Defying the Odds: Kolody’s return to Pandas Volleyball

As recent as a year ago, Justine Kolody had thought her volleyball career had reached its conclusion. As the Canada West champion Pandas were celebrating earning a U SPORTS bronze medal in Kolody’s hometown of Winnipeg, realization was starting to set in that she had played her final match. Four seasons as a varsity student-athlete, countless matches, practices and reps had started to take their toll.

One year, double-leg surgery, and two metal rods inserted into her shins later, Kolody is once again orchestrating a dynamic offence for the U SPORTS No. 1 ranked Pandas, a team that again has conference and national title aspirations.

In August, Kolody had intramedullary tibial nail surgery in both of her legs, a procedure for treating tibial shaft fractures by inserting a metal rod into the central marrow canal. 

A bold bet on surgery

Despite all the signs pointing towards the end, the fire inside Kolody was still smoldering. A Canada West All-Star and U SPORTS All-Canadian in 2025, she had established herself among the elite, if not the absolute best setter in the country. A final season of eligibility with the Pandas and a potential professional career were staring at her in the not too distant future. 

All athletes know, nothing is a sure thing. This is especially true for Kolody and a major surgery that didn’t come without risks. Would a surgery of this magnitude work? Would she reach her previous peak as an athlete?

“I was extremely excited that I was able to come back. I worked really hard to get there, but it wasn't a guarantee that I'd be able to come back this year. I really wanted to come back for this team specifically. We just care so much about each other, and the idea of not being able to play with all those girls again was really hard for me.”

The road back, however, was harder than even the most prepared and mentally strong could have imagined. Returning to the court was one challenge, but so too was returning to everyday life. Early during the recovery process, Kolody struggled to just lift her legs off her bed, or even bend her knees. After getting back on her feet, she also missed the first semester of games for the Pandas.

“I would say the most challenging semester I've had so far, not being able to play. I lost a bit of my identity not being on the court, so to say I struggled was an understatement. I made it through with lots of support from the people around me just to get through each day.”

Strength in support

Throughout the recovery process, Kolody was never alone in the trenches. Her support system ran deep, all of whom played a critical role in her journey back to the court. Whether came from Pandas coaches like Carolyn O’Dwyer and Laurie Eisler, her family, teammates, mental performance specialists Erin Brennan and Gisele Kreuger, or the Pandas physio and strength staff — including Trina Laka, Amy Moolyk, and Pete Friesen — Kolody had the mental and physical supports for a recovery of this magnitude.

“A lot of people watch Justine compete on the court and see what a special athlete she is. But what you don’t see is the countless hours she has put in to get there, especially this season,” said O’Dwyer. “She is the most diligent athlete I have worked with, putting her absolute best into weights, recovery, video review; anything that is going to make her a better athlete and make our team better.”

While progress often felt slow this fall, Kolody focused on small achievable goals during her return to the court, with her mindset always set on process over outcomes.

A boost of confidence and source of support for Kolody also came from former Saskatchewan Huskie and Canadian Olympian Gavin Schmitt, who returned to the court during his lengthy and successful professional career after having the same surgery.

Back like she never left

For many, the Pandas New Years Classic game against Toronto on January 2nd was just another winter-break tuneup. For Kolody, it was her first game back in nearly nine months. Amazingly, it felt like she never missed a beat. Her first full match back saw the Education student dish out 32 assists in a 3-0 win over UBC the next night. 

With her back in the starting lineup, the Pandas went 10-0 to close out the regular season, before sweeping the Winnipeg Wesmen in the Canada West Quarter-Final. Her 9.97 assists per set during that time is the second highest number of her career, behind only her stellar rookie season. She moved into second all-time in team history for career assists, and despite only 10 conference games played, was named a first team Canada West All-Star for the second time. 

“What Justine has overcome to be on court this season has truly been remarkable,” said O’Dwyer. “To have the major surgery she did that in many cases would end an athlete's career. To not only be back playing in four months, but to be playing at a conference all-star level is inspiring.” 

Kolody will be an integral part of the Pandas over the next two weeks, as they look to defend their Canada West title at home this weekend, before aiming for their 8th U SPORTS banner in Langley the following week. And while her priority is with the Pandas, her long term goals are once again in reach. 

“This summer I’ll try out for the Canadian NextGen team, then after that hopefully play professionally for as long as I can. Something I thought I wasn’t going to be able to do had I not had the surgery.”