December 2022. Toronto, ON: Two-time Olympian Heather Bansley, who joined Volleyball Canada’s beach volleyball national team coaching staff earlier this year, is now the women’s NextGen head coach.
“I am really looking forward to my new role as head coach and developing the next generation of beach volleyball players,” said Bansley. “I’m excited to work closer with the women and continue to share my expertise and help continue the legacy of success in Canadian women’s beach volleyball.”
Bansley had a long volleyball career as an athlete. She played with the Varsity Blues indoor team while at the University of Toronto. She first represented Team Canada at the 2007 Beach Volleyball Junior World Championship and went on to be a member of the beach national team for 13 years. Bansley finished fifth at both of her Olympic appearances; the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with teammate Sarah Pavan, and at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games with teammate Brandie Wilkerson. Along the way Bansley earned many podium finishes on the Beach World Tour, as well as was named the World Tour “Best Defensive Player” three times (2015, 2016, and 2018).
Bansley will work alongside men’s NextGen head coach Josh Nichol. The NextGen athletes play and train year-round and are headquartered at the Volleyball Canada Beach Training Centre at Downsview in Toronto.
Volleyball Canada Media Contact:
Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca
Mobile: 613-794-7676
Photo: Volleyball World (Heather Bansley, left, with U19 medalists)