The Redeemer Royals have introduced Doug Veldman as the new head coach for the women's varsity volleyball program. With interim coach John Byl stepping down, the Royals women's volleyball program completed it's search this past week with the hiring. Doug will join Kyle Spyksma who returns as assistant coach for the 2010-2011 season to round out the Royals coaching staff.
The Royals women's team has missed the playoffs for three consecutive years and Veldman will be looking to bring the women's program back to the competitive, contending team it used to be. The Royals have had difficulty competing with powerhouse teams like Mohawk, Humber, and Nipissing. Now, the Royals program is starting fresh and Athletic Director Dave Mantel believes that hiring Veldman will help get things back on track. "Doug is one of those volleyball crazy coaches whose passion for the game will have him dedicating time to developing players, recruiting players, and promoting the sport and the Royal's program to volleyball communities across the country. Doug is extremely personable and although he will push players to work hard, he will be very well liked".
Doug carries an impressive resume of experience with him. He was a part of the 2008-2009 Women's Volleyball Coaching Staff at Wilfred Laurier University. From 2002-2007 he was the club coach of the Milton Storm and Georgetown Impact (14U through to 18U). Most recently, Doug was the head coach of the Conestoga College women's team set to enter the OCAA west division in 2010/2011. This summer, aside from preparing for the 2010-2011 Royals season, Doug will be working as an assistant coach with the 19U provincial women's volleyball team at the National Training Center in Manitoba.
Aside from the introduction of Doug Veldman this week, the Royals have also bolstered their lineup with the addition of two volleyball recruits intent on playing for the Royals in September. Star middle Andrea Tiel from Calvin Christian Collegiate in Winnipeg, Manitoba will join the Royals as well as star setter Shira Bouwman from Langley Christian School in Langley, British Columbia.
Andrea Tiel
Andrea Tiel was the captain of her high school team and led them to 4 consecutive provincial championship appearances. Tiel was a provincial all-star in both grade 11 and grade 12. This past year she led the team to a second place finish at provincials. Her club experience includes playing for the Oakbank Eagles and most recently the University of Winnipeg's club team the Junior Wesmen in which she made a trip to the club nationals.
Shira Bouwman
Shira Bouwman also captained her high school team. In 2008-2009 she led her team to a second place finish at provincials before capturing gold in 2009-2010. Shira has also played an extensive amount of club volleyball playing with the South Langley Volleyball Club, the Fraser Valley Volleyball Club, and the Ducks Volleyball Club. In 2007 Shira won a gold medal at the division 2 Nationals with the Fraser Valley Volleyball Club.