Camp Coaches

Christy Hansen (nee Torgerson)

Christy was born and raised in Calgary, AB. She started playing competitive volleyball in grade 9 and never looked back. She is currently residing in Edmonton where she is a Co-Founder of ASPIRE Volleyball. 

Here are some of her volleyball highlights:

High School Volleyball 

• 1989-1992- Sir Winston Churchill High School Calgary, Alberta 

• Junior and Senior Teams

Club Volleyball

• 1987-1992- Dinnie Volleyball Club - Midget, Juvenile and Junior levels

Alberta Provincial Team Volleyball

• 1990- Team Alberta Midget Provincial Team

• 1991 & 1992- Team Alberta Juvenile Provincial Team

• 1993- Canada Games- Team Alberta - 2nd Place

University Volleyball

• 1992/93- University of Calgary Dino's - 4th at CIAU National Championships

• 1995/96 & 1996/97- University of Alberta Panda's- CIAU National Champions

• 1998/99 & 1999/2000- U of Alberta Panda's- CIAU National Champions

• Inductee to the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

National Team Volleyball

• 1992, 1995, 1996- Canadian Junior National Team Member

• 1993 to 1995, 1997- Canadian Senior National Team Member 

Heather Brinkman (nee Osberg)

Currently, Heather is a teacher with the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) in southwestern Ontario. She was born in Ontario and raised on the West Coast. Heather attended West Vancouver Secondary School where she played both volleyball and basketball with a highly competitive senior squad throughout her high school career. After a successful start with her high school and club team, BCO, she headed south of the border to Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA) where she continued to play both sports. During her time there, she played for the developmental Canadian A2 squad and competed in several international tournaments. After moving up to the top Canadian squad for three years, Heather continued to play professionally in Europe and Asia, and has recently settled down in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has spent the last six summers coaching throughout the Pacific Northwest, and, after 18 years as a player, is looking forward to making the transition from player to coach.

Here are some recent highlights from her playing career:

Canadian National A2 team

• Colorado Springs International Cup 1999: 2nd place

• Japan Tour 1999: 3rd place

Canadian National Team

• NORCECA Tournament 2000, 4th place

• Canada Cup 2000, 3rd place

• FISU Games 2001

• NORCECA Tournament 2001, 3rd place

• Japan Tour 2001, 3rd place

Professional Teams

• Aguere Exentric, Tenerife, Spain: 2001/2002: 2nd place

• Castelo da Maia, Portugal: 2002/2003: 1st place

• Aguere Exentric, Tenerife, Spain 2003: 1st place

• Aguere Exentric, Tenerife, Spain: 2003/2004: 6th place

• Surabaya, Indonesia, 2004: 4th place

• Rossano, Italy, 2004/2005: 5th place

• Le Cannet, Côte d’Azur, 2005/2006: 8th place

Sophie Chenail

• majoring in Nutrition, Sophie is entering her 4th year with the Gee-Gees and is a starting middle blocker

• graduate from one of Canada's strongest volleyball programs, College de Sherbrooke

Nicole Collard

Currently, Nicole is in her last year of eligibility while studying Nursing at Humber College. Prior to this, Nicole spent 4 years as a student-athlete at Guelph majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience. Without a doubt, she will bring a certain level of maturity and experience to Humber’s Volleyball Team.

Alina Dormann

On January 29/19, Alina, along with only 7 other USport student-athletes, will be at Rideau Hall receiving the Governor General's Academic All-Canadian Commendation. One female and one male student-athlete are chosen from each of the four conferences that represent Canada. This incredible honour will be even more special as Alina was born and raised in Ottawa.

In each year as a student-athlete with the Blues, Alina has been selected as an OUA All-Star (1st Team) and a U Sport All-Canadian. ‘Only’ in her 4th year, Alina has represented her country on the SR, JR, FISU Games Teams and has captured a USport National Championship throughout her career to date.  

