As the country’s top teams prepare to battle for a national title, one thing is certain: March 13 to 15 will be a defining weekend at the University of Windsor — one filled with pride, passion and unforgettable volleyball. (GRAPHIC/UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR)
By John-Paul Bonadonna
Canada’s top varsity men’s volleyball teams will bump, set and spike their way to Windsor.
From March 13 through 15, the University of Windsor’s Toldo Lancer Centre will become the epicentre of Canadian university volleyball. The nation’s top programs, elite student-athletes and passionate fans will converge in what is sure to be a landmark event as UWindsor hosts their first-ever varsity men’s volleyball national championship.
With a state-of-the-art facility, a nationally recognized program and a veteran roster built for big moments, the timing could not be better.
“Everything aligned,” said Eric Vandenbroucke, executive director of athletics and recreational services.
“We have one of the premier competition venues in the country in the Toldo Lancer Centre, a team that has been consistently ranked among the top in Canada and a senior group of student-athletes who have earned this opportunity.”
A championship-calibre program on home court
The Windsor Lancers will enter the tournament not simply as hosts, but as legitimate contenders.
Under head coach James Gravelle, the Lancers have qualified for multiple national championships in recent seasons and feature a deep, experienced lineup that includes All-Canadians, conference award winners and future national-team players.
“This group has been building toward something like this for a long time,” said Gravelle, who has led the program since 2013.
“Many of these players are competing at nationals for the third time. They’ve earned the right to be here, and the chance to do it at home, in front of our fans, is incredibly meaningful.”
The roster is defined not only by talent, but by diversity and commitment. Players hail from across Canada, including international student-athletes from Hawaii and Brazil, forming a tight-knit unit that exemplifies what Gravelle calls volleyball’s greatest strength: teamwork.
“Volleyball is the ultimate team game,” he said.
“You depend on each other on every single point. That connectedness is really the heartbeat of this team.”
Elite volleyball, non-stop action
Fans attending the championship can expect fast-paced, high-intensity competition from the opening serve to championship point. Varsity men’s volleyball represents the highest level of the sport in Canada, with many athletes progressing directly from U SPORTS to the national team and Olympic programs.
“The athleticism is eye-opening,” said Vandenbroucke.
“The jumping, power, speed and defensive plays — it’s non-stop action. Every rally brings something exciting and the atmosphere builds with every point.”
Preseason tournaments hosted at Windsor earlier this year offered a glimpse of what’s to come, featuring powerhouse programs from across the country and tightly contested matches that set the tone for the season.
In March, the stakes will be even higher.
Campus energy and community impact
Beyond the competition, the championship promises to transform campus life for the weekend.
The Toldo Lancer Centre is expected to be packed with students, alumni, families and fans, creating a playoff atmosphere that players thrive on.
“This is one of those moments where campus spirit really comes alive,” said Vandenbroucke.
“It’s an opportunity for students to wear blue and gold, support their peers and be part of something big. Hosting this championship is something special for our university, our city and our community.”
The impact extends far beyond campus. With teams and supporters traveling from coast to coast, the championship will generate significant sports tourism, filling hotels, restaurants and local businesses throughout Windsor-Essex.
“Anytime you bring a national championship to the city, there’s a ripple effect,” Vandenbroucke said.
“It’s great exposure for Windsor and a boost for our local economy.”
Be part of the moment
Tickets for the 2026 U SPORTS BioSteel Men's Volleyball Championship are available now, with tournament passes offering fans access to all matches throughout the weekend. Special student pricing ensures affordability for the campus community, while national broadcasts on CBC Gem will showcase Windsor on a coast-to-coast stage.
“This is a chance to see the best volleyball in Canada, right here,” said Gravelle.
“These moments don’t come around often.”
As the country’s top teams prepare to battle for a national title, one thing is certain: March 13 to 15 will be a defining weekend at the University of Windsor — one filled with pride, passion and unforgettable volleyball.
For tickets and championship information, visit the U SPORTS website or golancers.ca.