August 13, 2024 - 5:45pm
The chance to be part of a successful volleyball team motivated Yevgeniya (Jane) Lytvynenko to choose Vancouver Island University for her studies. She quickly became a player that no one would forget, helping to lead the team to two national championships. Other accolades include CCAA Player of the Year, PACWEST Player of the Year and, after helping lead the team to a nationals championship, MVP of the tournament.
Today, Jane is putting her Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with a double major in Human Resources and Management, to work on her new venture – the Vancouver Island Volleyball Academy. The academy, co-founded with Mariners volleyball alum Kayla Passmore, just wrapped up a successful spring session and the founders have big plans for the late summer and fall. Read on to learn more.
Why did you choose VIU for your education?
VIU provided a diverse range of programs on beautiful Vancouver Island. The smaller class sizes at VIU meant more personalized attention from professors. Also, VIU’s volleyball team has a strong track record of success. The team’s achievements not only brought pride to the university but also contributed to the vibrant campus culture. Knowing how well VIU supports its athletes made it an appealing choice for me.
Tell about your experience at VIU.
I found the experience both enriching and rewarding. The program offered a broad understanding of key business concepts such as management, marketing and finance. Engaging classroom discussions and practical projects provided valuable insights, while supportive faculty members offered guidance along the way. My time in the BBA program at VIU equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in the business world.
Were there any unexpected benefits you discovered after becoming a student?
I discovered the power of networking and building connections within the university community. Attending guest lectures, industry events and career fairs allowed me to connect with professionals in my field of interest. This paved the way for future internships and job opportunities.
How did your program prepare you for your current role?
It provided me with a solid foundation for entrepreneurship, which has been invaluable as my friend Kayla and I embark on our new venture. We founded the Vancouver Island Volleyball Academy, drawing on our shared passion for volleyball and our combined expertise in education and business management. The skills and knowledge I gained from my studies, particularly in business principles and teamwork, have been instrumental in establishing our academy.
What are you most proud of since completing your program at VIU?
I’m most proud of the preparations we’ve made to launch the Vancouver Island Volleyball Academy. Knowing that we’re bringing our vision to fruition and positively impacting the community is incredibly gratifying.
What advice would you give VIU students following a similar trajectory as yourself?
Discovering passions and pursuing them with determination is paramount. It has proven effective for me, and I believe it can benefit other students. Seeking guidance from mentors, including professors, professionals and alumni, offers invaluable insights and advice in various fields and professions. Resilience is essential; viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth and maintaining focus on goals are key aspects. These principles, which have worked for me, can serve as a guiding framework for others, empowering them to confidently navigate their academic and personal journeys with purpose and determination.
What’s next for you?
My main focus is on growing the Vancouver Island Volleyball Academy right here in our community. I’m passionate about building on what we’ve already started and creating even more opportunities for young athletes to thrive and develop their love for volleyball. I’m committed to connecting with others, getting involved in our community and forming partnerships that will help us make a real difference. Together, we can turn our vision into something truly special and make a positive impact that lasts for years to come.
Our goal is to offer youth the opportunity to train year-round and improve their volleyball skills. We are excited to start our program in August at Oliver Woods, offering training for Grades 8 to 12. In September, we will expand our training to include school-aged kids from Grades 5 to 12. We will be offering training camps throughout school breaks. Once the gym is confirmed, we will open registration online through our website.
Tags: Business Administration | VIU Mariners | Our Alumni
