The VIU Mariners both won provincial medals in 2024-25 and the women's team earned national bronze. This season both squads expect to be in the championship mix once again. (Mary Kessenich)

By Dan Marshall

Net Legacy

VIU Mariners again looking to rule PACWEST

Oct 17, 2025 | 11:26 AM

NANAIMO — Coming off yet another strong season of volleyball at Vancouver Island University, the Mariners are poised to once again be at the top of their conference.

The women were an impressive 19-1 last season, won the PACWEST title for the 20th time in school history and earned a bronze medal at CCAA nationals.

Coach Shane Hyde says returning to the national tournament has already been a point of discussion.

“Do we want to get back the nationals, 100 per cent. Will we have to work a little harder this year, 100 per cent. We got some players playing in different roles than they’re used to. We’ve got some new faces and we’re definitely building our culture right now. We’re playing the long game, not a short game.”

Hyde said there are staples to how the women’s team functions but there’s always change.

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He likened the process of building a squad of players to constructing a house.

“You’ve got a blueprint to the perfect structure but you always want to make some changes from every house you build. This year we’re definitely adding some different things and changing some things. We have a new coaching staff with John Brisebois joining us who’s got a huge background in playing and is quite technical.”

The men’s team had a solid 14-6 campaign last year and earned a bronze medal as the host team at the PACWEST provincials.

Men’s coach Abe Avender likes what he’s seen so far from his new roster.

“We’ll graduate three fifth years we have two more fourth year players that are big impact guys. Then we have a really cool crop of first and second year kids. We only have player in his third year. It’s a neat mix and a great dynamic.”

Avender said building the right identity is key for success and that’s part of the process even before the season begins.

The overall program culture has to complement and be respected by individual personalities.

“That culture of what it means to be a Mariner is something I tell them after we make cuts at a team meeting. I tell them, congratulations, you’ve made it onto a team that not only is high level in the volleyball world but it’s a very unique family that will support you and also make accountable.”

Avender has been with the men’s program for 16 years, compared to Hyde’s 25.

The Mariners open their season on the road with a pair of matches at Columbia Bible College on Friday, Oct. 17 and Saturday, Oct. 18.

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