CALGARY – As the weather starts to turn colder here on the UCalgary campus, it's time to head indoors for the start of the 2025-26 volleyball season for the University of Calgary Dinos.

Calgary kicks off the conference season at home this coming Friday, with plenty of optimism within and around the women's program.

That starts with head coach Christine Biggs.

Now in her fifth season leading the Dinos, Biggs has her most well-balanced roster in her time with the Scarlet & Gold.

"We have a bigger roster this season and lots of competition within that roster, and that part is super exciting for me," Biggs said. "We have a lot more ability for variation in what we're putting out on the court. In Canada West, our rules allow for eight subs. I've never been one to push for those additional subs, but I think the likelihood of us using eight is higher than it's ever been going into this year. 

"We just have different people showing strengths in ways that can be an asset for us this season. I'm excited to see those roles developing this season."

About that bigger roster…

The Dinos lost just one player that saw the court from last year's squad. Despite that, Biggs brought in a loaded class of nine newcomers (three transfers, five rookies and one sport switch) to add a host of talent both on and off the court.

"The cool thing with our newcomers – we have nine new bodies in the gym plus new staff., and there is a sort of fresh, young, bright-eyed type of athlete that is bringing lots of energy and enthusiasm and skill. And then we also have a pretty cool balance of having new players on the team that are extremely experienced and learning. 

"Overall, I think there is a fresh vibe on the team. Overall excitement. People are embracing the depth and diversity we have with a big roster. Through the preseason, everyone has had opportunities in different ways to showcase what strengths they're bringing to the program. We're looking forward to building on those strengths."

Arguably the biggest addition from those nine newcomers is Ashley Ditchfield. A 6-foot-2 middle, Ditchfield has one year of eligibility remaining after playing four years at Toronto Metropolitan University where she racked up 352 total kills while hitting .290 to go with 166 total blocks in her time with the Bold. After graduating from TMU, the Belle River, Ont., native played one year professionally in Austria before moving to Calgary to continue her education.

"Ash was a really exciting email in my inbox," Biggs recalled. "'Hey, I've already played four years and have graduated and I'm going to try to go do this pro thing for a year before moving to Calgary.' 

"Her previous experience in Toronto and then even the year overseas has prepared her for all sorts of environments and contexts. But also preparing her to be a leader. And the recognition that she has one year left and she can make of it and put into it what she wants. She's definitely a leader and then the skill level that she's bringing and just the strength and maturity, physically and mentally, is above and beyond."

In addition to Ditchfield, three other non-rookies join this year's Calgary squad. Courtney Webber is a 5-foot-5 libero who spent last season at NAIT. Reese Evjen is a 5-foot-11 outside who spent two seasons with the Regina Cougars and won't be eligible until midseason due to transfer rules. And Abby Watts joins the Dinos volleyball program after four years as a high jumper with the Dinos track & field team.

Five first years also come to campus this fall, with all showing early promise.

"Honestly, I think our entire group of first years has the capacity to make an impact and help drive our performance and outcomes this season in various roles," Biggs said. "I'm really impressed with how quickly everyone has adapted to new systems and our style of play. Also, the skill set and work ethic and love of the game that they've all come in with has really accelerated their own ability to pick up where…a lot of first years come in and it's a massive adjustment. We haven't seen that big gap this year. The ability to compete for time on the court, regardless of how many points they're out there for, I think all of them have been impactful in pushing our team."

The Dinos have seen plenty of rookies succeed right out of the gates under Biggs. Daisy Olsen (2023), Anya Fehr (2024) and Sophia Hansen (2025) have all earned all-rookie honours in their first year with the Dinos, with Hansen being named the Canada West Rookie of the Year in addition to a spot on the U SPORTS All-Rookie team this past March.

All three are now veterans and lead in various roles – with leadership being something Biggs said this year's team has in spades.

"We have so many people who lead in so many different ways. 

"Soph (Hansen) doesn't need me to look for her to improve. She wants to be better every single day. She's got high expectations for herself and the people around her. Anya has put in a ton of work over the summer – her mental game, her physicality, her leadership work and just her pushing outside of her comfort zone to continue to improve her game has been really impressive. Evvia (Belireau) is a team captain for so many reasons. She's been through it all. 

"We have a lot of stability and consistency from names fans are used to seeing, but I think some of the younger ones are providing lots of great leadership in various ways, too. 

"We do a vote for our leadership group and it's incredible – we have this giant roster and I can't tell you how many different names showed up in those votes. I like that. I don't want one person setting the tone. Everyone is stepping up in different ways."

The Dinos hit the court for the first time in conference play at home this weekend, welcoming MacEwan to the Jack Simpson Gym. Friday's opener is scheduled for a 6:45 p.m. start time following the men's game, while Saturday's first serve is set for 4 p.m. Saturday is also Alumni Night for the program.

-UC-