about us

Lethbridge Volleyball Club (LVC)
The origins of the Lethbridge Volleyball Club trace back to the early 1990s, when growing
interest in structured youth volleyball created a clear need for development opportunities beyond
the school season in southern Alberta.
In 1992, Ard Biesheuvel—then head coach of the Lethbridge Community College (LCC)
women’s volleyball program—initiated a juvenile (U17–18) girls team. The purpose was to
provide advanced competitive opportunities for local athletes and to create a developmental
pathway aligned with post-secondary volleyball. Harley Phillips served as the team’s head coach,
and athletes competed in repurposed LCC jerseys.
The following year marked early expansion with the addition of a midget (U15–16) girls team
coached by Doug Pharis. Tryout interest exceeded expectations, resulting in two teams at that
age category and confirming strong community demand for organized competitive volleyball.
For its first two seasons, LCC supported the program by providing gym access, with teams
training once per week on Sunday afternoons. When the college was no longer able to donate
gym time, responsibility transitioned to a parent-led group under the leadership of Peter Chivillo.
At that point, training locations moved off campus, and the organization formally adopted the
name Lethbridge Volleyball Club (LVC).

Building the Foundation (1990s–early 2000s)
In 1996, the club broadened its scope with the introduction of boys’ teams. Ard Biesheuvel, then
involved with the LCI Rams senior boys program, proposed adding a boys’ division to the LVC
board. The proposal was approved, and that inaugural season featured a midget boys team
coached by Biesheuvel and a juvenile boys team coached by Jamie Bach.
Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, LVC operated with modest resources and a strong
volunteer spirit. Practices were held wherever gym time could be secured, and families, coaches,
and athletes worked together to build a sustainable program. LVC began establishing itself as a
consistent presence in Volleyball Alberta competition, with a focus on long-term athlete
development, strong fundamentals, and positive team culture.

Growth and Development (mid-2000s–2015)
By the mid-2000s, LVC had become a recognized part of the Alberta volleyball landscape.
Training became more intentional, with greater emphasis on technical skills, positional play, and
athlete progression. Former LVC athletes began moving on to post-secondary programs,
reinforcing the club’s role as a key development pathway in southern Alberta.

During this period, the club balanced competitive excellence with accessibility—offering
opportunities for both highly competitive athletes and those focused on growth and learning
within a team environment.

Expansion and Identity (2016–2020)
As volleyball continued to grow locally, including the rise of beach volleyball and specialized
training environments, LVC evolved to meet the needs of a changing sport landscape.
Participation increased, and the club strengthened its identity as a community-based organization
committed to both development and performance.
Despite challenges such as facility access and increased competition, LVC remained grounded in
its founding values: quality coaching, positive culture, and athlete-centered development.

A New Chapter (2021–Present)
In recent years, LVC has entered a period of significant growth and increased visibility. Our
teams have achieved strong results at the provincial level, and the club’s presence across Alberta
continues to expand.
Over the last few seasons, LVC has grown to 24 teams ranging from U12 to U18. In addition, the
club runs the Cubs to Kodiaks Program, designed for athletes aged 6–12 to learn the
fundamentals of volleyball in a fun, development-focused environment.
A major step forward was the move into our own dedicated training facility, The Lab, while still
utilizing gym spaces throughout the city. This expansion has allowed LVC to provide more
consistent, high-quality training environments for our athletes.
To support long-term sustainability, LVC welcomed an Executive Director with extensive
volleyball experience. This reflects the club’s commitment to strong leadership, consistent
athlete development, and continuous improvement—while maintaining the volunteer-driven
community that has always been at its core.

Looking Ahead
More than three decades after its founding, the Lethbridge Volleyball Club continues to evolve
while staying true to its original purpose: creating opportunities for athletes to grow as
players and as people.
From borrowed gym time to a thriving multi-team program, LVC’s story is one of dedication,
adaptability, and community—built one rally at a time. Today, that story comes full circle as
some of LVC’s original founders have returned to help guide and support the club once again.