It was a summer to remember for Reese Stroeder and Brynn Delainey, two new members of the University of Regina Cougars' Women's Volleyball team.

Both represented Team Saskatchewan at the 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John's, Newfoundland, where the team took home a bronze medal.

"Canada Games was an experience I will cherish forever," said Stroeder, a Libero from Lanigan, Sask. "The high-level competition, team dynamics and overall character building this tournament gave me will help me with my confidence and composure coming into U SPORTS."

Stroeder thrived in numerous other competitions as well. She won a silver medal at 18U Nationals with her club team (something that is extremely rare for a Saskatchewan team), took home the Maple Award at this year's Canada Cup, and earned top libero recognition at the Douglas College 18U club tournament.

She also was one of fourteen University of Regina undergraduate students to be awarded the distinguished Chancellor Scholarship.

While all these accolades are appreciated, Stroeder is ready to focus on competing for the Cougars.

"The players and coaching staff have already been so welcoming and supportive," she said. "I'm looking forward to bringing positive energy, a strong work ethic, and contributing to a great season with this year's team."
 
Delainey, an Outside Hitter from Saskatoon, believes that her experience at Canada Games helped her learn what it takes to compete at the highest level.

"The caliber and talent on all the teams was amazing," said Delainey. "That level of play certainly challenges you physically and mentally."

Delainey is no stranger to high level competition. Along with being a high-level volleyball player, she also competes in Olympic Weightlifting.

In 2025, she was the Jr National Champion in the w71kg division. She also represented Team Canada at competitions in Ecuador, Fiji, and Cuba during the 2025 season. In the classroom, she was awarded the Top Academic GPA Scholarship at her high school graduation and was a nominee for the Schulich Leader Scholarship.

"I am super excited and privileged to keep pushing the limits here with the Cougars," said Delainey. "I am so grateful to work with a team that is truly committed to each other and to the game, and I can't wait to see what the season brings."

Stroeder, Delainey, and the rest of the Cougars began the 2025-26 Canada West campaign with a home series against the Winnipeg Wesmen.

Game times are 6:00 PM on Friday, Oct 17 and Saturday, Oct 18. Tickets can be found at https://cougarsandrams.com/tickets.