The Holland Hurricanes have named their new women’s volleyball head coach in Jonathan Macdonald from Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The Hurricanes began the search for the position after Lori-Beth Dwyer announced in late-March that she would not be returning to the role after six seasons at the helm.

Macdonald has returned to Canada after coaching and playing for Habo Wolly and Tierp Volley (2017-2019), both professional volleyball teams in Sweden.

In Canada, Macdonald served as the head coach of the Nova Scotia U17 boys’ team in 2018, and the U15 team in 2016.  He also served as an assistant coach with the Nova Scotia women’s Canada Games team in 2017 and the U18 Dalhousie Tigers club from 2016-2018.

“The biggest draw to the Hurricanes for me was how much this program has grown in recent years. Lori-Beth Dwyer has put a considerable amount of work in, and it has shown as the Hurricanes have become a top team in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA). I’m looking forward to continuing that trend and growing the program into one that competes nationally. Getting the opportunity to coach a college program is something that I have been working towards the past few years. I’m excited for the chance to work with some great student-athletes and hopefully can we can have a lot of success not only on the court but in the classroom as well.”

This will not be Macdonald’s first exposure to collegiate volleyball in Atlantic Canada.  From 2012 through 2016 he was a starting setter/outside hitter for the Dalhousie University Tigers; acting as the team captain in his last two seasons.

During his time with the Tigers, Macdonald also became a three-time Atlantic University Sport (AUS) All-Star, and a two-time U SPORTS (formerly Canadian Interuniversity Sport, CIS) All-Canadian. 

Macdonald feels his professional coaching experience will help him in his new position.

“Over the past two seasons I’ve had the opportunity to work with different athletes and coaches from around the world. Having the experience to see and hear a lot of different ideas has allowed me to grow significantly as a coach. I like to take a very technical approach to the game. I like to use statistics as much as I possible so that everyone can have an understanding as to why we are doing something, and what we are trying to achieve by doing it.”

Director of Athletics and Recreation, Albert Roche, welcomes Jonathan to the Hurricanes.

“Jonathan has a strong background as a player and will be a game-changer as a young coach.  He has an excellent resumé and is passionate about the game and coaching.  We see Jonathan as a real asset for our players and will have an immediate impact as we continue to develop the women’s volleyball program.  As well, Jonathan will be another excellent resource to help build the volleyball scene on PEI.”

Jonathan Macdonald is the eighth head coach with the Holland Hurricanes women’s volleyball team.  He’s eager to begin working with the student-athletes ahead of this season.

“My hopes for this season are obviously to win an ACAA banner. This team has been very close in the past and I’m looking forward to helping us get over that hump.  The key to our success will depend a lot on how quickly we can get on the same page. Coming in as a new head coach is always a challenge, but I’m confident that we can come together quickly and have a lot of success.”

The Hurricanes will begin their 2019-20 ACAA regular season on Saturday, November 2 when they visit the Université de Sainte-Anne Dragons in Church Point, NS.

To connect with the women’s volleyball Hurricanes please visit www.twitter.com/caneswvball.

For more information on the Holland Hurricanes, please visit www.hollandhurricanes.com, www.facebook.com/hollandhurricanes, www.twitter.com/hc_hurricanes and www.instagram.com/hollandhurricanes.

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Story written by:

Mason Murray

Communications Coordinator Assistant

Department of Athletics and Recreation

Holland College