PROVIDENCE WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL READY TO DEFEND TITLE AND HOST NATIONALS IN 2025–26
October 2025 — Otterburne, MB — The defending MCAC champion Providence Women's Volleyball team is gearing up for a milestone season, one that blends the pursuit of another conference title with the excitement of hosting the CCAA National Championships in March.
Head Coach Kyle Guenther, entering his 10th season at the helm, leads a confident and motivated group ready to take on the challenges — and opportunities — that the 2025–26 campaign brings.
"We are very excited to get this season underway," said Guenther. "We've had a very competitive preseason and have tested ourselves against a lot of high-quality opponents. While we have a few in our returning core back for their graduating seasons, our team is fairly young overall. We'll look to lean on the experience of our seniors as we try to find our stride early in the year."
Offseason Preparation Sets the Tone
The Pilots came into training camp in strong physical form thanks to their dedicated offseason work.
"The offseason was good for our group," said Guenther. "We have a second-year strength and conditioning coach who put together a great plan for us, and we came into camp physically ready to go."
That preparation will be key as Providence looks to maintain its championship standard and navigate a challenging conference schedule.
Roster Overview
The Pilots enter the season with 15 total athletes, including 7 outsides, 4 middles, 2 setters, and 2 liberos.
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Key Returnees:
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Key Additions:
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Key Departures:
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With a strong mix of proven veterans and exciting newcomers, the Pilots are built for both immediate success and long-term growth.
Leaders and Captains
| Team captains Tyra Peters and Amanda Bergen bring experience, composure, and championship pedigree to the lineup. Peters, the reigning two-time MCAC Player of the Year, enters her final season as one of the most decorated players in program history. |
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"It's hard to look past Tyra," said Guenther. "She's positioned herself well to be at the top of her game one more time."
The Pilots' home opener on October 31st is already circled on the calendar.
"I think the atmosphere could be pretty cool," Guenther said. "We really enjoy playing in front of our supporters, so it will be fun to be back in front of them again."
Of course, the highlight of the season will come in March, when Providence hosts the CCAA National Championships— bringing the best collegiate volleyball programs in the country to Otterburne.
"It's hard not to look at the opportunity to host Nationals," said Guenther. "We're so excited to have the best teams in the country in our facility and show what our program can do. It's going to be a special week to end the season."
Guenther expects a challenging year in the MCAC, noting the overall rise in competition across the conference.
"The MCAC as a whole got better this year. I believe all four teams took steps forward, whether in recruiting or retention. Every match will be competitive this season, which is exactly what you want in a league. Whoever represents the MCAC at Nationals will have the benefit of a full schedule of high-level matches."
The Season Ahead
With elite returning talent, a wave of promising newcomers, and the energy of a home Nationals to look forward to, the Providence Pilots are set for an unforgettable season.
As Coach Guenther put it:
"We're excited, motivated, and ready to represent our program and conference the best we can."
MEN'S VOLLEYBALL EYES BACK-TO-BACK TITLES IN 2025–26 SEASON
October 2025 — Following a dominant 2024 campaign that ended with a conference title and a 19–1 regular-season record, the defending MCAC champion men's volleyball team is gearing up for another exciting year on the court. Head Coach Paul Armbruster enters his next season at the helm with a deep, competitive roster ready to chase back-to-back championships.
"We are really excited about the season ahead," said Armbruster. "We again have an awesome group of guys, and I've been really impressed so far with this group's exceptional desire to learn, grow, and improve. Because of that, it's exciting to think how good we can get by the end of the year."
Offseason Work Pays Off
The team carried strong momentum into the offseason, with a focus on weight training and conditioning. Armbruster was especially pleased with the progress shown by his returners.
"I was really happy with how much work the team put into the offseason weight training," he noted. "We had nine returners improve on five to ten of our fitness tests."
That dedication has set the tone for what the program hopes will be another championship-caliber year.
Roster Outlook
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The 2025–26 roster features 20 athletes, including a healthy mix of returners and newcomers:
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3 setters
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9 outside hitters
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4 middles
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4 liberos
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With leadership at every position and depth across the lineup, Armbruster believes this group has all the tools to compete at a high level.
Leadership and Experience
This year's team captains bring a strong blend of experience and leadership:
Fifth-year libero Kade Lepp is embracing his final season with pride.
"Super excited that my last year can be with such a great group of guys," said Lepp. "Everyone is working hard to get better and loves to compete. We've learned a lot in our preseason and are excited to see how that will translate into the regular season."
Players to Watch
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Marcus Zeilstra has elevated his game following an outstanding summer of training. His command of the offense and leadership on the court make him a key factor in the team's success.
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Liam Buhler continues to refine his offensive power in the middle, emerging as a dominant presence at the net.
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Cayden Williams brings a well-rounded skill set, impacting the match through his serving, attacking, and defensive abilities.
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Looking Ahead
Armbruster expects a highly competitive MCAC season ahead.
"I think overall, the league competition has improved, and we're excited to be tested by each opponent," he said.
While every match will pose a challenge, the coach maintains a steady approach: "We seek to play our best in every single game and treat each one the same way."
He also highlighted his enjoyment of preseason play, where the focus is on development and improvement — key values of the program.
The Season Ahead
With a strong mix of returning talent, promising newcomers, and a clear focus on growth, the men's volleyball team looks primed for another successful season.
As Armbruster summed up, "It's exciting to think how good we can get by the end of the year."
With elite returning talent, a wave of promising newcomers, and the energy of a home Nationals to look forward to, the Providence Pilots are set for an unforgettable season.
The Pilots will open their 2025–26 campaign on Friday, October 24th in Brandon against the Assiniboine Cougars, before returning home for their home opener on Friday, October 31st in Niverville versus the Université de Saint-Boniface Les Rouges.
Fans can expect high-energy volleyball and an early preview of a team determined to defend its crown and shine on the national stage.
