Elgin Park’s senior boys volleyball team opens their season strong with two tournament wins, proving last year’s provincial title was just the beginning.
Orcas Ride the Wave of Victory
The Elgin Park Secondary senior boys volleyball team isn’t slowing down anytime soon. After snagging the provincial AAA championship banner last year, the Orcas are back — and already making waves with two straight tournament wins to kick off the new season.
Ranked first in B.C. at the season’s start, the team recently moved to second place behind Langley Christian. But that hasn’t dimmed their shine one bit. The Orcas claimed gold at their first tournament on Vancouver Island, outplaying 17 other teams, and followed that with another first-place finish at the University of British Columbia’s 40-team competition.
Building More Than Just a Winning Team
For head coach Matt Ekholm and assistant coach Melissa Bonn, the victories are sweet — but the team’s spirit means even more.
“What’s really amazing is seeing how the players support each other,” Bonn shared. “Our Grade 11s might spend more time on the sidelines, but they’re always cheering, always involved. The energy they bring lifts everyone.”
Ekholm agreed, adding that the Orcas’ success stems from more than just athletic skill. “You see teams that have one great year because of a strong roster,” he said. “But we’re building a program here — something lasting, something with real culture. That’s the best part.”
Learning Through Every Set
Even though the team’s record looks impressive, the coaches aren’t focused solely on perfection. In fact, Bonn says that losing can sometimes be the best teacher.
“With that provincial title, we definitely have a target on our backs,” she explained. “Every team brings their best game against us. Volleyball is all about momentum, and if you lose focus for even a second, it can cost you. We’ve learned that lesson a few times already this season.”
Ekholm added, “I always tell the boys — if you haven’t lost before provincials, you might not be ready for the grind. Sometimes a loss is exactly what shows you how much harder you need to work.”
Captains Leading the Charge
Three returning Grade 12 players — Max Grantham, Aidan Pegg, and Zephyr Harrison — are setting the tone this year. Grantham, last year’s provincial MVP, has already added more hardware to his collection, earning MVP at the Island tournament and an all-star nod at UBC. He’s also heading to the University of Calgary next season on a volleyball scholarship.
Their leadership, both coaches agree, has been invaluable. “They set the bar high, on and off the court,” Bonn said. “But what really stands out is how the whole team buys in. The bench has its own cheers, the guys have fun together — it’s a true team atmosphere.”
Eyes on the End Game
While the Orcas clearly have the talent to defend their title, Ekholm’s focus remains on progress, not pressure.
“Our goal is simple,” he said. “We want to be playing our best volleyball at the end of the season. Winning once was special — but doing it again, back-to-back? That would be incredible.”
And with their drive, teamwork, and passion, the Elgin Park Orcas might just make that dream a reality once more.
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