NAIT will take centre stage on the national volleyball scene this March as it hosts the 2026 CCAA Men's Volleyball National Championship, presented by Jumplete, at the NAIT Gymnasium in Edmonton, Alberta.
The championship will welcome eight of the top men's volleyball teams from across Canada, with programs qualifying from the Atlantic region, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia. Teams will arrive in Edmonton on March 9, with practices and the CCAA All-Canadian Banquet taking place on March 10. The banquet will be hosted on campus and will showcase NAIT's Productivity and Innovation Centre (PIC).
National championship action begins on Wednesday, March 11, with all four quarter-final matches played at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m. The NAIT Ooks will open their championship run in the 6 p.m. quarter-final, with subsequent game times determined by results as the tournament progresses.
Following quarter-final play, the championship continues with:
- Thursday, March 12: Two consolation quarter-finals (1 p.m. and 3 p.m.) and two semi-final matches (6 p.m. and 8 p.m.)
- Friday, March 13: Three games total, including the 7th–8th place match at 3 p.m. and two bronze semi-finals at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Saturday, March 14: Medal day, featuring the bronze medal match at 4 p.m. and the gold medal final at 7 p.m., followed by closing ceremonies for all teams
This championship carries added significance for the NAIT Ooks, as 11 members of the men's volleyball team are in their senior year, making this tournament the final opportunity for many of them to compete in collegiate sport. It is a rare moment for NAIT Athletics to have such a large senior class competing together at a national championship, adding an emotional and meaningful layer to the Ooks' pursuit of success on home court.
This event also marks the first time NAIT has hosted a men's volleyball national championship, a milestone moment for the institution and its athletics program. The opportunity comes on the heels of historic success for the NAIT Ooks, who captured the ACAC Championship and their first-ever CCAA National Championship during the 2023–24 season in Victoria, B.C. That championship victory elevated the program's national profile and led to NAIT's successful bid to host the 2026 event under the leadership of head coach Phil Dixon.
"We're incredibly proud to welcome the best collegiate men's volleyball teams in Canada to our campus," said Alex Galenza, NAIT Athletics and Recreation Marketing and Communications Coordinator. "Hosting a national championship is a huge moment for NAIT, our student-athletes, and our community. With so many seniors playing their final collegiate matches, this event represents both a celebration of past success and a chance to create lasting memories on home court. We want to pack the stands for every match and show visiting teams just how special the volleyball community in Edmonton can be."
Sponsorship Opportunities
NAIT is currently seeking additional sponsors to support the delivery of the championship. Sponsorship opportunities provide valuable exposure at a national event while directly supporting collegiate athletics. Interested partners can view the full sponsorship package here:
https://naitooks.com/general/2025-26/CCAA_Volleyball_Sponsorship_Package.pdf
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers will play a key role in creating a welcoming and successful championship experience, and members of the NAIT community are encouraged to get involved. A variety of volunteer roles are available, including:
- Main Entrance Greeter – Greet fans and assist with directions
- Ticket Booth – Assist fans with mobile ticket purchases
- Team Liaison – Welcome teams before each game and remain onsite for the duration of their matches
- VIP Room Host – Ensure the room is stocked with food and beverages, answer questions, and provide directions
- Referee Room Host – Ensure the room is stocked and clean and assist referees as needed
- Generic Tournament Volunteer – Float between roles, cover breaks, and assist during peak times
NAIT is also seeking volunteers who are fluent in French to assist teams from the Quebec division and potentially the Atlantic region. Volleyball experience is not required. If you speak French, there will be a role available.
Those interested in volunteering can sign up here:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=R_uYXLnTSUadlPiMvdlynAbK9pPTektCjQzsLdnSxktUQVpKOTg2UkhQQldNODYzSzA5UzE2NTFIRi4u&origin=QRCode
Tickets & Fan Information
Tickets for the championship will be available online only, with no in-person ticket sales. A limited number of full tournament passes will be offered. Fans are encouraged to monitor the NAIT Ooks website and social media channels, as well as the official CCAA Men's Volleyball National Championship page, for ticket on-sale information.
The championship is open to students, staff, alumni, and the broader community, with fans encouraged to attend all matches throughout the week to support national-level collegiate volleyball and help create an unforgettable championship atmosphere.