Bisons Men's Volleyball Embracing New Look Without Lowering Expectations

Seven new players have joined the Manitoba Bisons men's volleyball program for 2026-27, while 10 players have moved on from last season, including five starters. For head coach Lupo Ludwig, there is no avoiding the reality that this season represents a rebuilding phase.

But rebuilding doesn't mean lowering expectations.

"We still expect to be very competitive," Ludwig said.

The challenge now is to find the right combination of returning players stepping into bigger roles and newcomers adjusting to the university game.

A New Look on the Court

With so much experience leaving the program, Manitoba will need several returning players to take on greater responsibility.

At the same time, the newcomers bring a different set of qualities to the group, including strong ball-handling skills and athleticism.

That could lead to some changes in how the Bisons play.

"Our style of play will evolve as well," Ludwig said.

There will inevitably be a learning curve as players find their roles and develop chemistry, but Ludwig is encouraged by the potential of the group.

The Bisons may be less experienced, but they believe they have the pieces to remain competitive.

Protecting the Culture

One thing Ludwig does not want to see change is the culture established by last season's team.

The Bisons had a strong team environment, and maintaining that standard has been a priority from the beginning of the recruiting process and throughout the opening days of training camp.

"We were very intentional during the recruiting process about not only looking for talented players, but also finding the right fit for our program and our team culture," Ludwig said.

With only a handful of days of training camp completed, there is still plenty to learn about the new-look group.

But the early signs have been positive.

There is good energy in the gym, the new players are working hard and the group is beginning to understand what is expected of them.

The next step is turning that energy into the consistency and chemistry required to compete at the Canada West level.

Experience to Lead the Way

With so many veterans gone, the Bisons will rely heavily on their two fifth-year players.

Setter Sammy Ludwig and middle Jordy Heppner bring valuable experience to a young roster, while Jordy also returns from a summer with Team Canada that provided him with an opportunity to compete at the international level.

Their leadership will be particularly important as younger players adjust to increased responsibilities.

Several others are ready for bigger opportunities.

Kai Boyko enters his fourth year and Ben Kuhner his third, with both expected to take on expanded roles. Harry Ens and Rowan Krahn have also continued to work despite limited playing opportunities in recent seasons, and this year provides them with a chance to show what they can contribute.

Among the first-year players, Liam Mancer and Isaac McComb have already shown qualities that could allow them to make an impact early.

Ludwig knows it is too soon to predict exactly who will emerge, but that uncertainty is part of what makes this season intriguing.

"We have a lot of good players who can step up," he said. "I expect different players to emerge as the season progresses."

Learning From Last Season

The Bisons enter the season with a recent reminder of what is possible.

Manitoba won a bronze medal at the U SPORTS national championship last season, an accomplishment the program can be proud of.

But the semifinal loss also left the team wanting more.

"When you get that close to the top, you have to evaluate what kept you from taking the next step," Ludwig said.

That lesson has helped shape the work entering this season.

With a much younger group, the Bisons have focused on developing individual skills, building consistency and establishing a strong team culture.

They also know that success at the highest level requires the ability to perform when the pressure is at its greatest.

There is still plenty of work ahead, but the objective is clear: take the lessons from last season and use them to help build the next version of the Bisons.

Growing Together

For Ludwig, success this season will not be measured solely by where Manitoba finishes in the standings.

With so many young players entering new roles, development will be an important part of the season.

He wants to see those players grow into athletes who are ready to step onto the court, take responsibility and contribute when their team needs them.

Just as important will be the development of the group as a whole.

Every team faces adversity over the course of a season, and Ludwig wants his players to remain connected and supportive when those moments arrive.

"If, at the end of the season, we can look back and say that our young players developed, that we grew as a team, and that we remained a close and committed group through the challenges of the season, then I will consider this a successful year," he said.

The process starts every day in the gym.

The Bisons will need patience as their new lineup develops, commitment from their veterans and a willingness from everyone to embrace a bigger role.