October 7, 2026

Nova Scotia athletes made their mark on the international volleyball stage throughout 2026, representing Team Canada across indoor, beach and sitting volleyball.

From Olympic qualification and World Championship competition to historic international medals and emerging national team opportunities, athletes from across the province continued to represent Nova Scotia at the highest levels of the sport.

Courtney Baker Helps Canada Punch Its Ticket to LA 2028

Courtney Baker helped Canada punch its ticket to the 2028 Olympic Games, representing the Senior Women’s National Team as Canada defeated the Dominican Republic at the NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament to secure its spot at Los Angeles 2028.

The qualification marks Canada’s first Olympic appearance in women’s indoor volleyball since 1996.

Earlier in the summer, Baker was also part of the Canadian squad that captured its first-ever gold medal at the NORCECA Women’s Continental Volleyball Championship. Canada went undefeated throughout the tournament, capping its run with a five-set victory over the United States in the final.

A setter from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, and a graduate of Bridgewater Junior Senior High School and Dalhousie University, Baker continues to represent Nova Scotia at the highest level of the sport.

Congratulations to Courtney on an historic 2026 season and on helping Canada return to the Olympic stage.

Bella Noble Helps Canada to Fifth at Pan American Cup

Bella Noble helped Canada finish fifth at the 2026 Women’s Pan American Cup, representing the Next Gen Women’s National Team at the international tournament.

Noble, a setter from Chester, Nova Scotia, competed with Canada throughout the tournament, which concluded with a 3–0 Canadian victory over Cuba to secure fifth place.

Grace Calnan was also named to the wider Next Gen roster.

The Next Gen program provides emerging Canadian athletes with international competition and development opportunities as they progress toward the Senior National Team.

Congratulations to Bella and Grace on representing Canada in 2026 and continuing to make their mark on the international stage.

Carmen Waye Helps Canada to Historic U21 Silver

Carmen Waye helped Canada make history by winning silver at the 2026 NORCECA U21 Women’s Pan American Cup in Columbus, Ohio — Canada’s first-ever medal in the women’s U21 Pan American Cup.

The Halifax middle blocker made an impact throughout the tournament, including a 14-point performance against Mexico in Canada’s opening five-set victory. Canada advanced to the championship match following a 3–0 semifinal victory over the Dominican Republic before falling to the United States in the final. Waye contributed eight points in the semifinal and seven points in the gold medal match.

The silver medal adds another international achievement to Waye’s young career. She previously represented Canada at the U19 level, helping the team to a silver medal at the 2024 NORCECA U19 Continental Championship.

Congratulations to Carmen on a historic 2026 season and on proudly representing Nova Scotia and Canada on the international stage.

Natasha Sexton Quillan Represents Canada at the World Championships

Natasha Sexton Quillan represented Canada at the 2026 Sitting Volleyball World Championships in Hangzhou, China, helping the Women’s National Team to a fourth-place finish.

Canada went undefeated through the preliminary round before advancing to the semifinals. The team ultimately finished fourth after falling to host China in the bronze-medal match.

Earlier in the summer, Sexton Quillan also helped Canada earn silver at the Dutch Tournament in Assen, Netherlands, finishing second after a reverse-sweep victory over the United States.

After joining the national program in 2025, Sexton Quillan quickly progressed onto the international stage. Her 2026 season included her international debut and a World Championship appearance as part of a Canadian team that entered the tournament ranked second in the world.

Congratulations to Natasha on an incredible 2026 season and on proudly representing Nova Scotia and Canada on the international stage.

Tynan Gannett Makes His Mark on the International Beach Volleyball Stage

Tynan Gannett and partner Luke de Greeff earned multiple international podium finishes in 2026, representing Canada on the NORCECA and Beach Pro Tours.

The pair captured bronze on the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour in Costa Rica, advancing to the semifinals before defeating the host nation in the bronze-medal match. They also won gold in the AVP Heritage Contender Series at the Midwest Open in Edwardsville, Illinois.

Gannett and de Greeff also competed on the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour, gaining experience against some of the world’s top teams. Their international season included a ninth-place finish at the Bhubaneswar Challenge in India, along with appearances at Challenge and Elite16 events.

The 2026 season provided Gannett with valuable experience competing across multiple international circuits and establishing himself on the international beach volleyball stage.

Congratulations to Tynan on an outstanding international season and on proudly representing Nova Scotia and Canada around the world.

Julia McDougall & Natalia Casas Earn Youth Olympic Opportunity

Julia McDougall and Natalia Casas of Halifax earned the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, capping an outstanding season on the beach volleyball court.

The pair went undefeated at the 17U Beach Volleyball Nationals, finishing 9–0 to claim the national title and secure their spot at the Youth Olympic Games.

Their international season began with a win at the NORCECA U18 Trials in Toronto, followed by a silver medal at the NORCECA U18 World Qualifier in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic. That result secured Canada a spot at the U18 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships in The Hague, Netherlands, where McDougall and Casas advanced to the pre-quarterfinals.

Most recently, the duo went undefeated at the NORCECA U23 Trials in Toronto, earning the CAN1 position for the U23 NORCECA Continental Tour in San Salvador, El Salvador.

From U18 World Championship competition to earning a place at the Youth Olympic Games, McDougall and Casas had a remarkable 2026 season representing Nova Scotia and Canada on the international stage.

Congratulations to Julia and Natalia on an incredible 2026 season.