A point of interest: Alina spent 2 summers as a VPC athlete, so it was an absolute pleasure to have her return but now as a coach.

Jackson Dunning

As a Ryerson Business Management Major, Jackson has achieved success both indoors and on the beach. He, along with his teammates, medaled at various provincial and national championships. A product of the Maverick Volleyball Club, Jackson has coached both indoor and beach athletes during his time in Ottawa.

Kelsie English

2013-2014, student-athlete on the Women's Volleyball Team at l'Universite d'Ottawa (4th year)

2012-2013, OUA Champion and All-Star (2nd Team)

2011 23U Team Ontario Provincial Team

2010 Team Ontario Provincial Team * 2010 NTCC Champions

Graduated from Louis-Riel High School (Sport Etude Volleyball Program)

* two-time AAA Provincial Champions (08-09 Soccer and 09-10 Volleyball)

* six-time National Capital Finalists (5 gold and 1 silver: soccer and volleyball)

Anna Feora

• HC, Leaside VC (12U/14U)

• Volunteer Coach, U of T

• Started Medical School in fall ’24 

• Student-Athlete, U of T (1 National Championship, 3 OUA Championships, 3 time Academic All-Canadian, 4 time OUA All-Star)

• Masters of Public Health, University of Waterloo

• Bachelor of Science in Health and Disease, University of Toronto

• Member of National Indoor + Beach Teams

Sammie Gibson 

• 2nd Student-athlete (2022-2023), Fanshawe College 

• Played club volleyball at both Forest City (FCVC) and London (LVC)

** Full Circle Moment:  Sammie is a former VPC athlete **

Anne Grover

• Teacher, DDSB

• Head Coach, Durham Attack Hydra (National Champions + Provincial Medallist) 

• Assistant Coach, Durham Attack Spirit

• Assistant Coach, Ohio State University

• Student-Athlete, Ohio State University (starting as an OH in all 4 yrs, OS made 4 NCAA Sweet 16 Appearances)

• Masters, Sport + Coaching Sciences

• 4 time Team O Member incl Canada Games

Chelsea Hobbs

Chelsea is from Edmonton, AB and has been playing competitive volleyball since grade 7. She is currently playing for Mount Royal College in Calgary and entering the fourth year of her Bachelor of Arts Degree in the fall. She is eager to return to her former stomping grounds to help share what she has learned with other athletes. She is also excited to give back through a camp she enjoyed so much growing up.

High School Volleyball 

• 2000-2004 McNally High School, Edmonton

Club Volleyball

• 1999 Northern Alberta Volleyball Club - Bantam

• 2000 South East Edmonton Volleyball Club - Midget

• 2001-2002 Northern Alberta Volleyball Club - Midget

• 2003 Sherwood Park Volleyball Club - Juvenile

• 2004 Red Deer Queens Volleyball Club - Juvenile

Alberta Provincial Volleyball

• 2004 Team Alberta Juvenile Provincial Team

• 2005 Canada Games - Team Alberta - 3rd Place

College Volleyball

• 2005 Grande Prairie Regional College Wolves - 1st at ACAC Provincial Championships, 4th at CCAA National Championships

• 2006-2010 - Mount Royal College Cougars - 1st at ACAc Provincial Championships (2007), 4th at CCAA National Championships (2007)

Awards

• 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 Mount Royal College Female Athlete of the Year

• 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 ACAC First Team All-Star

• 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 CCAA Academic All Canadian

Nya Jones

• Graduate, Fairfield University (graduated Summa Cum Laude + 2 NCAA Appearances)

• William Wallin Award Winner (highest levels of Sportsmanship, Character, Leadership)

• Club Volleyball, Halton Hurricanes (2 National Championships)

• Former VPC Athlete *** a full circle moment ***

Alix Krahn

Alix has a wealth of experience to draw upon:  as an assistant, she has coached at the University of Winnipeg, York University and is currently with U of T. She competed in Canada-West while a student-athlete at U of W. Alix is PhD candidate at York University. 

