan's recruiting class is stocked with young, talented stars from the college level, but how fast they acclimate to Canada West play will go a long way in determining their fortunes for 2026-27.

From the coach: “The MacEwan Griffins enter the 2026–27 season with a young, motivated group that is excited to compete and continue building our program. Throughout the preseason, our focus has been on developing consistency, building strong connections, and establishing a competitive identity. We're excited to see how this group grows and responds to the challenges of a very competitive Canada West conference.” - Chris Wandler

Key Performer: Kaitlin Rolph
​Libero | 3rd Year | Stony Plain, Alta.

With lightning-quick reflexes and a tenacity on defence that ignites the team, libero Kaitlin Rolph is the heartbeat of the Griffins. Showing an ability to change the outcome of games with a refuse-to-quit mentality that prevents sure kills from the opposition, Rolph thrives under pressure. Her passing ability is huge for a young Griffins team that will see almost a complete turnover amongst their starting lineup from a season ago.

Regina Cougars

Coaches Poll Rank: #13

Team Overview: With seven players gone from last year's roster, the Regina Cougars will have a very different look in 2026-27. Fiona Little is the team's lone fifth-year player and Samantha Krausher is the only fourth-year player, while Mila Marquart and Zoey Thompson are the only other Cougars with more than one season of U SPORTS experience. Under fourth-year head coach Prateek Yadav, the Cougars will rely heavily on returning contributors Krausher and Thompson as a young roster looks to establish itself in Canada West play. The development of the team's youth will be a major factor as Regina looks to build toward future success.

From the coach: "The Cougars enter the season with a young roster that includes seven first-year athletes. Our success will rely on senior athletes leading the way and first-year athletes stepping into key contributing roles. We aim to compete for a playoff position and build momentum as the season progresses." - Prateek Yadav

Key Performer: Samantha Krausher ​
​Outside Hitter | 5th Year | Grenfell, Sask.

One of just two players on this year's Cougar roster entering their fourth season of U SPORTS eligibility, Samantha Krausher will take on an increased leadership role for the U of R. Krausher finished second on the Cougars with 157 kills last season while adding 116 digs, 30 blocks, and 14 aces. She appeared in all 20 Canada West matches and played in 64 of the team's 71 sets during conference play.

Now entering her fifth season with the program and fourth year of eligibility, Krausher is expected to start at outside hitter for the third consecutive year.

Brandon Bobcats

Coaches Poll Rank: #14

Team Overview: Bobcat women's volleyball enters its second full season with Kailan Robinson as head coach. After a few seasons of instability, the program's future is looking brighter thanks to high level recruits committing to the Bobcat Program.

From the coach: “Our team has a lot of returning players and an older, more senior roster, so we are relying on our seniority and their knowledge of the league to be successful. We will see new players in the setting role who are more than ready to step up to the challenge.” - Kailan Robinson

Key Performer: Brooklyn Pratt
​Libero | 4th Year | Brandon, Man.

Following the departure of Carly Thomson, Brooklyn Pratt will look to lead a young Bobcat squad. Leading the team in many stat categories, she will be counted on to raise the level of compete this season.