The first team of the newly formed Cochrane Volleyball Club has set a high benchmark by winning a silver medal in its debut at nationals.
The Cochrane Kodiaks U15 girls’ team played nine matches over three days against teams from Manitoba, Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan.
They defeated the North Shore Stars of B.C. in three sets (25-18, 20-25, 15-5) in the quarterfinals, then beat the Vermilion Rustlers of Saskatchewan in straight sets (25-15, 25-16) in the semifinals to advance to the championship match. A team from Victoria won the final.
“They easily played their best matches of the season,” said team manager Rhonda Bartel. “Everybody was ready and the team was ready to peak at the right time, which is always the goal.”
The Kodiaks roster included Landree Brown, Belle Carr, Georgia Harrison, Ruby Hooper, Zenieke Snyman, Morgan Derricott, Merrin Cooper, Rylee Dolgin, Haylee Laurell, Eva Huybrech, Mataya Hoskin and Kasha Kelly. They were coached by Chelsea Stedford, John Brown and Ivo Stedford.
The majority of the team members played at the junior level for St. Timothy and Cochrane High, with one player each from Springbank and Airdrie.
More teams will come under the wing of the new club for the 2026 season. The current U15 players will graduate to an elite U16 team, alongside additional teams from U12 to U15.
In the meantime, several indoor and beach development programs are set to begin.
You can learn more about the club here.