Jeremie Lortie

Currently, Jeremie is in his 3rd professional season playing overseas in France. Jeremie has been a National Champion while playing club volleyball for the Mavericks ('09) and as a member of Laval's Rouge et Or ('13). While at Laval, Jeremie was a 4 time conference all-star as well as being recognized as the tournament MVP the year the Rouge et Or captured the Championship. In his final year with the Mavericks, Jeremie was presented with the highest honour as the winner of the  OVA's Ken Davies Award which recognizes determination, leadership, athletic ability and sportsmanship.

Marcela Mansure

Marcela's coaching experience involves assistant coaching positions with the uOttawa Gee-Gees and the Maverick Volleyball Club. It is no coincidence that McGill's last appearance at the CIS National Championships was when Marcela was the starting setter. Marcela comes from Rio de Janeiro where she played for Fluminese, one of the best clubs in Brazil.

 Linda Melnick

Coaching Experience

• Head Coach, 15U/17U Guelph Grizzlies

• Former Head Coach, University of Guelph

• Former Head Coach, Team Ontario 

• OUA Coach of the Year (West)

• Fox 40 Coach of the Year

Playing Experience

• 5 time OUA Champion

• Captain, Canada Games, Team Ontario

Karen Murray

• Certified Development Coach with the HP Mavs TLS Teams

• Past coaching experience with Cornwall Vikings VC

• Graduate, SMU '93-'97 ('97 AUA Champions)

Jessie Niles

A graduate of the U of A, Jessie was a 5 time Academic All-Canadian and she is a member of the National Women's Volleyball Team. In her final year with the Pandas, Jessie was Canada-West's nominee for the prestigious Therese Quigley​​​ Award which recognizes excellence in Academics, Athletics and Community Involvement. As well, Jessie was U of A's Female Academic All-Canadian, U of A's Female Athlete of the Year and a 1st Team All-Star for Canada-West and CIS.

Michele Prince

Michele is from Edmonton where she started her volleyball career at the High School, Club, and Provincial level. She continued on as a player through College and University then took on a Coaching Role. Through 24 years as a player and coach Michele has gained much knowledge and wisdom about the sport and is excited to pass on her experiences to the up and coming young athletes.

Here are some of her volleyball highlights: 

High School Volleyball 

• 1982-1984- Senior Volleyball Teams 

• 1984- School Athlete of the Year

Club Volleyball and Alberta Provincial Teams

• 1982-1985- Edmonton Volleyball Club

• 1983-1985- Alberta Juvenile Provincial Team

College and University Volleyball

• 1986-1988- Lakeland College, Vermilion, Alberta

• 1986-1988- Received All Canadian Award

• 1988-1991- University of Calgary

• 1988- Summer Training Camp - China

• 1989-1990- CIAU National Champions

Professional Volleyball

• 1991-1992- Glaronia, Glarus - Switzerland

Coaching Career

• 1992-1998- Head Coach Mount Royal College

• 1994-1996- Provincial Champions

• 1994-1998- 4th in Canada

• 1997-1998- Switzerland Tour

• 1993,1995,1998- Coach of the Year

Master's Volleyball

• 2005-2006- Master's Team Provincial Champions 40's

• Representing Alberta @ Nationals (Hamilton)

• Representing Canada @ US Open Volleyball Championships(New Orleans)

• Most Valuable Player at the 2009 Indoor Master's Championships

Allison Ritter

Allison is from Westlock, AB. She played on AB's provincial team (16U-18U) during her years as a club athlete. She went straight out of high school to the U of A and played with the Pandas from 2007-2010. Allison has coached numerous U of A summer camps. In the 2012-2013 club season, she coached the Pandas 16U team. Allison graduated from the U of A with a Bachelor of Physical Education along with an after degree, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Sabrina Roy

