LANGLEY, British Columbia – The Trinity Western Spartans open the Canada West season ranked No. 4 in the Canada West preseason coaches' poll. The Spartans kick off the season Friday night at 5 p.m. when they host the No. 6 Manitoba Bisons at the Langley Events Centre, then play game two of the two-game series Saturday at 3 p.m. Both matches can be seen live on Canada West TV.

Just two points separate UBC and Trinity Western in the coaches' poll, with the Spartans sitting fourth at 144 points and one first-place vote. Trinity Western enters the season with roster depth and a group eager to take another step forward. Fifth-year outside hitter Maryn Boldon will be a key leader as the team looks to turn its offseason work into a deep playoff run.

"We are excited about this year's group," says head coach Ryan Hofer. "They have put in a lot of work over the off-season, and we look forward to testing ourselves each weekend in a very competitive Canada West conference."

2026-27 CW WVB PRE-SEASON COACHES POLL 
Team - Points (First-place votes)

1. Alberta Pandas - 160 (6)
2. Thompson Rivers WolfPack - 154 (6)
3. UBC Thunderbirds - 146 (1)
4. Trinity Western Spartans - 144 (1)
5. Saskatchewan Huskies - 107
6. Manitoba Bisons - 97
7. Calgary Dinos - 93
8. Fraser Valley Cascades - 93
9. Winnipeg Wesmen - 81
10. Mount Royal Cougars - 61
11. UBCO Heat - 58
12. MacEwan Griffins - 30
13. Regina Cougars - 28
14. Brandon Bobcats - 22

Team Overview: The Spartans enter the season with depth at every position and a group eager to build on its offseason work. Returning players are looking to take on bigger roles, while a strong incoming class will look to contribute immediately. In a highly competitive Canada West conference, the Spartans will focus on improving each week, strengthening their team culture, and positioning themselves for a deep playoff run.
From the coach: "We are excited about this year's group. They have put in a lot of work over the off-season, and we look forward to testing ourselves each weekend in a very competitive Canada West conference. We feel we have good depth at every position, with returning players ready to take another step forward and a strong incoming class eager to contribute. Our focus will be on getting better each week, building a strong culture and going as deep as we can in playoffs." - Ryan Hofer
Key Performer: Maryn Boldon
?Outside Hitter | 5th Year | Okotoks, Alta
"Maryn has put in the time and hard work, and I am excited to see the impact she is going to make on our team and across the league this year. She has developed into an outstanding leader, and we are excited to see her continue to grow in that role. She leads by example, has earned the respect of her teammates, and brings a competitive edge that makes everyone around her better." - Ryan Hofer
About Spartan Athletics
As official members of U SPORTS, the Spartans currently compete in 13 sports in the Canada West conference, including women's and men's soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, cross country and track & field, as well as women's rugby sevens. TWU also competes as an independent team in men's rugby and women's and men's disc golf. Since TWU entered U SPORTS in 1999, the Spartans have won 15 U SPORTS team championships and 35 Canada West team championships.

About Trinity Western University
Recognized for quality, TWU has received seven consecutive A+ rankings for Quality of Teaching and Learning, holds three Canada Research Chairs, and wins national championships in CIS sports. More importantly, lives are changed at TWU through its whole-person, Christ-centred approach to education. With a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree-completion programs, TWU equips leaders of character and competence to make a positive impact in the lives of others.  
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