CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The Holland Hurricanes have a new women’s volleyball head coach.
He is Jonathan Macdonald of Halifax, N.S.
The Hurricanes began the search for the position after Lori-Beth Dwyer announced in late March that she would not be returning to the role after six seasons. Macdonald has returned to Canada after coaching and playing professional volleyball in Sweden.
In Canada, Macdonald served as head coach of the Nova Scotia under-17 boys’ team in 2018, and the under-15 team in 2016. He also served as an assistant coach with the Nova Scotia women’s Canada Games team in 2017 and the under-18 Dalhousie Tigers’ club from 2016 to 2018.
“The biggest draw to the Hurricanes for me was how much this program has grown in recent years,” said Macdonald. “Lori-Beth Dwyer has put a considerable amount of work in, and it has shown as the Hurricanes have become a top team in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA).
“I’m looking forward to continuing that trend and growing the program into one that competes nationally. Getting the opportunity to coach a college program is something that I have been working towards the past few years.
“I’m excited for the chance to work with some great student-athletes and hopefully can we can have a lot of success not only on the court but in the classroom as well.”
This will not be Macdonald’s first exposure to collegiate volleyball in Atlantic Canada. From 2012 through 2016, he was a starting setter/outside hitter for the Dalhousie University Tigers and acted as team captain in his last two seasons.
During his time with the Tigers, Macdonald also became a three-time Atlantic University Sport (AUS) All-Star, and a two-time U SPORTS (formerly Canadian Interuniversity Sport, CIS) All-Canadian.
“Jonathan has a strong background as a player and will be a game-changer as a young coach, said Holland College director of athletics and recreation Albert Roche. “He has an excellent resumé and is passionate about the game and coaching.
“We see Jonathan as a real asset for our players and will have an immediate impact as we continue to develop the women’s volleyball program. As well, Jonathan will be another excellent resource to help build the volleyball scene on P.E.I.”
Macdonald is the eighth head coach with the Hurricanes women’s volleyball team, a member of the ACAA.
“My hopes for this season are obviously to win an ACAA banner,” he said. “This team has been very close in the past and I’m looking forward to helping us get over that hump.
“The key to our success will depend a lot on how quickly we can get on the same page. Coming in as a new head coach is always a challenge, but I’m confident that we can come together quickly and have a lot of success.”
The Hurricanes will begin their 2019-20 ACAA regular season on Saturday, Nov. 2, when they visit the Université de Sainte-Anne Dragons in Church Point, N.S.
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