The Support4Sport Awards are the premier celebration of sport in Nova Scotia, bringing together the very best from across the province! As the largest sport recognition event in Nova Scotia, this incredible event shines a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of our athletes, coaches, referees, teams, and volunteers.

Volleyball Nova Scotia is thrilled to congratulate the following winners: Julie Gow (Volunteer), Allan Rendell (Referee), Ashley Crowley (Coach), Zaila Benjamin (Junior Female Athlete), Aidan Peach (Junior Male Athlete), Natasha Sexton Quillan (Senior Female Athlete), and Dartmouth Volleyball Club 18U Boys (Team).

Volunteer of the Year ~ Julie Gow

Julie has dedicated more than 30 years to developing young athletes in Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Through her work at both the school and club levels, and as Director of the Bridgewater Chill Volleyball Club, she has played a key role in building strong, sustainable volleyball programs in her community.

Over the years, Julie has supported countless athletes in their development, with many going on to compete at the AUS and ACAA levels. Her impact extends beyond athletes, as she continues to mentor and guide coaches within the Chill Volleyball Club, serving as a trusted leader and role model.

Julie has also been an active participant in the She Can Coach program over the past three years, welcoming and supporting new coaches as they enter the sport.

As Bridgewater Chill celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, Julie’s long-standing commitment and leadership have been instrumental to the club’s success. Her dedication to volleyball and her community make her a truly deserving award recipient.

Referee of the Year ~ Allan Rendell

Allen has been a dedicated and valued member of the volleyball community in Nova Scotia for many years. Over the past two seasons, he has served as the Provincial Evaluator, playing a key role in mentoring and developing referees across the province.

A Level 3 referee and current Level 4 National candidate, Allen is preparing for his practical evaluation in Calgary this May. His commitment to continuous improvement and excellence has seen him officiate at a high level, earning a reputation for being fair, composed, and impartial on the court.

In addition to his officiating, Allen is deeply involved in referee development as a Referee Coach and Mentor, supporting officials at all stages of their journey. His impact extends beyond provincial competitions, having also officiated at several Military Volleyball competitions over the years.

Allen’s involvement in the sport began as a parent when his daughter played, and he has since become a respected leader within the officiating community. His dedication, professionalism, and passion for volleyball make him a very deserving recipient of this award.

Coach of the Year ~ Ashley Crowley 

Ashley Crowley is the driving force behind the Cape Breton West Wave boys volleyball club and a leader in sport within Inverness County. As Head Coach and Club Director, she has been instrumental in building the only boys volleyball club in Cape Breton, creating competitive opportunities in a region where they previously did not exist.

Originally founded as a girls program, Ashley led it’s transition to a boys program after identifying a gap and creating a meaningful pathway for athletes. Through camps and seasonal programming, she has introduced young boys to the sport and developed them to the point where they are now competing against teams from across the province. She is also prioritizing developing whole humans, including such initiatives as “Volleyball Buddies”, where their 18U team spends time mentoring and teaching their 12U program, teaching them skills, practicing together and creating true ignite and connection moments into the sport of volleyball for the youngest athletes while developing leadership skills for the oldest.

A Certified Development Coach and a Trained Advanced Development Coach, Ashley is a coach who believes in continuous learning for herself, as well as establishing a high standard with her teams earning multiple top finishes, including a provincial championship. She has also built a program grounded in respect, accountability, strong character, and a community first mindset.

Ashley’s leadership continues to grow the game in rural Cape Breton and create lasting opportunities for young athletes.

Female Athlete of the Year ~ Zaila Benjamin

Zaila Benjamin, a Grade 12 student-athlete from Eskasoni First Nation, has emerged as one of Nova Scotia’s top young volleyball talents. She played a key role for Team Nova Scotia, helping secure 5th place at Volleyball Canada’s Canada Cup and 6th at the 2025 Canada Summer Games, leading her team in kills.

At the club level, Zaila won the 18U Provincial Championship with Sonics Volleyball Club, earning Tournament MVP and Most Improved Player honours, and was also named MVP of her Sackville High School team. She has been recognized by Volleyball Nova Scotia’s Provincial Excellence Program and as a provincial “Targeted Athlete,” a distinction reserved for a select few.

Zaila’s has also been named Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Sport Female Athlete of the Year and inducted into the Mi’kmaq Sports Hall of Fame at just 17. Her talent, discipline, and leadership make her a deserving recipient of Female Junior Athlete of the Year.

Male Athlete of the Year ~ Aidan Peach

Aidan Peach is an elite athlete whose performance and leadership have set him apart. As the starting setter and team captain for West Kings High School, he led his team to back-to-back Provincial Championships, including an undefeated season.

Aidan’s impact extends beyond the school level. He represented Nova Scotia as a starting setter at the 2025 Canada Games, competing against the top athletes in the country. He has also found success on the beach, earning a gold medals at the Nova Scotia Beach Championships.

Known for his consistency, all around skills, and ability to lead an offense, Aidan is a true competitor who elevates those around him. His dedication and performance make him a highly deserving recipient of Male Junior Athlete of the Year.

Senior Athlete of the Year ~ Natasha Sexton Quillan 

Natasha Sexton-Quillan is a dedicated member of the Canada Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team and a standout athlete from Nova Scotia.

In 2025, Natasha competed with Team Canada at the Sitting Volleyball World Cup in Fort Wayne, Indiana (October 12–18), facing five of the world’s top women’s teams in a major international competition and an important step toward the 2026 World Championships. Earlier that summer, she represented Canada at the annual sitting volleyball tournament in Assen, Netherlands (July 4–6), gaining valuable international experience and helping to elevate the team’s performance on the global stage.

Natasha’s rise in sitting volleyball reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence, resilience, and passion for the sport. Beyond her athletic achievements, she exemplifies leadership, hard work, and dedication. Her contributions to Team Canada have made her a respected role model, inspiring the next generation to pursue their own athletic dreams.

Team of the Year ~ Dartmouth Volleyball Club 18U Boys

The Dartmouth Volleyball Club 18U Boys (Gallant) capped off an outstanding 2025 season with one of the most memorable performances at the Volleyball Nova Scotia 18U Boys Tier 1 Provincial Championships.

In the gold medal match, the team showed remarkable resilience. After losing the first set 25–13 and trailing 24–19 in the second, they rallied to score seven straight points to win 26–24, then secured the title with a 15–13 victory in the third set. The comeback was a powerful display of composure, teamwork, and determination.

Throughout the season, the team consistently performed at a high level, earning silver at Super Series #1 and bronze at multiple events, including Super Series #2, the Valley Venom, and Blizzard tournaments.

The team’s strength was further reflected by four athletes—Justin Gallant, Josh Moores, Liam Aitkenhead, and Ian MacLean—being selected to Team Nova Scotia for the Canada Games.

Their perseverance and unity make the 18U Boys (Gallant) a deserving Team of the Year.