The Bryce is Right: Holmes is Where the Heart Is

NANAIMO, BC - The Tony Bryce era of basketball at VIU is set to come to a close and the Luke Holmes era is on the horizon.

Tony Bryce, head coach of the VIU women's basketball program, is stepping down from his role at the end of the 2025-26 season. The returning Mariners student-athletes will have a familiar voice to follow next season as assistant coach Luke Holmes will take over as head coach.

Bryce will leave the program as a CCAA national champion (2023), three-time CCAA medalist (gold, silver, and bronze), and the only basketball coach in CCAA history to win national coach of the year awards for both men's (2012) and women's (2020) teams.

"I had a good run and enjoyed every bit of it," Bryce said. He noted that he is stepping away for a multitude of reasons, but is looking forward to spending more time with his kids as they get more involved in sport. He will remain on campus in his role as an Education instructor.

Holmes, who has served as an assistant coach for seven seasons and was part of the VIU's 2023 national championship women's basketball team, also won a CCAA men's soccer national championship with VIU as a player in 2017.

"It's exciting for me," Holmes said. "I've been working hard with Tony for the past seven years, learning more and taking on more responsibilities. I'm sure I'll be messaging Tony every weekend about things that we can adjust. The journey will look a little bit different, but I know he's got my back and I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Bryce said that he's proud that his impact on the women's basketball program includes Luke's development as a coach.

"He's ready," Bryce said. "I'm super proud of him and I'm excited to follow his success. He deserves it."

Assistant coach Mackenzie Hall, a four-year student-athlete and national champion with the Mariners, will also remain on the coaching staff.

Tony Bryce - Basketball History

As a student-athlete, Bryce played for the Mariners in 1990-91 and 1991-92 under head coach Mark Simpson. His best game came in his rookie season as he scored 16 points in a home win over Douglas College.

Tony Bryce (#13) was a member of the 1991-92 Malaspina Mariners men's basketball team.

He began his varsity coaching career as the head coach of the Mariners men's basketball program in 2006. In 2011, he led the Mariners to a provincial championship--the first men's basketball title for the school in 15 years--and brought home a CCAA national bronze medal. His teams also earned three provincial silver medals during his tenure. From 2006 to 2012, Bryce earned an 87-15 regular season record and was named conference coach of the year three times.

After stepping away from the game, Bryce was hired back to coach VIU's women's basketball team in 2017. In his fourth season back, he took the Mariners to the CCAA title game (2022) on home court, winning silver, before earning national gold in Hamilton, Ontario in 2023—matching the 1998 Mariners as the only women's basketball teams in school history to top the nation. 

Tony Bryce, Luke Holmes, Mackenzie Hall and the 2023 national championship team celebrate after winning the title in Hamilton, Ontario. Photo courtesy CCAA / Mohawk College

In his seven completed seasons as women's basketball head coach, Tony earned a record of 121-14 and his teams won four conference golds, one silver, and one bronze. At press time, the Mariners are 19-3 in the 2025-26 season with two games remaining, bringing Tony's coaching record with women's basketball to 140-17 (.891). Combined with his men's basketball experience, his regular season record is 227-32--a winning percentage of .876. 

While the numbers speak for themselves, Tony is more interested to reflect on the relationships made at VIU.

"I've been a Mariner since 1990," Bryce said. "I'm proud to be Mariner--I'll always be a Mariner. It's been a great part of my life and has contributed a lot of good times to me and my family. I've made life-long relationships with a lot of the players, and I'm going to miss the players for sure."

Holmes also reflected on Bryce's legacy. "If I could say one word, it would be 'impactful.' He's played, he's coached the men, he's coached the women, led camps and connected with kids in the community. When you talk basketball in Nanaimo, his name is going to come up."

Tony leads drills at a Mariners in Training girls basketball camp at the VIU Gym

With a smile, Holmes added: "His next step has got to be refereeing. He's got to get a whistle and the stripes on and see how he goes with that. That's the last thing for him to check off the list."

The Mariners finish the 2025-26 regular season with home games on Friday, February 20 (6 pm) and Saturday, February 21 (1 pm) at the VIU Gym. A recognition ceremony for Tony will take place following their game on February 20 (approximately 7:30 pm). VIU has also qualified for the 2026 PACWEST Basketball Championships at Camosun College, March 5-7.

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For more information, please contact Matt Carter, VIU Communications and Sports Information Coordinator.