ANCASTER, ON - The Redeemer Royals men's volleyball team is set to open their 2026-27 campaign when they host the Sheridan Bruins on October 24th.
Very few people are more excited to see what this year's edition of the Royals can do then new head coach Ed Bosveld.
"This team is going to be fun to watch," said Bosveld. "With tenacious defence and high-flying offence, every match will be highly competitive."
The team came off a 9-7 record last season, good for 4th in the West Division and winning a playoff game before eventually falling in the OCAA Quarter-Final at the Seneca Sting in four sets.
"We want to play volleyball with all our hearts and give thanks and glory to God" exclaimed Bosveld. "It's a privilege for us to represent our Christ-centered university and we take that very seriously."
When asked about what he is most excited about with this year's group, coach Bosveld touched on the depth and experience of the group.
"We have 13 returning players and have solid options at every position," said Bosveld.
Of those returning players, Jack Demik was one of the players that the coach highlighted.
"Jack is an outstanding middle and keeps getting better on both offense and defence." Bosveld commented.
Specifically on the defensive side of the ball, Demik has led the team in blocks for three straight seasons.
Sophomore Jeramiah Zomerman also received high praise from his skipper.
"Jerry had a phenomenal rookie year," remarked Bosveld. "He's a real offensive threat and teams will certainly be game planning for him."
The opposite hitter had 45 kills in his rookie season.
Ben Brouwer is also looking to continue to be a catalyst for this year's Royals squad. Last season, the setter led the team in digs (140) and assists (438) and was second in aces (27).
The big emphasis this off-season for the team was EXECUTION.
"We lost some very close contests last season – three matches dropped in five sets" said Bosveld. "We're taking a hard look at what we can fine-tune to turn matches like that into wins."
The team will get an opportunity to test that early on in the season, as the Royals play at the Humber Hawks for their second game of the season. The six-time defending OCAA champions will certainly provide the Royals with a chance to test their off-season fine-tuning.
"That will be an exciting match-up and an opportunity for us to measure how we stack up against the best" stated Bosveld. The Royals dropped both their matchups with the Hawks last season, both of them in four sets.
A big goal for the team this year is to bring the intensity.
"We want to be an intense team, a team that plays with heart, with players that are fully committed," explained Bosveld. "If we can do that, the rest will take care of itself."
The new skipper also emphasized the importance of the Redeemer community to the team.
"When it comes to home games, our amazing fans give us a massive home court advantage" said Bosveld.
The team's home opener is on October 24th, when they host the Sheridan Bruins. First serve is at 3:00pm in the Athletic Centre Gymnasium.
