The 2025/26 WolfPack women’s volleyball season was one for the books. The team achieved a program-best regular season record of 14-6, broke multiple team and individual performance records, and hosted playoffs for the first time, defeating the defending national champions in front of a raucous hometown crowd.

With the win versus the Manitoba Bisons, the ‘Pack earned themselves a berth in the national championships, where they fell just short in the consolation semifinal, losing in five sets to the Saint Mary’s Huskies.

In the moment, the disappointment was intense. Looking ahead, however, the focus is on the future, with a veteran core returning next season and two alumni at the helm.

Canada West women’s volleyball coach of the year Chad Grimm speaks to a group of WolfPack players during a game.

“Hats off to the team for doing things that they haven’t done before. Program firsts are difficult to do. You don’t know what that kind of pressure feels like until you’ve been in it,” says head coach and Canada West coach of the year Chad Grimm (BEd ’08, MEd ’14). “Hopefully the experience (at nationals) helps the players grow and allows them to make strides in the coming years.”

On the sidelines, Grimm is assisted by one of his former players, Iuliia Pakhomenko (MBA ’17), a 2026 inductee into the Canada West Hall of Fame who hails from Ukraine but now makes Kamloops home.

“Chad has built something truly special with this program. His leadership, vision and consistency have created an environment where athletes are challenged, supported and inspired. It’s been incredibly meaningful for me to be part of that culture, first as a player and now as a coach,” says Pakhomenko.

“I’m truly grateful to the WolfPack program for everything it has given me — not only the opportunity to grow as an athlete, but also to develop as a person and build a life here. The experiences, relationships and values I gained through this program have shaped who I am today, and I will always be thankful to be part of the WolfPack family.”

For Grimm and Pakhomenko, the team’s culture of success has been years in the making. It dates back to their first season together as coach and player more than a decade ago after Grimm stepped in as interim head coach midway through the season, inheriting a program that was struggling.

“My focus in the beginning was on trying to build a culture where the athletes enjoyed being at the gym,” he says, adding that recruiting Pakhomenko proved to be a turning point for the program.

A game-changing recruit

During the 2015/16 season, Pakhomenko delivered the most successful individual performance by a WolfPack student-athlete in the program’s 20-year history.

“She was my first international recruit, and that year she was named the U SPORTS women’s volleyball player of the year,” Grimm says. “Getting that level of player definitely jump starts the team’s performance, and then once you generate some success, it becomes a little bit easier to recruit other athletes you want to be part of the program.”

Pakhomenko’s athletic resumé includes Canada West and U SPORTS First Team All-Star honours, multiple Canada West records, and leading the WolfPack to several post-season berths — contributions that remain unmatched in program history.

Following graduation, Pakhomenko spent time living and working in Calgary before returning to Kamloops with her family, which led to an opportunity to rejoin the WolfPack — this time as an assistant coach. She also runs Ulavolley Academy, a youth volleyball program.

For Grimm, the transition from coaching her as a player to working alongside her as a colleague feels natural. Her presence has also brought a new dimension to the team. As an elite athlete who has navigated international competition, personal challenges, and life far from home — including the emotional toll of the ongoing war in Ukraine — Pakhomenko offers a perspective that resonates deeply with current players.

“Getting a little glimpse of her story and seeing her ability to work through difficult situations to make a life for herself is inspiring,” says Grimm.

While her role with the team remains flexible as she balances family and professional commitments, Grimm is clear about one thing: keeping her connected to the program is a priority.

“We’d definitely like to keep her involved,” he says.

Culture beyond the court

The culture Grimm and Pakhomenko helped establish now extends far beyond wins and losses. Grimm points to the team’s academic excellence — highlighted by a recent team GPA of 4.0 — as a reflection of the program’s broader growth.

“The culture today is built on the contributions of so many alumni,” he says. “We have high achievers in every aspect of their lives. They work really hard and they’re a joy to be around.”

From struggling on the court to becoming national contenders, the story of WolfPack women’s volleyball is one of steady progress — and of people who chose to stay and build something enduring. They’re hopeful the team’s community of supporters will rally behind them in pursuit of victory.

“Being able to host playoffs was awesome,” Grimm says, adding that fan support made a significant impact. “We’ve built some momentum, and now we look forward to seeing that same excitement at our regular season home games next season.”

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