Mission accomplished for top-ranked Canada as they secured a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after defeating the host Dominican Republic in the women’s volleyball NORCECA Continental Qualifier championship match. Coached by Giovanni Guidetti and assisted by Carolyn O’Dwyer, Vincenzo Mallia, and TJ Sanders, Canada emerged victorious in the best-of-five final, winning in four games against the fourth-ranked DR squad with scores of 25-15, 20-25, 25-23, 25-14. The team maintained a perfect 5-0 record in the qualifying tournament.
This marks Canada’s fourth Olympic appearance and their first since 1996 when they tied for ninth place in the Atlanta Games. Alexa Gray, a member of the team since 2017, expressed her overwhelming joy at achieving this milestone after narrowly missing out on qualification for the 2024 Games. Gray, alongside Kiera Van Ryk, spearheaded Canada’s scoring efforts with 22 points each, leading the team to victory with superior attack points, blocks, and aces despite conceding more points due to errors.
Veteran setter Brie Fransen commended the team’s dedication and effort, describing the feeling of qualifying for the Olympics as surreal and well-deserved. Prior to clinching their Olympic spot, Canada claimed their first-ever NORCECA Continental Championship by defeating the American team in the final match.
Head coach Guidetti praised the hard work of the athletes and staff, expressing his satisfaction at achieving the team’s season goals of reaching the VNL Finals and securing qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics. The team’s success is a testament to their relentless determination and commitment to excellence.
