2026-27 Commitments: Women's Volleyball

NANAIMO - VIU Mariners women's volleyball, winners of the past three PACWEST conference championships and nine CCAA national medals over the past ten seasons, will be bolstered in the 2026-27 season by five quality commitments. Three are beginning their collegiate careers and two are accomplished transfers--including one making a return to VIU for her final season.

Kendall Stephan

Photo courtesy UBC-Okanagan Heat

Hometown: Springwater, ON
Schools: VIU (2018-19), Thompson Rivers (2019-20), UBC-Okanagan (2021-23)
Position: Outside Hitter
Height: 5'10"

After winning a CCAA national championship at VIU in 2018-19, she competed at the U Sports level with Thompson Rivers and UBC-Okanagan and gained valuable experience competing against the top programs in the country. In rejoining the Mariners for her fifth and final season of eligibility, she brings an important veteran presence to VIU and is expected to impact the team both on and off the court. 

"I'm absolutely stoked to be returning to VIU where it all started," Kendall said. "I'm thrilled to be playing another year of volleyball on such a strong and skilled team. Academically, I'm excited for a post grad diploma in fisheries and aquaculture. The hands-on experience at VIU and the small class sizes is something that drew me back. I am very excited to be making a Mariner comeback!"

Kendall Stephan, with the Mariners, prepares to serve during the 2018-19 season. Photo courtesy Northfield Photography

"Kendall understands what it takes to win at the highest level in our system," VIU head coach Shane Hyde said. "Her return adds experience, leadership, and a championship mindset that will be extremely valuable to our group this season. She is a player that ends rallies with her explosive offensive play. In her first year with us she was so dynamic but made first-year errors, so to have her ability paired with a mature mindset is something that could be scary for our opponents."

Phaedra Bruens

Photo courtesy Providence University College / CCAA

Hometown: Westlock, AB
School: University of Alberta - Augustana (2023-26)
Position: Setter
Height: 5'7"

Phaedra transfers from a strong UAA Vikings program in the ACAC to the Mariners for her fourth year of varsity eligibility. This past season, Phaedra was named an ACAC All-Conference Setter, and in 2025, she was named an ACAC tournament all-star and a first team all-star at the CCAA national championship. 

Phaedra said she is looking forward to the next chapter of her volleyball career at VIU.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to join such an established program," she said. "I'm excited to learn from the coaching staff, grow alongside a talented group of players, and compete within such a strong culture at a high level."

 "Phaedra brings a high level of experience and control to our setting group," head coach Shane Hyde said. "She has competed at a high level, earned significant conference and national recognition, and understands what it takes to run an offence. I saw Phaedra first-hand at nationals and was immediately impressed. We're excited about what she adds to our program and happy to have her on our side this time."

Cadie Denhaan

Photo submitted

Hometown: Parksville BC, via Surrey, BC
School: Ballenas Secondary
Position: Right Side
Height: 6'3"

Cadie heads to VIU from the beach volleyball hotbed of Parksville, BC. She's honed her skills with the Mariners Volleyball Club and Oceanside Volleyball Club (formerly Parksville Volleyball Club) and this season, she captained her Ballenas Whalers senior girls team to a North Island championship and was named an all-star at the 3A Senior Girls Island Championship. Cadie helped the Whalers qualify for and compete in four BC provincial volleyball championships during her time at Ballenas and participated in Stage 2 Team BC selections.  

"I am thrilled to be joining the Mariners family and I'm excited to be part of the VIU community," Cadie said. "I look forward to becoming one of the team and compete at the next level."

"I've known Cadie for a long time, both through our volleyball camps and on the beach," VIU head coach Shane Hyde said. "She's a phenomenal kid and can put up a massive block. She had a lot of opportunities to study and play elsewhere and we're really happy she chose VIU."

Maria Deleeuw

Photo courtesy Aspire Volleyball 

Hometown: St. Albert, AB
School: Paul Kane High School
Position: Outside Hitter
Height: 5'9"

Maria, a standout player at Paul Kane High School in St. Albert, Alberta, brings plenty of ability at the outside hitter position to the Mariners. Maria also competed in senior girls basketball and track and field with the Paul Kane Blues while leading her volleyball team to the 5A Provincial Championships. She was named an Edmonton Metro Division 1 All-Star this season and developed her skills playing club volleyball for Park Girls Volleyball Club (18U Black), the Northern Alberta Volleyball Club, and also on the beach, where she and her partner placed third at the U18 provincials in 2025. 

"I am excited to begin my academic and athletic journey at VIU, where I'll be able to meet new people, explore a beautiful environment, and play the sport I love at a high level," Maria said.

"Maria has the ability to end rallies," VIU head coach Shane Hyde said. "We had an opportunity to have her practice with our team and she competed like a veteran. Her incredible jump allows her to dominate at the net with her swing and her block. Maria's offensive ability combined with her defensive IQ and competitive drive make her a great fit for our team culture."

Gabi Vukic

Photo submitted

Hometown: Burnaby, BC
School: Burnaby Central
Position: Outside Hitter
Height: 5'9"

An honour roll student who competed in 4A volleyball at Burnaby Central, Gabi helped her team to a 9-0 Burnaby New Westminster Schools Athletic Association season and was named a BNWSAA playoff all-star before finishing fourth at the Fraser North championships. She was also named a Fraser North Zone all-star and Burnaby District MVP. Gabi was selected to play in the 2025 BNWSAA Senior Girls all-star game and was named an all-star at the Peace Arch News Classic tournament. She has also competed with the BCO Volleyball Club and has developed a strong combination of technical skills and leadership ability. 

"Gabi brings a strong work ethic, leadership experience, and versatility to our program," said the VIU head coach, Shane Hyde. "Her experience as a captain at both the club and school level speaks to the kind of presence she will have within our team culture."

For more information, contact VIU women's volleyball head coach Shane Hyde or VIU Communications and Sports Information Coordinator Matt Carter.