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Last week, Durham College (DC) played host to the best collegiate volleyball players in Canada.
The 2025 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Volleyball National Championship took over DC’s Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre as seven of the country’s best teams travelled to the Oshawa campus for the annual tournament.
As hosts, the Lords were guaranteed a spot and put in a competitive showing over three games. They defeated the Mount Allison Mounties in straight sets and dropped games to two teams who went on to win medals: the tournament champion Lakeland Rustlers and the bronze medalist Vancouver Island University Mariners.
It was an effort to be proud of according to Scott Dennis, Athletic Director.
“It was great to get a win on the board as the host school. There’s always a lot of pressure to get that win, and they were able to pull it off,” he said.
It was a fitting end for the team, after they were eliminated from the Ontario College Athletic Association (OCAA) playoff race earlier than they would have liked.
“They rebounded and really proved that they belonged on the national stage.”
For the athletes on the team, competing in the National Championship on their home court was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and they made sure to soak it all in.
“Competing at nationals was an unforgettable experience. The energy from all the fans and the atmosphere on the court was incredible, and it’s something I’ll always remember,” said Brooke Young, a four-year veteran of the team. “What made it even more special was sharing that experience with my teammates. It was on a whole new level and it’s something I am determined to reach again next season.”
As hosts, DC received rave reviews. For afternoon games, students from local elementary schools were invited to attend and cheer on the athletes. The evening games were a hot ticket and the finals sold out, thanks in part to the nearby Humber Hawks making it to the gold medal game.
The Championship was complemented with additional events like a sitting volleyball tournament, a community skills clinic and tournament, and a CCAA Women in Sport Leadership Conference.
“We wanted to make it a celebration of volleyball,” said Dennis.
The multi-day event was just that, and DC head coach Tony Clarke was pleased to see it come together.
“Hosting the national championship was an amazing opportunity for the college and our community. Bringing the top teams across the country to showcase their talents was awesome,” he said. “Our athletes were grateful to be part of the event. Thank you to the host committee and Durham College athletic staff for creating memories that will last a lifetime.”
