Top-notch volleyball in the Okanagan will be returning to the UBC Okanagan's 'Furnace' gymnasium in late October. 

The Heat program announced their schedule for the 2024-24 Canada West season. 

Friday, October 25 is the home and season opener for both men's and women's teams, as they battle the MacEwan Griffins. 

The game against the Griffins will be the first for new men's head coach Scott Koskie. Koskie was hired in May, who replaced Brad Hudson. 

"With over two decades of experience in the world of elite-level volleyball at the collegiate, national, professional, and international levels, we are very excited about recruiting someone of Scott's abilities and passion for the sport and what that will mean for our men's volleyball players and program as well as Heat Athletics," said Heat director of athletics and recreation Tom Huisman on the hiring of Koskie.

"Scott's impressive track record of talent development and community engagement will complement and build upon the local popularity of the sport."

Koskie began his coaching career while still competing as a player, serving in various assistant and head coaching roles in Europe. 

Following the conclusion of his playing career in 2008, he served three years as head coach of Team Manitoba's men's team, highlighted by winning the 18 and under national championship in 2010, before moving back onto the international stage with Volleyball Canada.

Hudson left the Heat program in late February of 2024 after his men's team went 3-21, the program worst mark since 2018-19. In eight seasons, Hudson led the team to just one playoff berth and accumulated a win/loss record of 49 wins and 141 losses. 

Meanwhile, the women's team will welcome back head coach Steve Manuel for his 24th year. Last season, the team finished 10-16, losing in the Canada West quarterfinals to the Manitoba Bison. 

Both teams will play a 20-game regular season. This reflects schedule changes introduced by the conference last year, placing increased emphasis on regional rivalries. In both men's and women's volleyball, each school has four annual opponents they will play each season and will rotate through the remaining teams. Men's teams will play six of eight opponents each year, while women's teams will play six of nine opponents each year.

This year will also feature a new playoff format that sees 10 teams qualify for the postseason, with the national championship being hosted in Manitoba for the women and Brandon for the men. 

For full schedules, visit .