August 24, 2024: Team Canada wrapped up the Girls’ U17 World Championship with back-to-back victories, finishing 13th in the inaugural tournament.

The Canadian girls finished fourth in Pool A during the preliminary round, falling to Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-21, 18-25, 25-18, 25-11), Peru 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-14), and Brazil 3-0 (25-12, 25-18, 25-16). All sixteen teams moved on to the playoff rounds, with Canada being defeated two more times against Italy 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-17) in the Round of 16 and Puerto Rico 3-1 (25-21, 16-25, 25-21, 25-19) in the first classification playoff.

Canada then had a chance at redemption, facing off against Dominican Republic once again and earning their first win of the event 3-1 (26-24, 19-25, 25-21, 25-15). They carried that success into the final match of the tournament, defeating Egypt 3-2 in a five-set match (25-19, 27-25, 25-27, 20-25, 15-13).

“Watching this group learn to embrace the pressure of the world stage and the challenge of performing to a Team Canada standard was truly special,” head coach Sandra Lamb said after the tournament. "We showed a tremendous amount of growth in a short period of time and I think all of these athletes are determined to bring back what they’ve learned here and will undoubtedly help our country continue to grow into a program that can compete at the highest level.

“The future is bright for Canadian volleyball, and it was a privilege to represent our country at the first-ever U17 World Championships. We are proud of this group but are leaving here with a desire for more.”

Ana Stojanovic led the way for the Canadians throughout the tournament with 90 points, good for 13th in the entire event. Brooke Fermaniuk was second on the team with 62 points. Defensively, Dara Obeid helped shut down opposing offenses with a team-leading nine blocks. 

Canada’s athletes were selected from the Canada Cup “Red and White” program in July, held in Olds and Calgary, Alberta.

China won u17 girls' gold. The event took place in Lima, Peru from August 17 to 24.

Tournament web site: https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/girls-u17-world-championship/schedule/
 
Roster:
3. Alexandra Brenner (OH), ON
8. Brooke Fermaniuk (OH), AB
9. Nikola Gamlin (MB), AB
10. Ashlyn Gent (L), AB
12. Ella Hope (MB), ON
14. Megan Hunter (S), ON
16. Éve Joly (OH), QC
17. Mila Kosoric (OH), AB
19. Isabel Kuna (S), BC
23. Dara Obeid (MB), ON
26. Ana Stojanovic (OH), ON
30. Ellery Williamson (OH), ON

Head Coach: Sandra Lamb, AB (front row, right)
Assistant Coach/Team Lead: Samantha Fraser, AB (middle row, left)
Assistant Coach: Craig Marshall, BC (back row, left)
Analyst: Troels Lavritsen, DEN (middle row, left)
Athletic Therapist: Craig Cuizon, ON (front row, left)

Volleyball Canada Media Contact:
Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca
Mobile: 613-794-7676