Informative Story

Kamloops, the Emerging National Hub For Elite Athletic Talent

Kamloops, British Columbia, is emerging as a national powerhouse in athletic development entering 2026, as increased local coaching and community investment produce elite athletes across multiple sports.

The Rise of Sport in Kamloops

Since earning the title of Tournament Capital of Canada in 2003, Kamloops has steadily expanded its presence in the Canadian sport world. Year round, championship level rosters coming from Thompson Rivers University, the WHL Blazers hockey program, and strong local club teams have contributed to a growing culture of crowd engagement and participation. The local crowds and excitement have helped push sport to one of the forefronts of the city’s identity. 

The Local Superstars

As Kamloops sport gains popularity and support within the community, more local stars are rising through the ranks. 

Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack Women’s Volleyball Libero Olivia Andulajevic, was just awarded Canada West Libero of the year, helping lead Thompson Rivers University Women’s Volleyball  to what CJFC Today’s report claims as “the best regular season in program history.” Olivia represented Canada last summer in the Shanghai Future Volleyball star 2025 Tournament where she competed alongside TRU Wolfpack teammates Keira Gent and Kamloops local Hailey Ward. Coming off a strong regular season at the U-Sport level and armed with international experience, Olivia is gearing up to represent Team Canada women’s Volleyball team in this summer’s Volleyball Nations League.

Also in the Volleyball community, former Thompson Rivers University men’s volleyball player Riley Brinnen is making a name for himself on the national stage for Canada’s Men’s Sitting volleyball team. Distinguishing himself as one of the team’s youngest talents, Riley has represented Kamloops across the world stage competing in Indiana’s Para Pan American Zonal Championship, as well as gearing up to head the 2026 World Championships in Hangzhou China this July.  

Finally, born and raised Kamloops hockey player and WHL Blazer alumni Logan Stankoven. Stankoven has already begun making his mark on both the national and professional level. He won gold at the World U-18 Junior Hockey Championship in 2021 and then later getting drafted to the Dallas stars as the 47th pick in the draft. As the NewYork Times Athletic Report has brought up Stankoven has now recently made his mark on the NHL with “[h]is  clutch scoring being one of the driving forces of the Hurricanes ridiculous 8-0 start in the [2026] playoffs” elite development through Kamloops’ hockey program highlights the city’s ability to produce nationally recognized talent in one of the country’s most recognized sports.

Best Multisport Facility in Canada?

Sport Facilities like the Tournament Capital Center have played a major role in elevating Kamloops athletic status. Having the infrastructure to provide high quality training environments across a multitude of sports has been vital in solidifying Kamloops’ as a top destination for sports development. The Tournament Capital Centre supports nationally recognized tournaments and training in the following sports including but not limited to: swimming events, track and field, basketball, volleyball, football, cheerleading, and gymnastics. 

It is all About the Coaching

Behind every successful program and athlete there is a network of dedicated coaches and supporters to help pave the way. Kamloops is lucky enough to have a plethora of invaluable coaches that has helped the cities athletics reach new heights.

 Earning the 2025/26 Canada West Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year award, Chad Grim has been recognized by Recognized by Castanet for leading a program “that reached new competitive heights and broke multiple team and individual records” following the universities first ever hosted playoff and entry into Nationals in 2026. Chad has been an integral part of the success of not only the individual success of star athletes mentioned above: Kiera, Hailey, and Olivia but also fundamental in the programs success entirely. With Thompson Rivers first ever appearance at Nationals in 2026 and a top 5 regular season record back to back years Chad Grim’s contributions are hard to go unnoticed.

Finally, Blazers Head Coach and General Manager Shaun Clouston has helped guide the Blazers to four consecutive B.C Division titles from 2019-2023 as well as being nominated for the WHL Executive of the Year award in 2023. Shaun has been a pivotal part of the Blazers success in recent years being hired as head coach in 2019 and then taking over General Manager duties in 2021. Shaun has been apart of helping players such as Logan Stankovan, Caden Bankier and many more succeed at both the international and pro hockey level. 

Go Find a Game

The athletes of Kamloops are making a mark on the national and international stages, proving that the city has built itself up to be a real potential pipeline for elite talent. The athletic success of Kamloops in recent years has been built on the communities continuous support of these programs year after year. I strongly encourage members of the community to do more than read about the success of these home grown athletes but to go out and support them. By and continuing to build momentum and being a part of something greater it is you personally that’s  driving the city of Kamloops forward and making an impact.