The VIU Mariners women's volleyball will have home court advantage as they pursue a record fifth straight CCAA national championship. (VIU Mariners)

By Dan Marshall

Home Court Advantage

VIU to host CCAA women’s volleyball nationals in 2023

Jul 30, 2022 | 5:18 AM

NANAIMO — The drive for five straight CCAA women’s volleyball championships will culminate on the VIU Mariners home court.

The four time defending national champions will host the 2023 women’s tournament from Mar. 8-11.

Athletic Director Danielle Hyde said the Mariners look forward to hosting the event for the first time since 2012.

“The team is trying to make history in going for a fifth consecutive title. I know it feels like it could be some added pressure but now they can focus on the end goal and know they’re going to be there to drive for it.”

Sherbrooke and Garneau are the only other teams to have won four straight national gold medals in women’s volleyball, no school has ever won five.

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Vancouver Island University is no stranger to hosting CCAA events with five tournaments held in Nanaimo since 2012.

In March VIU was the site of the 2022 women’s basketball championship.

Hyde said the experience helped solidify a desire to put in a bid for women’s volleyball.

“Seeing the engagement from the community and the excitement in the gym all of us were thrilled to be a part of it and we hope it carries into what we hope to do this spring with volleyball. We have our checklist and we know how to deliver a championship and even how to do it better.”

The CCAA uses a grid system to determine which leagues will have the chance to bid on a particular championship.

Hyde said they weren’t sure if any other BC schools were going to forward proposals.

“We knew when we were hosting women’s basketball nationals we had some interest to host again. In May we submitted our bid to the CCAA and it was clear we would be the school from BC. Then in June it became official.”

The finishes touches are still being put on the 2022-23 PACWEST regular season schedule.

With final details still to be confirmed it appears VIU will hold the banner raising from their fourth straight women’s volleyball championship in the third week of October.

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