New Season, New Growth for Women’s Volleyball
UTM Women’s Tri-Campus Volleyball season so far
The 2025–2026 season has been one of transition, growth, and resilience for the UTM Women’s Tri-Campus Volleyball team. With a largely rebuilt roster and only a few returning players, the team entered the season focused less on immediate results and more on building chemistry, trust, and a positive environment. The team believes that these foundations will carry far beyond a single season.
The UTM Women’s Tri-Campus Volleyball team is made up of 13 athletes led by head coach Bryan Calucag and assistant coach James Tang, with captains Emily Zubriski and Abi Comeau guiding the group on and off the court.
Results, Environment, and Leadership
While the team is not seeing the outcomes through wins, the progress being made tells a much deeper story. The Eagles earned a set win against UTSC in the winter and continue to improve week by week, particularly in their offensive decision-making and overall pace of play. Practices have become a space to experiment, learn, and take risks, with players encouraged to make mistakes in order to grow.
“The environment we’ve created makes it okay to look a little foolish while learning,” said captain Zubriski. “That’s where the real improvement happens.”
That environment has been one of the team’s biggest strengths. The overall feeling of this season has been positive, supportive, and genuinely fun—a group of athletes who enjoy being together both on and off the court. Through all of the competition, trust and chemistry have grown significantly, and it is starting to show.
With practically only two players returning, rebuilding the team came with some challenges. For the Eagles, learning each player’s strengths and figuring out how to use them effectively has been a major focus. Despite the learning curve, the team’s speed, skill level, and confidence have increased steadily. New techniques learned through practice are being implemented more consistently during games.
One standout moment came during an exhibition match against York, where the team pushed the game to five competitive sets. The match was filled with energy, celebration, and strong volleyball—a clear sign of how far the team has come and what they are capable of when everything clicks. They also had amazing attendance from other students, family, and friends who came out to support their Eagles!
Leadership has played a key role throughout the season. Zubriski and Comeau have worked closely to strike a balance between fun and accountability, ensuring the team remains upbeat while still holding each other to high standards. From organizing team bonding activities to reinforcing a learning-focused mindset, the captains have emphasized growth, resilience, and pride in the process.
Beyond the court
For Zubriski, the Tri-Campus Volleyball program represents far more than competition. “Being part of this program means having a safe space to play the sport I love,” she shared. “The coaches and players create such a welcoming community. I’ve gained lasting friendships and so much confidence while still focusing on my studies.”
As the season moves toward playoffs, the team hopes to carry their growth forward with renewed confidence and energy. More than anything, they want to feel proud of the work they’ve put in together.
Through rebuilding, resilience, and unwavering support for one another, the Eagles have created something special — a team that plays with heart, grows together, and represents the spirit of University of Toronto Mississauga with pride.
Message to the Fans
The team is also calling on the UTM community to show their support. Sunday games thrive on crowd energy, and having fans in the stands can make all the difference, whether it is fueling momentum, boosting morale, or reminding players that their effort is seen and valued.
Come support the UTM Women’s Tri-Campus Volleyball team home and awayas they look to put together a strong second half to the season.
