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Building the Chargers brand, one year at a time

Camosun Chargers women's volleyball earning provincial, national recognition as a place to play
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Better call Dahl: Chris Dahl will return for his sixth year as head of the Camosun Chargers volleyball team in September with local talent leading the way.

Driven, modest and under the radar is the easy way to describe Chris Dahl.

The head of the Camosun Chargers women’s volleyball team, and recent Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association coach of the year recipient, has already filled the roster for next season’s team. It should be no surprise that, despite losing a pair of all-stars that helped the Chargers win bronze at their first ever visit to the CCAA national championships in March, Dahl expects to return to nationals next year.

It would only be the second time in the women’s program’s 18 year history.

“Dahl is very humble about receiving (the national award),” said assistant coach Christ Koutougos, also the head coach of the Lambrick Park Lions.  “Dahl is dedicated to excellence and makes sure his students are succeeding in their courses and studies, not just on the court. What he’s done in five years for that program is incredible.”

The Lions are a prime feeder for the Chargers, with Steph Galatzine among the 2015 recruits. She follows previous Lions grad Jasmine Strandlund, who was part of Lambrick’s 2014 provincial AA championship and Chargers’ 2015 CCAA bronze medal.

“I imagine the coaching award is helping with recruiting now, as well as the success of the season,” Koutougos said.

As for that national coaching award, if you didn’t already know Dahl won it, you’re not going to learn it from him.

“If you come into my house you wouldn’t know I’m involved in sports,” Dahl admitted. “There’s nothing on the walls, sports are modest and low key around the house, there’s certainly no trophy mantle, but I do have the utmost respect for the award. I get a ring apparently,  but there’s a ring I’d much rather have.”

Gone from the 2014-15 roster are Hilary Graham and Mariah Holmstrom among others. Graham was a leader you can't replace, but the team will redefine itself with the talent and skill that it has, Dahl said.

"We can't possible replace Graham, she put up more than 1,000 kills in her PacWest career," Dahl said. "Those are incredible numbers in our league."

Incoming for 2015-16 Camosun Chargers:

First year student-athletesStephanie Galitzine - Outside - Lambrick Park Cassy Allen - Middle - Belmont Taylor Ellis - Middle - Ladysmith Morgan Monkman - Outside - Smithers

Third-year transfersMychaela Roelants, libero, from VIU (Comox), PACWEST All-Rookie Team selection in 2013-14Michelle Zygmunt, outside, from UFV (Abbotsford), CCAA Academic All-Canadian, PACWEST 1st Team All-Star 2014-15

Among the returnees are Megan Beckett, the outside hitter from Reynolds who was named the PACWEST Rookie of the Year 2014-15, as well as Jasmine Strandlund of Lambrick and Jamie Rodstrom, a libero from Belmont.

reporter@saanichnews.com