CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The woman who helped make the Holland College Hurricanes a perennial contender in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) women’s volleyball conference is stepping down.
Citing a desire for more time with her family, Lori-Beth Dwyer decided to move on after compiling a 86-45 record in six seasons and earning four silver medals in ACAA play.
The Cole Harbour, N.S., native guided the ‘Canes to their first national collegiate win in 2016 and leaves as the most successful coach in the program’s history.
“When I took on the role as head coach of the women’s volleyball Hurricanes, my goal was to create a competitive program within the ACAA. I believe that due to the support of the athletics department, my assistant coaches and phenomenal student-athletes, we have successfully achieved this goal,” Dwyer said. “My family has grown two-fold over the last six years and I have been incredibly lucky to have had the support from my husband, and the girls have embraced my children as part of the team each year. My decision to step down as head coach of women’s volleyball is solely based on my desire to have more quality time with my family.”
In 2013, Dwyer took over a program with a dismal 1-78 record during its first four seasons.
In her first year, the ‘Canes finished seventh at 1-17 record. But in Year 2 the team improved to 15-6, finishing second in the regular season before losing in the ACAA championship match. It was the first time the squad qualified for the ACAA playoffs.
The ‘Canes posted identical 18-3 records from 2015-18 and won two more silvers. Holland College finished fifth as host of the 2016 nationals, beating the College of the Rockies Avalanche in five games for its first nationals victory.
Last year, the team went 16-6 and earned its fourth conference silver medal in five seasons.
Along the way, Dwyer has coached several top players in the ACAA including Meg MacKinnon, Laura Ready, Sydney Foy, Dana Trainor and Philicia Johnson-Taylor, who’s spent three years playing for Dwyer.
“There are a few of us who’ve worked with LB (Lori-Beth) for the last three or four years and I know I can speak for most and say that she has been an amazing role model in our lives. She taught us so much by going above and beyond to show her love and we’re grateful for an amazing experience from beginning to end,” Johnson-Taylor said. “On behalf of the players of the women’s volleyball Hurricanes from the last six years, we would like to say thanks a million for being the best coach one could have. We can’t think of a coach more motivating, patient and inspirational. We wish you nothing but the best as you continue to touch the lives of many.”
Dwyer’s not out of the loop entirely, however, as the academy and camp co-ordinator at the Holland College athletics department will continue to work with the men’s and women’s volleyball programs in a managerial role.
But, she said, it will always be a point of honour to have guided her charges at the Charlottetown-based school.
“Over the past six years I have had the pleasure of coaching many female athletes and have enjoyed watching them grow both on and off the court. Each season our team became a family and I have enjoyed watching graduated players come back, time and again, to support the ‘Canes family,” she said. “It’s been a privilege and an honour to coach the Hurricanes and I look forward to supporting the team in many successful seasons in the future.”