Rebecca van Staalduinen during an Ontario University Athletics women’s volleyball game between the Trent Excalibur and the Toronto Varsity Blues at Trent Athletics Centre (Trent University) on January 9, 2026 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada/David Pickering - Pick’s Pics
Trent University has appointed Rebecca van Staalduinen as the new head coach of the Excalibur women’s volleyball program, marking a historic first for the team.
Nathan McFadden, Director of Athletics & Recreation, announced the appointment, noting van Staalduinen becomes the first female head coach in the history of Trent women’s volleyball.
A 2010 graduate of Trent’s Biology program with a specialization in Health Sciences and a member of Champlain College, van Staalduinen brings more than a decade of experience with the Excalibur. After serving 10 seasons as associate coach, she now enters her 11th season with the program in the top role.
Van Staalduinen first joined the coaching staff in 2014–15 following a decorated playing career. She competed at Fleming College before joining Trent, earning Ontario Colleges Athletic Association all-star honours and helping lead the team to an OCAA bronze medal in 2013–14.
In 2022–23, she was selected for the U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program, aimed at increasing the number of women in university coaching roles.
Former head coach Colin Walker will remain with the women’s program in a mentorship and senior advisory capacity while continuing as head coach of the men’s volleyball team.
