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Top left to right: Kyle Joslin (Coach), John McParland (Coach), Tate Worman, Ryder Begg, Logan Turner, Liam Crossley, Devon Crossley, Holden Brough, Jason Friesen (Coach) Bottom left to right: Teotim Chan, Mayken Palmer, Taylor Peace, Spencer Zheng, Fynn Arnold, Jude Gerber, Miles McParland (Image Credit: Jason Friesen)
By Liam Verster
National Volleyball Champions

Barn Owls take home gold at Volleyball Youth Nationals

May 26, 2026 | 3:43 PM

The Barn Owls 17U Boys Volleyball Club is Canada’s top youth boys team.

The Kelowna-based squad earned the title by winning Volleyball Youth Nationals in Calgary.

The Barn Owls took silver in the B.C. Provincials, earning their spot in the Nationals. During the championship, the local team secured its spot among the top eight, then went undefeated through the elimination rounds, capping it off with an upset of the Pakmen Volleyball Club of Ontario to take the title.

“This group showed incredible resilience all tournament long,” Barn Owls Head Coach Jason Friesen, said.

“They faced pressure at every stage, but they trusted each other, stayed composed, and competed with heart. Watching them achieve something this special together is something we’ll never forget.”

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Friesen added he was very impressed with the players, as they were the only Okanagan-based team, of any level, to ever win a National Club Volleyball Championship title.

The Barn Owls consisted of 12 Grade 11 students and two Grade 10 students from Okanagan Mission Secondary, Kelowna Secondary School, Kelowna Christian School and George Elliot Secondary.

—

by Liam Verster
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