Prince George Volleyball Teams Shine Amid Post-Secondary Void

BREAKING: Prince George is buzzing with excitement as sixteen elite senior boys high school volleyball teams compete in the provincial championship tournament this week. Local heroes, including the Duchess Park Condors, College Heights Cougars, Cedars Christian Eagles, and D.P. Todd Trojans, have all secured spots in this prestigious event, showcasing the city’s robust volleyball talent.

However, a significant hurdle looms for these athletes: neither of Prince George’s post-secondary institutions, the College of New Caledonia (CNC) and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), offer volleyball programs. As the tournament unfolds, local coach Jay Guillet expresses concern over the impact this void has on players aspiring to continue their volleyball careers after high school.

“Many kids find it hard to leave home for college due to costs, so they end up stepping away from the sport,” Guillet stated on CBC’s Daybreak North. The absence of post-secondary volleyball opportunities means that many talented players may not pursue their passion further, despite their skills and dedication.

Historically, Prince George has produced numerous players who have gone on to compete at the collegiate level, with some even reaching professional heights in Europe. However, since budget cuts eliminated CNC’s volleyball programs in 2005, the local landscape has changed drastically. UNBC, which opened in 1994, chose basketball and soccer as its primary varsity sports, leaving volleyball without a home.

Loralyn Murdoch, director of athletics at UNBC, confirmed that the financial implications of adding a volleyball program are considerable. “The cost to introduce a team at the U Sport level is approximately $830,000 annually,” she explained. This hefty price tag has kept volleyball off the roster, despite ongoing discussions about its potential addition.

Guillet agrees with Murdoch’s assessment of the financial challenges, noting the recent decision by McGill University to cut 25 sports teams due to unsustainable costs. “It highlights the tough reality many schools face,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for support to see local players don their hometown colors at the next level.

As the tournament continues, the stakes are high. The Duchess Park Condors are currently ranked second, followed closely by the College Heights Cougars at fourth, Cedars Christian Eagles at tenth, and D.P. Todd Trojans at sixteenth. The championship match is set to take place on Saturday afternoon at CNC, and excitement is palpable throughout the community.

In a city rich with volleyball talent and passionate supporters, the hope remains that a solution will emerge to bridge the gap for local athletes. As Guillet aptly stated, “We have a great volleyball community here; if the funding were available, the potential is limitless.”

This urgent situation highlights the importance of fostering local sports programs and ensuring young athletes have the opportunities they deserve. The volleyball community of Prince George is rallying for change, and the upcoming championship could be a pivotal moment in their quest for a brighter future in the sport.