Junior Pilots off to nationals after provincial success

The Junior Pilots volleyball club is continuing a strong run of form, with teams set to participate at upcoming national championships.

The club’s 18U team girls team, coached by Kyla Zacharias, rounded off a five-season run of medal finishes at provincials, starting with a bronze medal in the 2022 14U championships and ending with a silver medal this season.

“This team is nothing short of elite,” Zacharias said in a news release.

“We are so proud of this group. The ability to work with athletes who are not only talented but solid in character — on and off the court — is incredibly rewarding.”

It’s the first time an age group has medaled for five consecutive seasons in Manitoba. The group will round out their time together at nationals in Calgary May 20-23.

They’re not the only Pilots team participating for a Canadian championship, as the program claimed boys 15U and 17U gold medals at provincials this season as well.

The 15U team, coached by Christian Turenne, will be in Mississauga May 14-17 for their national championship. The 17U team is coached by Nate Martin and will be in Calgary as well May 21-23. That group claimed back-to-back provincial championships.

Both coaches are former Providence Pilots volleyball players.