The University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's volleyball team are set to compete for a top spot in the OUA once again as the 2025-26 regular season begins this weekend.

With four straight wins to close out the regular season in 2024-25, the Blues qualified for the postseason with a 12-8 record. Toronto then went on to upset the Queen's Gaels in the quarter-finals before dropping a semifinal showdown at McMaster. Entering this season with a combination of returning playmakers in key positions and talented newcomers excited to step-up, the positivity remains high for a team always ready to challenge the very best in the province.
 
FROM THE COACH'S DESK:
"Every season offers a new beginning. This year's team blends returning players, many contributing in different ways, along with new teammates and fresh faces on our staff. It's familiar in many ways, yet still a new start. Our team is working hard, learning together and already building a strong community with a foundation of trust and connection and it's a joy to come to practice every day. I'm excited about the effort our athletes put in over the summer in both skills and strength and it shows in their play. Each player is contributing in meaningful ways, and together we're ready to face challenges and create opportunities to grow and succeed.

• Kristine Drakich, University of Toronto women's volleyball head coach

 
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Key Returnees:  Delaney Watson (LIB), Olivia Zhu (OH), Julia Liu (OH), Giulia Chimilovski (OH), Thea Zeismann (M)
Joining the Team:  Kylie Savin (OH), Roselle Mo (OH), Marina Gustke (S), Louisa Cassidy (S)
 
LAST SEASON'S LEADERS:
KILLS: Julia Murmann | 20 MP, 267 Kills
ACES: Anna Gadomski | 20 MP, 26 Aces
BLOCKS:  Anna Gadomski | 20 MP, 54 Blocks
DIGS: Delaney Watson | 20 MP, 275 Digs
ASSISTS: Robin Melnick | 20 MP, 583 Assists
 
FROM THE COURT:
"We're very excited for the season to start! We're leaning into the strength of our entire team - we have a lot of depth and everyone is ready to contribute. Every role will have a significant impact, and it'll be  our 'court to bench' coordination as well as our commitment to the team and each other that will really drive our success this year. 

• Olivia Zhu, 4th year, Outside Hitter

 
MARQUEE GAMES:
Oct. 24 at Ottawa
After a busy preseason schedule, the Blues open the regular season on the road in Ottawa. Toronto has had good luck versus the Gee-Gees in recent history claiming wins in five of their last six matches. They will be looking to add to that win total as they aim to open their season stringing together victories during a six-game road trip to begin the 2025-26 campaign.
 
Jan. 16 vs. TMU
The first home game of 2026, the Blues and Bold always excite whenever the two Toronto-based programs meet on the court. Last year U of T earned a series sweep, while the Blues have built a 27-9 advantage over TMU dating back to 2008.
 
Feb. 7 vs Queen's
The second of four games inside the Goldring Centre Kimel Family Field House to close out the 2025-26 regular season, this contest versus the Gaels marks a rematch of last season's OUA quarter-final meeting between the two. Toronto claimed a thrilling five-set victory in Kingston, so the Gaels will enter this weekend with redemption on their minds.
 
 GET YOUR TICKETS
Game tickets can be purchased at varsityblues.ca/tickets. Entry is FREE for U of T students with a valid T-Card.

All Varsity Blues volleyball games will also be streamed live and on-demand via oua.tv.