Nathan McFadden, Director of Athletics & Recreation at Trent University, announced today the appointment of Rebecca van Staalduinen as the new head coach of the Excalibur women’s volleyball program.
A longtime member of the program, van Staalduinen becomes the first female head coach in the history of Trent women’s volleyball. Van Staalduinen ’10 (Champlain College) brings more than a decade of experience with the Excalibur to her new role. After completing 10 seasons as associate coach, she begins her 11th season with the program as head coach. A graduate of Trent’s Biology program with a specialization in Health Sciences, she has been a dedicated contributor to Excalibur volleyball both on the court as a student-athlete, and on the sidelines as a coach.
“Rebecca’s commitment to Trent women’s volleyball and her passion for our student-athletes and their holistic development make her an outstanding choice to lead our women’s program,” said McFadden. “Her experience as both a student-athlete and coach at Trent gives her a deep understanding of our values and how we want to continue to build a successful program.”
For van Staalduinen, this appointment represents a professional and a very personal milestone within a program that has played a defining role in her journey.
“I’ve been part of this program since 2010; as a student-athlete, an alum, and an assistant coach, and it has shaped who I am,” said van Staalduinen. “I’m honoured to now step into the role of Head Coach, building on the strong foundation Colin has established over the past three seasons while continuing to move the program forward. This program means a great deal to me, and I’m excited about the future and the opportunity to continue growing it alongside our student-athletes and staff.”
Van Staalduinen first joined the Excalibur coaching staff during the 2014–15 season and has played a key role in the program’s growth and development ever since.
Prior to her coaching career, van Staalduinen enjoyed a decorated playing career. She competed for one season at Fleming College, where she earned National Scholar recognition, before continuing her career with the Excalibur at Trent. During her four seasons as a student-athlete, she was named an Ontario Colleges Athletic Association First Team All-Star twice and a Second Team All-Star once. She helped lead Trent to an OCAA bronze medal in the 2013–14 season and was named an OCAA Championship All-Star. Van Staalduinen was also a two-time team MVP and represented the program at the OCAA All-Star Game on three occasions.
Her development as a coach has also included national-level training opportunities. In 2022–23, van Staalduinen was selected to participate in the U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program, an initiative designed to increase the number of women in coaching roles across Canadian universities by pairing developing coaches with experienced mentors.
As part of the transition, former head coach Colin Walker will remain with the program in a mentorship and senior advisory capacity with the women’s team while continuing in his role as head coach of the men’s volleyball program.