Canadian women's volleyball team begins pivotal season with Olympics in sight

Riding a wave of momentum following their historic second-round finish at the world championship last season, the Canadian women's volleyball team begins its most pivotal season to date with the Volleyball Nations League (VNL). 

It's the start of Olympic qualifying season and Canada wants to use the 16-team VNL competition as a springboard to Paris 2024.

Head coach Shannon Winzer announced her 14-player roster last Friday ahead of the first leg of competition in Antalya, Turkey. The first stop begins with Canada facing Poland (Tuesday, 1 p.m. CBCSports.ca), followed by matches against Thailand, Korea, and Serbia before the team moves on to the second and third legs of the competition in Hong Kong and Bangkok.

The women's finals for 2023 will be held in Arlington, Texas, from July 12 to 16.

Canada, currently ranked No. 14 in the world, finished with a 4-8 record last year, 12th in the overall standings. Italy was the overall women's winner in 2022, followed by Brazil and Serbia.

VNL is the top international tournament in the sport outside of the Olympics and world championship. 

WATCH: Canada's women ready for another memorable run:

Canada will have to make due without its top offensive threat from last season, Kiera Van Ryk. The 24-year-old native of New Westminster, B.C, is away from the team for personal reasons, but is expected to return later in the competition. Canada will certainly miss the heavy-hitting Van Ryk, who was eighth overall in offence last season in VNL and the top server, with 20 aces.

Filling the void will be another powerhouse, Alexa Gray. The 28-year-old from Calgary is fresh off an Italian league title with Imoco Prosecco Doc Conegliano, where she was named most valuable player. She was 10th in