The boys volleyball teams at 4A provincials hosted by John Paul II Collegiate. (John Paul II Collegiate/Facebook)

By Ryan Lambert

John Paul II Collegiate Volleyball

John Paul II Collegiate coach reflects on hosting Volleyball provincials over last two weekends

Nov 26, 2025 | 3:31 PM

Over the weekends of Nov. 14-15 and 21-22, John Paul II Collegiate hosted the 4A volleyball provincial championships. Both the boys and girls teams got to compete on their home court.

The girls team fell in the semifinals to MJ Vanier but were able to take home the bronze medal on their home court against Meadow Lake 25-8, 25-15. While they were hopeful for the gold, head coach Quinn Bayham said that they understood how significant that accomplishment was.

“I think it’s hard for our girls because for the majority of our season, we got first and second in every single tournament. It’s really hard to mentally to accept that bronze is fabulous, but it is. Like third in the province is fabulous. When you look at who won the 5A, we beat these teams. I think the girls know that they are an amazing team regardless of what any medal tells them.”

Bayham spoke about the girls effort throughout the year.

“[They] showcased consistency and competitive fire that represented our school with pride, sportsmanship, and resilience. Their work ethic showed both in practice and on the court, proving their dedication to playing at the highest level. So this year’s results speak for themselves.”

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John Paul II girls volleyball team after winning bronze at provincials (John Paul II Collegiate/Facebook)

Lumsden took home the gold medal for the girls.

While the boys team failed to medal, head coach Shelly Fransoo didn’t think it was a reflection on their play but it just wasn’t in the cards.

“[We didn’t] experience major problems. It’s the nature of competition; you always have a winner, and you always have a loser when you play these team sports. That’s ultimately what it comes down to. This just wasn’t our weekend,” said Fransoo. “We did not have an opportunity to play them at provincials, but the weekend prior, we had beaten the gold medalists. So, you just never know with competition how it’s all going to fold out.”

The boys went 3-1 in the group stage before falling to MJ Central in the quarterfinals. Fransoo talked about how getting to play at provincials on their home court was a unique opportunity for the team.

“For most players, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, to be able to play in your home gym with this type of competition. You have a home tournament. It’s a much different stage compared to a provincial level tournament. [It’s] very exciting for those young men to be able to showcase their skills in front of their hometown crowd and their peers at this level.”

John Paul II boys volleyball team at the home provincial tournament. (John Paul II Collegiate/Facebook)

In the end, Meadow Lake won provincials for the boys side.

With the girls graduating five players and the boys graduating eight, both teams will have some moving parts next season. However, both coaches said they have strong Grade 11s moving up next year and are excited for things to come.

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com