When the first ball of the season is spiked this weekend, it will signal a radical shift for the women’s Royals volleyball team, with a new coach at the helm.

Head Coach Kyra Iannone has come to Douglas with a sweeping vision for the program.

“What I expect is less about wins and losses but more about defining who the Douglas College Royals are,” says Iannone. “This is definitely a rebuilding year... where we implement new systems, expectations and roles.”

Iannone has a solid resume to back up her plans. She has coached indoor and beach volleyball for the last 11 years, attending World Championships and leading teams to medal wins at the Canadian national and provincial levels.

Iannone’s approach to coaching goes beyond the court.

“I believe we start with a culture. A culture of professional, hardworking, dedicated athletes who love each other and the team,” says Iannone.
She sites returning key players Kalena Conners and Vic Hocking as two of Canada’s top college players and a “huge presence at the net.”

Transfer student Mandy Grierson, from Alaska, is a Team BC alumni and “ready to quarterback this team from the setting position.”

Three recruits — Hayley Flower-Ainge (Delta), Megen Ramstad(Kelowna) and Tori Trim (Surrey) — will all see a lot of court time and play key roles this season. Iannone foresees this fresh talent as “culture builders”, as well as talented volleyball players, to watch out for.

On board is Assistant Coach Ben Chow,  a UBC Men’s Volleyball and Team Canada Beach Volleyball player.

The Royals kick off the season against Capilano University Oct. 12 in North Vancouver and Oct. 13 in New West.