• Teacher, ODSB

• Coach, Mavs VBC

• Coached with VPC since 2016

• USport Student-Athlete:  3 time RSEQ All Star

Courtney Sestric

• Teacher, Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB)

• Assistant Coach, Forest City Volleyball Club (FCVC)

• OUA Award of Merit Recipient

• All-Rookie team

• 3 x OUA Bronze 

• Starting Libero, Western University (all 5 years)

Ashley Simac (nee Voth)

Having coached at VPC in AB and ON, Ashley has been coaching volleyball with some of the province's top clubs. As well, she spent one season as an assistant coach at Ryerson.

Her playing experience is immense as she has represented Canada as a member of the SR, Junior, Youth National Indoor Team and the SR National Beach Team. Ashley has been an Academic All-Canadian and a two-time 1st Team All-Canadian. In her first year as a student-athlete at U of M, Ashley was honored with the prestigious Mark Tennant Rookie of the Year Award. Ashley completed her Masters last fall and is a certified strength and conditioning coach as well.  

Thinesa Sri

Thinesa brings a balance of playing and coaching experience to VPC. She has represented Canada on the SR National Team, Thin was also captain and a member of the All-Rookie Team during her time at York. Thin has transferred her playing knowledge over to coaching and has been the head coach with several successful club teams over the years.

Tesca Wasylik

Completing her physiotherapy degree, Tesca is a former National Women's Team libero. Tesca has competed in a World Championship, World Grand Prix and a Pan Am Cup. Having played professionally in Romania, Tesca's team competed in the prestigious Champions League. While in Canada-West, Tesca was selected as the conference's Libero of the Year.

Michelle Wood

Having been an assistant at 2 FISU Games as well as leading Team O at the ’13 Canada Games, Michelle is currently the Head Coach at Acadia University. As a student-athlete at U of T, Michelle’s work ethic led her to be successful both in the classroom as an Academic All-Canadian and she was selected as a two-time OUA Libero of the Year.

Dr. Lorne Sawula

This Sports Wall of Fame inductee is generally known as "Dr. Sawula" but for many he is called "Dr. Volleyball" for he has been called upon regularly to diagnose and prescribe treatment for volleyball programs across the country and around the world. 

Lorne entered the University of Alberta in 1964 and won a spot on the Golden Bears volleyball team until 1969. During these years, the Bears won the WCIAA championship in 1965 and were silver medalists in 1967 and 1968. He earned a spot on Alberta's Canada Games team in 1967. After a brief time away from the University of Alberta, Lorne returned to coach the Golden Bears for the 1971 - 1973 seasons.

For the next two decades, Lorne travelled around the world and was lured back to the U of A in 1993, as assistant coach of the team which, in 1994-1995, won a silver medal at the national finals. Beginning in 1995, Lorne joined Laurie Eisler and the Pandas, becoming part of the superb Panda teams that produced six consecutive national titles. In 1996 he became co-coach, a position he held until 2000 when he became coach of the Canadian Women's National team.

The siren call of Canada and other countries lured Lorne to the challenge of coaching national women's teams: the Canadians (1982-1988 and 2001-2005); the Swiss (1990-1993) who won a FISU bronze medal in 1993); the Australians (1994) and the Swedes (1997-1999). He also assisted the training and development of the Costa Rican Women’s team during the 2006 World Championships in Japan. The records of few volleyball coaches can approach "Dr. Volleyball's" numerous appearances at international competitions.

Today Lorne serves Canada's volleyball communities as a Level IV Canadian Certified Coach for Volleyball Canada and also is a Level III FIVB Coach and Instructor who is in demand around the world. 

2007 - 2009        Head Coach, Great Britain's National Women's Volleyball Team

2009 - present    Volleyball coaching educator/speaker and Co-Founder of ASPIRE Volleyball

(source: University of Alberta folio - 2004)

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