When Bronwynn Davies-Neira committed to Mount Royal University (MRU), she embarked on a journey filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable memories. Now in her third year, the outside hitter for the women’s volleyball team has become a cornerstone of the program, embodying resilience and leadership.
Bronwynn’s path to MRU was anything but conventional. “Funny story, actually,” she shared with a laugh. “Sydney [Scatcherd] and I played Team Ontario together during COVID. We didn’t even talk back then, but I saw her post about committing to MRU on Instagram. That’s how I learned about the school.”
Intrigued, Bronwynn and her mother researched MRU and its programs. “I was looking for schools with athletic therapy or kinesiology, and MRU stood out as one of the few in Canada offering an athletic therapy certificate,” she said. After reaching out to the coaching staff, she secured her spot on the team. “I never imagined I’d end up here, but now Sydney and I are close friends, and I couldn’t picture being anywhere else.”
Moving from Newcastle, Ontario to Calgary, Alberta was a leap of faith for Bronwynn. “I’d never really been outside Ontario except for Quebec and the States for volleyball tournaments,” she explained. “I just wanted to experience something new. Calgary’s incredible—with Banff and all the wildlife, there’s so much to do.”
Despite the excitement, the transition wasn’t without its hurdles. “My first year was terrifying,” she admitted. “I came in during COVID, so I hadn’t played any real games in my U18 year. Then I was practicing with players like Quinn Pelland and Haley Roe, who were amazing. Haley was my biggest role model, and now she’s my coach, which is so surreal.”
Bronwynn’s first year coincided with MRU winning silver at the U SPORTS national championship, an experience she describes as unforgettable. “Even though I redshirted that year and didn’t play, being part of that team was incredible. It set the bar so high for the rest of my time here. Watching those players and learning from them made me a better athlete.”
Redshirting gave Bronwynn the chance to absorb the game from a different perspective. “I sat on the bench and studied everything Hayley did during games and practices. It was like a masterclass in volleyball.”
The transition from redshirting to becoming a starter in her third year was a pivotal moment for Bronwynn. “Between my second and third years, I made a huge jump in terms of maturity and training,” she said. “I pushed myself hard in the gym, and when I finally got to start, it felt like all that effort had paid off.”
Starting brought its own pressures. “It was nerve-wracking at first, especially trying to live up to the expectations of the previous year. But my teammates and I leaned on each other. We were all stepping into new roles, and that support made the experience so much better.”
Bronwynn’s time at MRU has seen her work under three different head coaches, each bringing unique challenges and opportunities. Adjusting to new coaching styles became a theme of her MRU career. “Rhonda, it feels like a blend of my last two coaches. She has high expectations and pushes us hard, but she’s not a yeller. It’s like having a mom who expects the best from you.”
Now a leader on the team, Bronwynn embraces the responsibility of guiding her younger teammates. “It’s a little nerve-wracking, but you grow into it. Watching leaders like Quinn and Jess [Osczevski] taught me so much about what it means to lead by example,” she said.
“Quinn was everything—a phenomenal volleyball player and an incredible leader,” Bronwynn continued. “Now, I want to be like that for my teammates. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels supported and can thrive.”
As Bronwynn reflects on her journey at MRU, it’s clear that her dedication and love for the game have shaped her into a standout athlete and teammate. “My favorite memory will always be that first-year championship team. But I’m proud of how far I’ve come since then, both as a player and a person.”
With her sights set on finishing the season strong, Bronwynn remains focused on the playoffs. “This team has given me so much, and I want to give back by helping us succeed and supporting my teammates. Volleyball has taught me resilience, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.”
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