The Canadian Women’s Volleyball Team has achieved many successful ventures since their first international competitions many years ago. Competing in the 1976, 1984, and 1996 Olympics were pinnacles of achievement for the program. Narrowly missing qualifying for the 2000 Olympics was a disappointment, but provided a basis from which to build from.

Now under the guidance of Head Coach Lorne Sawula who has returned to the team after a thirteen year break (Coached Team Canada from 82-88), and Assistant Coach Naoki Miyashita who has brought his expertise to Canada after Coaching professionally in Japan, Team Canada hopes to re-create successes and become the international presence it has been in the past. Focusing on a new younger "up and coming" group of athletes, Team Canada feels that it can achieve these goals and make new landmarks for the women’s program.

The return of key veterans with international experience, along with new stars coming out of the University ranks, it is anticipated to be a good combination for this team to prove itself amongst the international elite.

After the 2003 season, Canada now sits at 21st in the world rankings, and are eager to once again challenge for a spot as one of the top team’s in the world. After missing out on the opportunity to qualify for the 2004 Olympics, this young, talented team is now refocusing on their performance and success throughout the next quadrennial.

The Canadians will go to the Pan American Cup aiming for one of the top four places and make a comeback to the 2005 World Grand Prix where they played last year replacing Dominican Republic who withdrew because conflict commitments with the Pan Am Games.

The North Americans played the Pan Am Cup in 2002 and finished third behind Cuba and Dominican Republic. They obtained victories over USA “B”, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

Last year, Canada won the bronze medal in the Olympic Qualifier Tournament in December after defeating Puerto Rico in straight sets. In September, during the Continental Championship the Canadians finished in fourth place.

The team consist of Stephanie Wheeler, Tara Smart, Amy Tutt, Tammy Mahon, Lisa Reynolds, Anne-Marie Lemieux, Barb Bellini, Stephanie Pender, Emily Cordonier, Lies Verhoeff, Stacey Gordon, Samantha Lawrek, Falin Schaeffer, Julie Salyn, Melissa Raymond, Annie Levesque, Cheryl Stinson and Gina Schdmidt.