Broncos welcome Walkey as new Women's Volleyball head coach

OLDS, Alta. - There will be a new face on the sideline for the Olds College Broncos women's volleyball team this fall.

Graham Walkey has been brought aboard to coach the Broncos, as well as to operate and oversee the nascent Jr Broncos Volleyball Club, which will begin play in the 16U Girls and 18U Girls divisions in the 2024-25 club season.

Walkey noted the opportunity to invest in the local volleyball community in central Alberta as a big selling point in accepting the position.

"This role isn't just about coaching the women's team, it involves growing and shaping the next generation of great athletes through camps and a youth club experience," Walkey said. "I am excited for the mix of high performance coaching at the college level along with youth development in Olds."

Walkey comes to the Broncos after winning a U SPORTS national championship as an assistant coach with the University of Alberta Golden Bears in March, which offered Walkey a glimpse of the details and intricacies involved in building an elite program.

"Success at the post-secondary level isn't just about winning the right games at the right time, it's about building a culture that sustains itself and evolves year after year, and preparing throughout the course of a season to give yourself the greatest chance of succeeding when the opportunity arises," Walkey said. "With the Broncos, I want to build on the work that other coaches have put into this program and develop a culture that evolves and grows over time. When we take care of the details and invest in a culture of excellence, I'm confident that results will follow."

Trina Radcliffe, Senior Manager, Athletics and Wellness at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, is elated to have Walkey on board.

"With his high volleyball IQ and deep passion for developing well-rounded athletes, Graham brings invaluable perspective and insight," Radcliffe said. "As a former varsity athlete himself, Graham understands the unique challenges that student-athletes face, which will be instrumental in helping our players thrive both on and off the court."

Originally from Prince George, B.C., Walkey's post-secondary playing career began at Columbia Bible College in the PACWEST conference before transferring to the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) in the Canada West conference ahead of the 2019-20 season, where he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History.

Walkey returned to both Columbia Bible College and UFV as an assistant coach for the 2022-23 season before joining the Golden Bears, where he was also the head coach of the Golden Bears Volleyball Reception and Defence Academy. Walkey remains connected to the University of Alberta as he is working on his Master's in Coaching.

In terms of his own coaching philosophy, Walkey's approach involves making data-driven decisions, being creative and engaging in mental performance training.

"I want to stretch convention and do things that other teams aren't doing," Walkey said. "Additionally, I want to develop a team that is excellent technically and has a mentality that allows us to perform consistently regardless of the circumstances."

Walkey's coaching journey has also seen him get involved in volleyball at the provincial level, having been an assistant coach with Team Alberta's 16U program this summer and holding the same role with Team BC in 2022.

He also has experience with post-secondary club volleyball as a former 16U and 18U head coach for the Jr Cascades Volleyball Club in Abbotsford, B.C., and he's looking to use that experience to help build a similar program in Olds.

"This is a community that loves volleyball and wants to see its athletes flourish," Walkey said. "Developing a club that is partnered with Broncos Athletics allows young athletes to get a taste for what post-secondary sports can offer and gives a platform for our varsity athletes to give back to their community and be exposed to the world of coaching as well."

Looking ahead to this season, Walkey's focus is to continue building on the program's solid foundation.

"We have some great leaders and senior players on the roster that have done an incredible job of investing in the program throughout their careers," Walkey said. "Now we have the opportunity to utilize their experience and mentor our newer athletes to take their place when the time comes."

The Broncos open their 2024-25 season against the Keyano College Huskies on Friday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. at the Ralph Klein Centre.

-30-