Team Canada To Continue Pushing Their Limit In This Year’s VNL

March 17, 2026.- Canada prepare for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League after a 2025 season that combined competitiveness with the integration of new players under head coach Giovanni Guidetti.

Since 2021, FIVB Volleyball Empowerment has provided targeted support to the women’s national team programme, including the appointment of Guidetti as part of the coaching support for the national team. The support provided totals $1,223,000, with a further $75,000 allocated to equipment.

Guidetti’s first full season in charge came in 2025, as Canada balanced results with a deliberate effort to widen the group of players tested at this level. The team played a number of close matches across the preliminary phase, with several going the distance, and did enough to retain their place in the competition.

Eight players made their Volleyball Nations League debuts during the campaign, reflecting the staff’s decision to introduce new options alongside established internationals. 

Among those who carried a significant workload across the season were Hilary Howe Johnson, Emily Maglio and Anna Smrek, each featuring prominently as Canada worked through different line-ups and match situations.

The programme’s season continued at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship in Thailand from 22 August to 7 September. Canada advanced from their pool and moved into the Round of 16. They progressed to the knockout stage, where their run ended against the United States.

The 2026 Volleyball Nations League opens on home court for Canada, with Week 1 staged in Quebec City from 3-7 June. Japan, the United States, Ukraine, France and Germany are also part of the line-up for that week. 

Week 2 follows from 17-21 June, where Canada will compete alongside Thailand, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Bulgaria and Poland. Week 3 is set for 8-12 July in Hong Kong, China, with hosts China, Italy, Belgium, Ukraine and the Dominican Republic scheduled for that week.

Kiera Van Ryk’s availability this season adds experience to a squad that saw several players take on expanded roles during the 2025 campaign. With a home opening week in Quebec City and a broader group already tested at this level, Canada begins the 2026 Volleyball Nations League with greater depth across the roster.