VIU women’s volleyball team seeks national title on home turf

The Vancouver Island University (VIU) Mariners women’s volleyball team will look to make history when they host the 2023 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Volleyball National Championship this month.

The team has won the last four CCAA National Championships and hopes to become the first team to win five in a row at this year's tournament from March 8 to 11.

Coach Shane Hyde said the team has focused on being in the moment at hand all season long in preparation.

“It’s this season, but it’s also this program and we’re more about the blueprint that we use every year,” he said. “We tweak things a little bit – new athletes, new dynamics on the team and, of course, every single season we’ve also got to have fun.”

This formula has proven to be an effective one, as under Hyde’s leadership, the Mariners have earned a total of 16 CCAA medals in 22 seasons.

“This year’s team plays loose and doesn’t take themselves too seriously and that includes finding things to do that are fun outside of volleyball,” he said. “When we come together, we’re a cohesive group because of the stuff we do off the court as well.”

Coming off a silver-medal finish at the recent PACWEST provincial championships, VIU’s first match at nationals will be against Humber College at 6 pm on Wednesday, March 8. Heading into the post-season, these two teams were ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in Canada.

Hyde still has fond memories of the last time VIU hosted the women’s volleyball national tournament in 2012, calling it “one of the most spectacular events” the program ever put on.

“Our fans are some of the best in the country, the crowd was incredible and a huge part of the reason why we won on home soil and that’s what we’re hoping for again this year,” he said.

“Our athletes are so proud to be wearing the VIU jersey, it’s why they came to the institution, and for them to actually be at home and be able to show everybody what we’ve been doing for the last few years, it’s a pretty proud moment for them and for me as a coach.”

To help kick-start the excitement, the Vancouver Island University Students’ Union (VIUSU) will be hosting a tailgate party on March 8 from 4 to 6 pm, prior to the Mariners opening match. The event will feature music, fan zone games, fire pits and a barbecue with free hot dogs for VIU students. The VIUSU Pub will be open late with game-day food and drink specials.

Tournament passes, which include admission to all 13 games during the tournament, are now available for purchase. Attendees can show proof of receipt at the first game they attend and be given a hard-copy tournament pass to use for the rest of the tournament. Children under 12 receive free admission and current VIU students can attend individual games for free as well with proof of enrolment.

Tournament schedule: