Evanson selected to be part of Team Canada’s U17 Girls Team

Southern Alberta Newspapers Photo Submitted

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

15-year-old southern Alberta athlete Elise Evanson was recently selected to be part of Team Canada’s U17 Girls Team that will be competing in the Norceca U17 Girls Continental Championship that is set to take place in San Jose, Costa Rica from November 2 to 10, 2025. 

“I believe I will get a lot out of this experience, not only new skills and abilities, but friends and opportunities,” said Evanson. 

Evanson is the only Albertan on a roster of 12 from across Canada, and is ‘really excited about the opportunity’ and considers it ‘humbling’ to be the only player selected from Alberta.

“Alberta is full of a lot of amazing volleyball players, and I had the privilege of playing with some of those girls for Team Alberta,” said Evanson. 

In addition to playing in the Canada Cup this summer, Evanson said she has personally been involved with the sport since joining school volleyball in grade 6 in Stirling and later joining the Panther Volleyball Club for the last two years. Evanson credits her success with the Panthers to her club coach, Ian Bennett.

“He taught me lessons I will never forget,” said Evanson. “Not only have I been taught how to be a good player, but also how to be a good teammate. That has always been a focus at the Panthers: learning to have pride and respect for your teammates, coaches, officials and opponents. Joining the Panthers Volleyball Club Is the biggest reason why I am where I am today. Without my club coaches and teammates pushing me to become the best I can possibly be, I would only see this opportunity as an impossible dream.”

Evanson says that her family and community have also been a support as she pursues the goal of being the best she can possibly be at her craft.

“My family is really excited for me, my dad and sister have both coached me in school, and have watched me develop during practices and games,” said Evanson. “I’ve also had a lot of support from the community, participating in a fundraiser to help pay for costs of travel and training.”

Evanson said that the Norceca U17 Girls Continental Championship in San Jose, Costa Rica is a tournament which serves as a qualifier for the World Championships, which are being held in Chile in August 2026; and when her experience and whatever comes of it is over, she hopes to continue playing volleyball at a post-secondary level. 

“If I continue to push myself and improve, I know I can achieve a lot in the future,” said Evanson. “I’m feeling very excited and confident about the future.”

Evanson also has words of encouragement for those who likewise want to succeed.

“Work hard, put the extra time in and be coachable,” said Evanson. “Be a good teammate; your teammates are a big part of your ability to play at the next level. Volleyball is very much a team sport. You can’t do it alone. and my teammates are my very best friends.”