VANCOUVER – The most successful U SPORTS women's volleyball program will be front and centre when the UBC Thunderbirds host the 2021 national championship at historic War Memorial Gymnasium.
Announced by U SPORTS as the successful bid on Tuesday, the T-Birds will host the final eight tournament for the first time since 1983, giving UBC the chance to win their first national banner on home court since first hosting the championship in 1974.
"We are very pleased and proud to host this prestigious event," said UBC senior athletics director Gilles Lepine. "It's a good recognition of our performance as the winningest program in the country, but also of the quality of our organization in so many facets. Our team and staff both on and off the court will ensure we put on a spectacular event and memorable experience."
With 11 championships to their credit, more than any other women's volleyball program in the country, the T-Birds continue to be a perennial contender having appeared in each of the last 11 tournaments, winning seven titles over that span.
Photo by Rich Lam/UBC Thunderbirds
"It's obviously very exciting, having been to almost all national championships since I was a player in 1983, I've seen the excitement that hosting gives to players and the entire community," said UBC head coach
Doug Reimer who will finally get the honour of hosting the tournament for the first time in what will be his 24th season with the T-Birds. "I think about what it will mean for our players and staff that will be here but also for our alumni and the local volleyball community and fans that have never been able to attend this event before."
Reimer has led the Thunderbirds to unprecedented success during his tenure and will now finally be able to make a run at yet another banner in front of the blue and gold faithful.
A two-time U SPORTS coach of the year at UBC and a five-time winner overall, Reimer has an incredible 44-16 record at national championships with the T-Birds, which includes a run of six consecutive titles from 2008 to 2013.
"It makes it a great opportunity for younger players and a big tool for the development of our athletes," added Reimer. "It's motivating not only for myself and our staff but for our younger players as well over the next two years."
