September 03, 2020: Volleyball Canada’s National Excellence Program (NEP) for 16 of the top youth female athletes in Canada starts on September 8 at the Richmond Olympic Oval in Richmond, BC, the women’s team headquarters.

After extensive planning, athlete identification, and challenges in the sport landscape, the NEP will provide a full-time daily training environment to Grade 11 and 12 female athletes through to December 2020. The program will include athlete support through academics, mental health and wellness, physical, technical and tactical training.

"The NEP program is a partnership with all our provincial/territorial volleyball associations that are deeply committed to support the women’s national team towards Olympic and World Championship success," said Athlete and Coach Pathway Director, Dawna Sales. "The ability to create a culture of excellence with our next generation of national team athletes is a privilege that we don’t take lightly, and know the women’s national team will benefit from this program."

NEP Head Coach, Shannon Winzer agrees: "Not only are we working with a greater number of athletes than ever before at the senior level, we are also now able to work with the next generation much earlier in their development through the establishment of the National Excellence Program.

"The level of talent across Canada at the identification camps (conducted before the pandemic) was quite high and these 16 athletes who make up the first intake are exceptional athletes. It’s an exciting time to be coaching with Team Canada and also for anyone involved with women’s volleyball in Canada as we work towards a future Olympic qualification.”

SETTERS
Bella Noble, Chester, NS
Lucy Borowski, Vancouver, BC
Viktoria Wahlgren, Burlington, ON

OUTSIDE HITTERS
Emoni Bush, Campbell River, BC
Jada Hamer, Lethbridge, AB
Mady Saris, Burlington, ON
Maryn Boldon, Okotoks, AB
Olivia Boulding, Victoria, BC
Shynelle Woroniuk, Red Deer, AB
Tara Garvey, Ancaster, ON

MIDDLES
Elyse Allard, Fort Qu’Appelle, SK
Jenna Pollock, St. Catharines, ON
Mackenzie Pool, Burnaby, BC
Payton Lightfoot, Hamilton, ON
Grace Melnick*, Niagara on the Lake, ON  
*Joined in October

LIBEROS
Brooke Malek, Edmonton, AB
Chloe Ladd, Lake Country, BC

STAFF
Head Coach: Shannon Winzer
Assistant Coach: Nicole Ban
Assistant Coach & Strength Coach: Cody Piwowar-Desilets
Athletic Therapist: Mischa Partridge
Team Physician: Dr. Sara Forsyth
Mental Performance Coach: Dr. Anne Muscat
Sport Dietitian: Ashlen Leonard
Academic Advisor: Beathen Thomas
Program Coordinator: Bree Fraser

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Media contact: Jackie Skender
Mobile: 613.794.7676