Oakley to join Tigers for 2025-26

Dalhousie Tigers women’s volleyball head coach Patrick Murray is pleased to announce the commitment of Ella Oakley for the 2025-26 season. 

Hailing from Bible Hill, Nova Scotia, Oakley has been an outside hitter for the Cobequid Educational Centre (CEC) women’s volleyball team since 2022, winning the Division 1 title in the School Sports Nova Scotia provincial championship in 2022 and 2024.

She plays her club volleyball for the Truro Cougars Women’s Volleyball Club, winning the U17 Provincial Championship in 2024. Oakley was part of the Team Nova Scotia Canada Games Training Group and competed in the 2024 Canada Cup. She has also been a member of the Provincial Excellence Program (PEP) since 2023.

In 2025, Oakley was named Tournament MVP at the Redd Mud Tournament with the Truro Cougars. In 2024, she received the Maple Award (Team MVP) while representing Team Nova Scotia at the Canada Cup. That same year, she was named MVP at the High School Tip-Off Tournament and earned an all-star selection at the Dalhousie High School Volleyball Tournament. In 2023, Oakley was recognized as a tournament all-star at the U17 Club Provincial Championship and received the CEC Women’s Volleyball Coaches Award.

“As a Nova Scotian athlete, getting the chance to play for one of the most competitive teams in my home province is everything I had hoped for,” says Oakley. “I am grateful for the opportunity to join a team that heavily exemplifies the same hard work ethic, dedication and sportsmanship characteristics that I deeply value as an athlete. Proud to call myself a Tiger!”

An honours with distinction recipient, Oakley will be studying kinesiology at Dalhousie.

“Ella is an exceptionally dynamic and explosive outside hitter,” says Murray. “Beyond her athleticism, Ella's work ethic and competitive drive will be impactful additions to our program's culture. We are excited to welcome Ella to the Tigers!"

The Tigers finished the 2024-25 regular season in first place with a 16-4 record.