May 19, 2022: After an extensive athlete identification process, which included virtual applications and in-person selection camps across the country, 18 athletes have been selected for Volleyball Canada’s National Excellence Program.

NEP provides a full-time daily training environment to Grade 11 and 12 females from September through to December 2022. In addition to providing technical and tactical training in line with the Senior Women’s National Team, NEP will also provide competition opportunities with local and college programs, strength and conditioning, nutrition education, mental performance and well-being, as well as ongoing educational support.

“This is such an important program for our Women’s National Team in identifying and developing our top talent in Canada at a young age. We were fortunate to return to in-person talent identification for the first time since 2019, and the ability to engage with athletes and coaches from across the country is a huge benefit of this program,” explains women’s National Team Head Coach Shannon Winzer.

“The level of talent across Canada was quite high and these 18 athletes that have been selected are exceptional athletes. It is an exciting time for women’s volleyball in Canada and I can’t wait to get started working with the next generation of national team athletes,” said NEP Head Coach, Carolyn O’Dwyer.

The women's program is based in Richmond, B.C.

National Excellence Program
Name (position, province, club team)

Erika Bang (OH, Alberta, Canuck Stuff)
Taylor de Boer (OH, B.C, Jr. Heat)
Maeli Cormier (Opp, Quebec, Elans de Garneau)
Ronnie Dickson (MB, Alberta, Pandas Volleyball Club)
Olivia Edlund (OH, Alberta, Jr. Dinos)
Anya Fehr (S, Alberta, Pandas Volleyball Club)
Mary Healy (OH, California, Absolute Volleyball Club)
Lydia Johnson (Opp, Alberta, Pandas Volleyball Club)
Tianna Kehler (MB, B.C, Mariners Volleyball Club)
Logan King (Opp, Ontario, Aurora Storm)
Calinda Kok (OH, Ontario, Halton Hurricanes)
Esther Lim (L, B.C, Ducks Volleyball Club)
Sophia Magus (S, Saskatchewan, Huskies Volleyball Club)
Lauren Perugini (OH, Ontario, Halton Hurricanes)
Naomie Sinclair (MB, Quebec, Celtiques de Montreal)
Isabella Stothart (MB, Alberta, Canuck Stuff)
Kaiya Tyson (S, Ontario, Defensa Volleyball Club)
Delaney Watson (L, Ontario, KW Predators)

Volleyball Canada media contact:
Jackie Skender
Mobile: 613.794.7676

Photo: NEP 2020 by Chrissy Benz