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Dalhousie Tigers

Tigers Alum Grace Calnan named to volleyball Canada's Next Gen program

After an accomplished university career Grace Calnan continues to add to her resume. The former Dalhousie Tigers middle has officially been named to Volleyball Canada's Next Gen program for the fourth year in a row.

Tigers Alum Grace Calnan named to volleyball Canada's Next Gen program

Calnan was first selected to the national development program in 2023 and has earned her place again in 2025. Hosted at the Women's National Training Centre in Richmond, B.C., runs from June 2 until mid-September 2025, it offers a full-time high-performance training environment and prepares athletes for the systems and expectations of the Senior National Team. If selected to the travel roster, Calnan could face international competition at the U23 NORCECA Pan Am Cup, the NORCECA Pan Am Cup and the NORCECA Final Six. 

The Next Gen program is designed to develop future members of Canada's senior national team, providing elite athletes with opportunities to train, compete, and represent the country in high-performance environments. Hosted 

“I’m extremely excited to be training with the NextGen program again this year.” Says Calnan. “It’s always a privilege getting to wear the Team Canada jersey, and I’m proud to represent Dalhousie and Nova Scotia athletes on a national level. I'm very grateful for the years of support from my Tigers coaching staff and teammates — they push me and inspire me to keep growing, and I'm looking forward to continuing to work towards my goals this summer with another great group of athletes.” 
 

During her time as a Tiger from 2019 to 2024, Calnan was a dominant and dependable player for the Tigers, she racked up 633 points, 394 kills, 218 blocks, and 73 service aces, all while maintaining a .362 hitting percentage. In her final season, she was named an AUS second team all star. 

 

“Last summer, Grace returned from the Next Gen program with a clear goal: to come back stronger and more well-rounded for the 2025 tryout.” Says Patrick Murray, Tigers women’s volleyball head coach. “She identified key areas for development and committed fully to that process throughout her final season with the Tigers. The results speak for themselves as Grace finished the regular season fifth in the country in hitting percentage and second in solo blocks. Being named to Volleyball Canada’s Next Gen training group for a fourth summer is a testament to her resilience, focus, and continued rise as an elite athlete. We’re incredibly proud to have Grace representing our program on the national stage and can’t wait to see what she’ll accomplish in the sport beyond Dalhousie.”