Volleyball at Sault College
Sault College’s athletics department has confirmed the appointment of Becky Grisdale as the new head coach of the Cougars varsity women’s volleyball team.
Grisdale will begin work with the Cougars immediately as they prepare for a return to the Ontario Colleges Athletics Association ranks in 2025 after an absence of several years.
With an accomplished 25-year coaching career spanning various levels, Grisdale steps into the role of head coach for the Lady Cougars with what she terms enthusiasm and determination. Her appointment marks a new chapter for the Cougars’ volleyball program, which will make its return to the courts for the first time since 2011.
Notably, Grisdale’s coaching journey has been multifaceted, including coaching at all levels leading up to post secondary, directing numerous development and elite camps, in addition to her involvement in the Ontario Volleyball Association. Drawing from her experiences coaching in these varied capacities, she has honed her coaching philosophy and developed a comprehensive understanding of player development and team dynamics, a unique perspective on the game, and a solid understanding of the rules and dynamics of volleyball.
Prior to joining the Sault College Cougars, Grisdae made significant strides in the local volleyball community as the founder, president, technical director, and coach of the esteemed Steel City Ignite Volleyball Club. Under her guidance, Steel City Ignite flourished into a hub of excellence, nurturing players of all ages and skill levels while garnering numerous championships and accolades in the aforementioned Ontario Volleyball Association.
Grisdale says her coaching philosophy centers on holistic player development, emphasizing not only technical proficiency but also the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth. Her commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive team culture compliments the values upheld by the Sault College Cougars, according to the school’s athletic director, Paul Orazietti.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Grisdale to the ranks of varsity coaching at Sault College. Coach Grisdale has a long standing history of success in the sport of women’s volleyball in our community and was a key member in forming Ignite Volleyball in Sault Ste. Marie. With the addition of Andrew Nicholson, a former OCAA head coach, as one of our assistant coaches, I’m confident that we will have one of the strongest coaching duos in the province of Ontario. We are excited to see the heights that Coach Grisdale will bring our newly formed women’s volleyball team to,” relayed Orazietti.
As head coach of the Lady Cougars, Grisdale said she is eager to leverage her expertise to elevate the revitalized Sault College program to new heights. program to new heights. And with a keen eye for talent and a strategic approach to coaching, she aims to empower her players to excel both on and off the court, preparing them for success in the highly competitive landscape of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association, Orazietti noted.
Beyond her coaching credentials, Grisdale is known for her unwavering dedication to the sport and her ability to inspire and motivate those around her. Her passion for volleyball and her genuine desire to see her players thrive make her a formidable addition to the Sault College Cougars coaching staff, Orazietti pointed out, in further praise of the newly hired volleyball coach.
In a media release, the Sault College athletics department stated that, “under Becky Grisdale’s leadership, the revival of the Sault College Cougars volleyball program represents an exciting opportunity for players and fans alike. As she embarks on this historic journey with the Cougars, her vision, experience, and unwavering commitment to excellence will undoubtedly shape the program’s success for years to come.”