Eight top Canadian university women鈥檚 volleyball teams will play in an 11-game tournament for the 2026 U SPORTS Women鈥檚 Volleyball Championship in 91原创.

U SPORTS Director of Sport Mark Alfano made the announcement Monday, Oct 7 at the 91原创 Events Centre, the site of the competition hosted by the Township and Trinity Western University (TWU).

Alfano called TWU 鈥渙ne of the premier volleyball universities in the country" and described 91原创 as 鈥渁 hotbed for volleyball.鈥�

Running March 13-15, it's the first time the event has happened in 91原创.

Ryan Hofer, head coach of the TWU Spartans women's volleyball team, said the championship "will be a significant event for our community and bring a sense of excitement and pride to our school."

Hofer predicted the U Sports event will enhance the visibility of volleyball within the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland, sparking increased interest and support for the sport at all levels.

"We are proud to host and look forward to welcoming teams from across the country to our city," Hofer said. 

Since taking over as head coach, Hofer has guided TWU to seven national medals, including gold in 2015 and 2022, silver in 2016 and 2023 and bronze in 2011, 2013 and 2017. 

As the host team, TWU Spartans will automatically make the finals 

Township Mayor Eric Woodward welcome the announcement, praising TWU and promising continuing support by the municipality.

"You can count on us to always be there and help," Woodward said.

U Sports is the national sport governing body for universities in Canada, representing 58 universities with an estimated 12,000 student-athletes and 500 coaches competing in 7,700 games and events a year including 21 national championships.