In two short weeks, the Junior Pilots 18U Navy will head to nationals thanks to an incredible season of wins. From May 20–23, this women’s volleyball team from Providence University College will face off with others from across the country at the Youth National Championships in Calgary.

While getting to this level is impressive, for the Junior Pilots 18U Navy it marks a bittersweet moment in their five-year journey. They’ve been battling it out on the volleyball court since 2022. 

Across those years, the team has been guided and supported by the same head coach, Kyla Zacharias of Niverville. In 2024, Kyla was honoured as Volleyball Manitoba’s Elite Coach of the Year, a distinction that comes from strong leadership and a dedication to athlete development.

It would be an understatement to suggest that she’s proud of the team.

“This team is nothing short of elite,” says Kyla. “We are so proud of this group. The ability to work with athletes who are not only talented but solid in character, on and off the court, is incredibly rewarding.”

Kyla is supported by her husband and assistant coach, Dylan Zacharias, as well as parents Heather and Carl Fast. 

“Over the last five years, the team has medalled at an astonishing 21 of 26 local Manitoba tournaments, collecting eight gold, nine silver, and four bronze medals,” Dylan says. “These numbers reflect far more than skill. They speak to resilience, preparation, and a refusal to back down regardless of circumstance. Records like these are built by exceptional athletes.”

Five years of volleyball finesse has earned them some impressive individual honours as well, including provincial MVP, provincial all-stars selections, and the naming of Volleyball Manitoba’s Female Athlete of the Year for two different players in 2024 and 2025. 

For the fifth year in a row, they finished in the top three at the Volleyball Manitoba Club provincials, a feat that’s unrivalled by any other team in their age category. In 2024, they walked away with the gold medal. This year marked their second time taking silver.  

In 2025, they captured bronze in the prestigious Best of the West championship.

“While preparation continues on the court, there’s also a sense of celebration building off of it,” says Dylan. “These athletes aren’t just chasing one last competition. They’re embracing the memories, friendships, and legacy they’ve created. Five years, five provincial podiums, one elite standard. This Junior Pilots team didn’t just make history in their age category, they defined it.”