The Canadian women's volleyball program received a significant boost on Wednesday with the announcement that opposite hitter Kiera Van Ryk will return to the national team fold after stepping away from international competition throughout 2025. The timing could not be more poignant, as Canada prepares to host the prestigious Volleyball Nations League on home soil this June.

Van Ryk, widely regarded as one of the most explosive scorers in Canadian volleyball history, made her decision public through Volleyball Canada, sending waves of excitement through the domestic volleyball community. Her powerful hitting and formidable serving have long made her a cornerstone of Canada's offensive attack, and her absence was keenly felt during the 2025 campaign.

The circumstances surrounding her return make it all the more compelling. Canada will welcome the world's best volleyball nations to two iconic venues this summer, with Quebec City's Centre Videotron hosting competition from June 3-7, followed by action in Ottawa from June 10-14. The women's national team is slated to compete during the opening week in Quebec City, meaning Van Ryk could make her international return in front of a passionate Canadian crowd.

For the 2026 Volleyball Nations League, the stakes are considerable. The annual tournament brings together the sport's elite programs in a grueling competition that serves as both a showcase of international talent and a crucial stepping stone toward major championships. Having Van Ryk back in the rotation gives Canada a proven weapon capable of swinging matches in pivotal moments.

Her decision to step away in 2025 was a personal one, and while the specifics remain private, such breaks have become increasingly common in elite sport as athletes prioritize mental health and longevity. What matters now is that Van Ryk feels ready to compete at the highest level once again, and Canadian volleyball is better for it.

The opposite position is arguably the most demanding role in modern volleyball, requiring a player who can shoulder the scoring burden while also contributing from the service line. Van Ryk has consistently demonstrated the ability to do both, combining raw power with an increasingly refined technical game. Her presence creates spacing for teammates and forces opposing coaches to dedicate significant blocking resources to containing her attack.

For Canadian volleyball fans, the prospect of watching Van Ryk compete at Centre Videotron represents a rare opportunity. Home-soil international events do not come around often, and having one of the nation's brightest stars back in the jersey adds an extra layer of significance to the occasion. The atmosphere in Quebec City promises to be electric.

Head coach and program staff will now work to integrate Van Ryk back into team systems and rotations after her extended time away. The Volleyball Nations League format, with its multiple match weeks spread across different host countries, provides some flexibility in managing player workloads, but there is little doubt that Van Ryk will be expected to play a central role when Canada takes the court in June.

As the countdown to VNL 2026 continues, Canadian volleyball has received the news it was hoping for. Kiera Van Ryk is back, and she is coming home.