5 Olympians return as Volleyball Canada announces 2025 beach roster
Volleyball Canada has recently unveiled its beach volleyball national team roster for 2025, showcasing a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talent. The announcement includes the return of five out of six 2024 Olympians, highlighting a strong foundation for the upcoming season.
On the women’s side, the senior team will be led by Paris Olympic silver medallists Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes, both hailing from Toronto. Joining them are Heather Bansley and Sophie Bukovec, who also represented Canada in Paris last year. This experienced lineup is expected to continue Canada’s success on the international stage.
For the men’s team, two-time Olympian Sam Schachter will be a key player to watch. The 34-year-old from Richmond Hill, Ont., will bring his wealth of experience to the team, supported by a talented roster that includes Tynan Gannett, Luke de Greeff, Martin Licht, Steven Abrams, Jonny Pickett, and Guillaume Rivest. Rivest, Pickett, and Licht have all benefitted from their participation in the RBC Training Ground’s “Future Olympians” program, adding depth to the squad.
As the Canadian stars aim to maintain their high standard of performance, the NextGen team is also making strides in their development. Recent podium success on the NORCECA Tour has showcased the potential of emerging talent within the program. Volleyball Canada’s chief sport officer, Kerry MacDonald, expressed confidence in the team’s progress and highlighted the exciting blend of veteran leadership and rising stars within the roster.
Amy Ozee, a gold medallist at the NORCECA Tour stop in Honduras, is set to return to the women’s NextGen team alongside newcomers Emily Anderson, Marie-Alex Belanger, and Lea Monkhouse. These promising athletes are poised to make their mark in the sport and contribute to Canada’s beach volleyball success in the coming year.
While the senior team gears up for competition on the Beach Pro Tour in March, Volleyball Canada has hinted at additional summer athletes being announced in the near future. The 2025 season is shaping up to be a promising one for Canadian beach volleyball, with a talented roster ready to take on the challenges ahead.
The announced roster includes familiar names such as Brandie Wilkerson, Melissa Humana-Paredes, Heather Bansley, and Sophie Bukovec for the women’s team, and Sam Schachter, Tynan Gannett, Luke de Greeff, Steven Abrams, Martin Licht, Jonny Pickett, and Guillaume Rivest for the men’s team. The NextGen teams also feature promising talents like Lea Monkhouse, Amy Ozee, Marie-Alex Belanger, and Emily Anderson, showcasing the depth of talent within Canadian beach volleyball.
With a mix of experience, skill, and potential, Volleyball Canada’s 2025 national team roster is poised to make waves in the upcoming season and continue the country’s proud tradition in beach volleyball.
