Carolyn O'Dwyer named head coach of Pandas Volleyball

O'Dwyer to take over from Laurie Eisler on September 1st

By Connor Hood

It’s a sentence that hasn’t been said in over three decades; The Pandas Volleyball program will have a new Head Coach.

After 31 seasons leading the Pandas program to unimaginable heights, the torch will finally be passed along from Laurie Eisler, as Carolyn O’Dwyer will assume the duties of Head Coach on September 1st.

A coach with unquestioned talent, potential, intelligence, and a love for the game, O’Dwyer always seemed like the obvious choice to take over from Eisler. And while there may be some mixed emotions with somebody of Eisler’s resume stepping back — happiness, shock, fulfillment— there is a consensus on her successor; Carolyn is the perfect fit.

I am honoured to return to such a prestigious institution with an excellent athletic department and a phenomenal women's volleyball program. In my time with UofA, the culture of excellence in both academics and athletics really stood out to me, and is something that I am very excited to be a part of and continue to build on the amazing legacy that is Pandas Volleyball.

Laurie has developed one of the best programs in the country and I can’t speak highly enough about her as a coach and leader. The support and mentorship I will receive as I step into the role of Head Coach is invaluable and will help make the transition seamless.

Carolyn O'Dwyer

O’Dwyer, a Calgary native, spent three seasons competing with the Mount Royal Cougars, highlighted by winning the 2013 Canada West Rookie of the Year Award. In addition, O’Dwyer was a member of both the Canadian Youth and Junior National Teams (2010-12).

Following her playing career, she stepped into a coaching role as an assistant for the Cougars from 2015-17. A desire to further her experience as well as earn a Masters Degree in Coaching brought O’Dwyer to the University of Alberta in 2017.

After four years with the Pandas, O’Dwyer was named the women’s Next Gen Coach with Volleyball Canada. During her time in Richmond, she played a key role in training and preparation of the athletes in the National Excellence and NextGen programs.

With her work ethic and drive for excellence, as well as her experience at the U of A and now with Volleyball Canada, it is perfect timing for both of us. I am ready to pass the torch to the next Head Coach of the Pandas Volleyball Team and Carolyn is not only ready, but excited about this next chapter in her life.

I expect the transition to be seamless for all of us, especially the athletes, and we will all thrive in the environment that Carolyn creates as the leader of our program.

Laurie Eisler

A coach known for her ability to develop talent, O’Dwyer will face the immediate task of taking over a rebuilding Pandas squad, loaded full of top recruits, some of whom already worked under O’Dwyer with the National Excellence Program.

“My time with Volleyball Canada gave me the opportunity to coach elite athletes and to gain head coaching experience at the international level. I have also been very fortunate to work with and learn from National Team Head Coach Shannon Winzer from whom I learned so much about building a program, staff management, effective communication and of course, coaching volleyball,” continued O’Dwyer. “The coaching and leadership skills I have gained in my time with Volleyball Canada will be integral to my future success.”

Eisler herself will move into a team management role with the Pandas, assisting with the transition of the head coach duties. This type of succession planning/model has been proven successful and has paid immediate dividends for Golden Bears & Pandas Athletics in recent years.

Martin Fenger-Andersen led Golden Bears Soccer to the CW Final Four in 2022, in just his third season since replacing Len Vickery.

Brock Davidiuk led Golden Bears Volleyball to their 14th Canada West title this past March, and is a year removed from leading the Bears to their 9th U SPORTS banner, after taking over from Terry Danyluk.

“We have been so fortunate to have had very long-term and truly exceptional leaders of our programs. Head Coaching jobs are large and demanding roles that go far beyond training and tactics,” said Interim Director of Athletics Katie Spriggs. “Our transition plans have been successful because we have excellent incoming coaches that are excited by the responsibility entrusted to them, and long-time coaches who know what their programs need to be successful into the future.

We have been very fortunate to have worked with Carolyn for several years and so we know the excellent personal character and temperament that she will bring to the head coaching role.”

As is always the case when taking over for a highly successful predecessor, the shoes O’Dwyer steps into will be large. Eisler guided the Pandas to six national titles and 10 Canada West banners during her 31 seasons at the helm.

However, anyone you ask in the volleyball community or at the UofA has the utmost confidence in O’Dwyer’s ability to carry on the Pandas standard of excellence.

Carolyn is very strong in all aspects of coaching; she has always been very knowledgeable in the technical and tactical aspects of the game, and is a very good communicator.

She creates a training environment that is intense, challenging and motivating. She is also a tremendous person who will provide the leadership to the team and the program that will not only sustain the tradition of excellence but build on it. She is more than ready to assume the role of Head Coach at the U SPORTS level.

Laurie Eisler