Canada’s ParaVolley Teams Target World Championship Success Ahead of LA2028 Paralympics

The Canadian men’s and women’s para-volleyball teams are set to compete at the 2024 World ParaVolley Championships in Hangzhou, China, as they aim to solidify their positions in the global rankings ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics. The tournament, which runs from July 10–17, serves as a critical step in the qualification pathway for the next Paralympic Games.

Women’s Team Eyes Group Victory After Roster Overhaul

The Canadian women’s squad, currently ranked second in the world, faces a challenging group stage against Slovenia, Hungary, and Japan. The team, which secured bronze at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, has undergone significant changes following those Games, with new additions like Kerrie Buchberger, a former Olympic volleyball player, joining the roster.

“Believe me, we’re going to push ourselves, win a lot of matches, and finish at the top of our group,” said captain Heidi Peters, a three-time Paralympian and member of the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s Athletes’ Council. Buchberger, who underwent multiple knee surgeries after retiring from standing volleyball, has been praised for her leadership and competitive spirit.

The women’s team includes veteran players such as Jolan Wong, Katelyn Wright, and Jennifer McCreesh, alongside newcomers like Julia Chisholm and Natasha Sexton Quillan. The squad’s preparation included a training camp in Vancouver ahead of their departure for Hangzhou.

Men’s Team Seeks Momentum in Group A

Canada’s men’s team, ranked eighth globally, is grouped with Germany, Thailand, and host nation China. The squad, led by veteran Doug Learoyd, has been building depth and experience through international competition. Learoyd, a 17-year national team member, emphasized the program’s growth.

“We’ve traveled more and faced top teams, which has made a huge difference,” Learoyd said. The team includes players like Mikael Bartholdy, a 2006 World Championship gold medalist, and Riley Brinnen, who transitioned to para-volleyball after a 2023 spinal injury.

Other key players include Bryce Foster, Jason Beaman, and Brad Hunter, with the team’s success hinging on its ability to adapt under pressure.

Tournament Structure and Qualification Implications

The championships feature 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams, with the top finishers earning direct qualification for the 2028 Paralympics. The women’s top three seeds—United States, Canada, and Brazil—face stiff competition, while the men’s field is led by Egypt, Brazil, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The tournament begins with a three-day group stage, followed by single-elimination rounds. The men’s final is scheduled for July 17, with the women’s final the same day.

Team Rosters and Coaching Staff

Women’s Team:
1. Julia Chisholm (Victoria)
8. Jolan Wong (Vermilion, AB/Pembroke, ON)
11. Heidi Peters (Neerlandia, AB)
12. Amber Brown (Wandering River, AB)
13. Natasha Sexton Quillan (Halifax, N.S.)
14. Katelyn Wright (Edmonton, AB)
15. Kerrie Buchberger (Langenburg, Sask.)
16. Jennifer McCreesh (Smithers, B.C.)
17. Allison Lang (Edmonton, AB)
28. Chelsea Coates (Calgary, AB)
93. Anna Dunn (Edmonton, AB)

Men’s Team:
2. Mikael Bartholdy (Calgary, AB)
6. Bryce Foster (Thunder Bay, Ont.)
7. Douglas Learoyd (Calgary, AB)
8. Brad Hunter (Thompson, Man.)
9. Andrew Tucker (Toronto, Ont.)
10. Christopher Bird (Brandon, Man.)
12. Nicholas Aldrich (Toronto, Ont.)
13. Jason Beaman (Calgary, AB)
19. Riley Brinnen (Kelowna, B.C.)
25. Dariusz Symonowicz (Toronto, Ont.)
26. Kyle Eriksen (Toronto, Ont.)
77. Connor Compton (Calgary, AB)

The women’s coaching staff includes head coach Nicole Ban, while the men’s team is led by Reid Brodie. Both squads have support from physiotherapists, performance consultants, and team managers.

How to Watch

All matches will be streamed live on the tournament’s YouTube channel. Fans can track schedules and results through the official event website.

With the path to LA2028 on the line, Canada’s para-volleyball teams face a pivotal moment as they seek to build on their Paralympic successes and assert their presence on the global stage.