The Mount Royal Cougars men’s volleyball team boasts a diverse and talented roster, with players hailing from across the globe. Among them are two New Zealanders, Aidan Roberts and Calum Stewart, whose unique bond and shared journey to Calgary have brought a refreshing perspective and energy to the team.
Aidan and Calum’s connection started long before they donned the Cougars jersey. Growing up in New Zealand, the two first met at a young age while playing rugby. “We pretty much met straight away when he moved over from America,” Aidan recalled. “We played rugby together, and we’ve just been mates ever since.” Over the years, their friendship grew stronger as they supported each other on and off the field, eventually transitioning from rugby to volleyball.
Calum, who started playing volleyball earlier, encouraged Aidan to give the sport a try. “I was doing motocross and rugby, but Callum was like, ‘Dude, you should come play volleyball,'” Aidan shared. “So I was like, ‘Okay, I’ll give it a go.'” That decision set the stage for their future endeavors.
Both players harbored dreams of playing volleyball at a higher level, but opportunities in New Zealand were limited. After high school, Calum’s search for a new challenge led him to email Shawn Sky, the head coach of Mount Royal University’s men’s volleyball team. “I emailed Shawn, and we set up a call,” Calum explained. “He was a super nice guy, and after that, I decided MRU was the best option for me.”
Calum’s decision influenced Aidan’s path as well. “I was looking at schools in the U.S. and Canada, and Cal told me he was committing to MRU,” Aidan said. “I reached out to Shawn, sent him my stats and highlight videos, and after a couple of FaceTime calls, I knew this was the place for me.”
For both players, the appeal of MRU extended beyond volleyball. Aidan noted the similarities between New Zealand and Canada. “New Zealanders and Canadians are pretty similar — friendly and outgoing,” he said. “My mom really liked the idea of me going somewhere that felt a bit more like home, especially since I was moving so far away.”
Relocating to Calgary presented unique challenges for the duo. For Aidan, the transition was an opportunity for personal growth. “Coming here has been a quick learning curve,” he said. “It’s been about growing up, learning to live on my own, and adapting to a new culture.”
For Calum, the move came with the added novelty of experiencing snow for the first time in a decade. “Where I’m from in New Zealand, there’s no snow at all,” he said. “Seeing snow again was like seeing it for the first time.” Despite these adjustments, both players have embraced their new environment with enthusiasm, often marveling at the opportunity to travel across Canada for games.
The shift from New Zealand’s volleyball scene to the structured and competitive environment of Canada West has been a significant change for both players. “In New Zealand, you’re kind of the top dog,” Aidan said. “You’re a big fish in a little pond. Coming here, you realize you’re not as good as you think you are.”
Calum echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of adapting to a more system-based approach. “In New Zealand, it’s more about just getting on the court and playing,” he explained. “Here, everything is organized. You’ve got to be in the right position and set up correctly. It’s definitely a big change.”
Despite the steep learning curve, both players have embraced the challenge and are committed to improving their skills. Calum, who anticipated limited playing time as a first-year athlete, has been pleasantly surprised. “I’m actually getting more game time than I thought I would,” he said. Aidan, meanwhile, has relished the opportunity to start games and contribute to the team’s growth. “It’s unreal,” he said. “Knowing that I’m doing well in my first year and still have four more years to improve is so cool.”
As they continue to develop as athletes, Aidan and Calum are focused on helping the Cougars build a strong foundation for future success. Both players are motivated by the opportunity to compete in the U SPORTS Nationals, which MRU will host in two years. “That’s a big privilege,” Calum said. “But we still need to work to that level to compete and do well, rather than just being there.”
Aidan is equally optimistic about the team’s potential. “We have so much talent,” he said. “When we’re firing on all cylinders, we’re unstoppable. As we mature, I think we’re going to be a really good team.”
Outside of volleyball, both players have rich and diverse backgrounds. Aidan’s journey to the sport is particularly unique, having been a motocross champion before transitioning to volleyball. “I raced motorbikes for 13 years,” he said. “But I got too tall, so I had to find a different sport.”
Calum, on the other hand, has a background in rowing and rugby.
Their varied experiences and interests enrich their contributions to the team, both on and off the court.
Aidan and Calum’s friendship has been a source of strength as they navigate life as student-athletes in a foreign country. “Having someone you know makes the transition way easier,” Calum said. “We’ve been through a lot together, and it’s great to have that support.”
Their camaraderie extends beyond volleyball, fostering a sense of home away from home. As they continue their journey with the Cougars, their bond will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their success and the team’s growth.