By Reegan MacAulay
Carson Gray stood on a volleyball court taking in the surrounding atmosphere. The sounds of the gym were everywhere, from the squeak of sneakers on the court to the energy buzzing within the crowd. His heart was racing, and his hands were shaking but he was determined to prove he belonged.
“I remember standing on the court just before the first serve, taking everything in,” Gray recalled. “What stands out most is the pride I felt wearing the Hurricanes jersey for the first time. It was the moment I realized just how special it was to be part of this team and this program. That game set the tone for everything I’ve worked toward since, and it’s a memory I’ll always carry with me.”
That memory was Gray’s first game playing for the Holland Ƶ Hurricanes men’s volleyball team on Oct. 29, 2022 against the STU Tommies. Over two years later, Gray is considered by many to be one of Atlantic Canada’s top male collegiate volleyball players. Born and raised in Stratford, P.E.I., he currently sits near the top of multiple statistics across the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) and, so far, has led his team to eight wins after 13 games. The third-year left-side and Business Administration student has experienced, in his opinion, his career-best season since he was first recruited to the program in 2022.
“Skill and performance-wise, I absolutely feel like this season has been my best. My attacking has continuously improved, even throughout this year, and I’ve been able to maintain a high level of consistency,” Gray said. “As a team, our rough start to the season wasn’t entirely unexpected; with new players coming and going between seasons, it takes time for the chemistry to develop. This year feels no different, and from what I’ve seen in recent games and practices, we’ve started playing with far more trust in each other, which has made us a much stronger and more unified squad.”
Gray knows what it’s like to conquer adversity and it goes back to his younger days playing volleyball. He grew up in an athletic family with three siblings just outside of Charlottetown, P.E.I. which played multiple sports each year. Gray played competitive hockey for 10 years as a goaltender, with his summer sports being soccer and lacrosse. Volleyball didn’t enter the picture until the eighth grade.
“My father loved volleyball when he was in high school but never pressured any (specific) sports onto us; he let us play whatever sport we were interested in,” Gray said. “Even going into grade eight, I didn’t really know what volleyball was, but one of my closest friends encouraged me to try out for the AA team at Stonepark Intermediate School.”
He successfully made the team and instantly fell in love with the sport. While he lacked size and wasn’t the best jumper, his natural athleticism helped him learn techniques quickly. From there, he attended camps, consistently improved his skills, and eventually quit hockey to focus on the new endeavour. In high school, he was hit with a roadblock.
“Men’s volleyball wasn’t exactly the most popular sport on P.E.I. (at the time),” Gray said. “During my senior year, only about 15 people tried out for our 12-person team. We were so desperate for players that we had to convince some basketball players, who had never played volleyball before, to join us. It wasn’t the ideal competitive environment for someone looking to grow in the sport, especially compared to other provinces.”
Despite the developmental barrier, the challenges taught him adaptability and resilience and fuelled his determination to make the most of every opportunity that came his way. His efforts were rewarded by representing P.E.I. on multiple occasions, including at the 2022 Canada Games. He was coached by Max Arsenault, who Gray said helped lead him to one of the most pivotal moments of his volleyball journey.
“Max (Arsenault) invited Brett Butler to one of our practices. That was where Brett first saw me play and recruited me to Holland Ƶ,” Gray said.
Around that time, Butler had been promoted to head coach duties for the Hurricanes men’s volleyball team. He played within the program between 2014 and 2019 and captained the squad to two ACAA championships and three Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Championships. He was an assistant coach during the 2021-22 season. The first player he signed? Carson Gray.
“I knew he was at Mount Allison for business but was considering coming back home to play. He came in and joined a very talented team,” Butler said.
A year before the Canada Games, Gray attended Mount Allison University for a Bachelor in Business with a major in aviation to pursue his passion for flying. Unfortunately, the school didn’t have a men’s volleyball team.
“At that time (of being at Mount Allison), I didn’t think I was fit out to be a collegiate student-athlete. After the Canada Games, I realized I was not ready to give up volleyball and I knew I would regret it if I didn’t continue playing, so I enrolled in Holland Ƶ’s Business Administration program,” Gray said.
When recalling his first time walking into the McMillan Centre, on the Prince of Wales campus of Holland Ƶ, he said everything from that point onward would’ve been unimaginable for his younger self.
“Walking into the McMillan Centre for my first practice in 2022, I couldn’t believe the level of volleyball I was stepping into,” Gray said. “The skill, dedication, and intensity of my teammates were unlike anything I had ever experienced. With my background, I knew I was the weakest link and I was fighting to just earn a starting spot. It was humbling, but it also became my greatest motivator. I knew that, for the team to succeed, I had to elevate my game.”
Gray’s ACAA career started stellar, helping his team go on a Cinderella-story run to the finals at the 2023 ACAA Volleyball Championships, where the team finished runner-up in a best-of-three series. His improved knowledge, leadership, and skillset earned him the captaincy role in his sophomore year.
“The leaders during my rookie season set an excellent example and I wanted to carry forward their approach by supporting and inspiring my teammates in the same way,” Gray said. “In my first year, my co-left side Luke Hyde was my most influential mentor, who taught me the true meaning of leadership, work ethic, and resilience. Whether it was improving my skills on the court, putting in the hours in the weight room, or learning how to recover properly with ice baths and better nutrition, he showed me what it takes to compete at this level. When he left Holland Ƶ, I carried his mindset with me.
“Brett (Butler) played a significant role in making the transition (to a leadership role) easier. From day one, Brett and I established a relationship built on trust and mutual understanding, which allowed us to align our expectations for the team seamlessly.”
Gray’s third and current season began with a roller coaster of results, with the team winning their first two games and losing four of their next five. The last game during that stretch, a 3-0 loss on the road against the USTA Dragons, is what Gray believes was the turning point of the season.
“It was hard not to feel discouraged (after that loss). But (coach) Butler gave us the inspiration we needed, reminding us that it doesn’t matter who our opponent is. Sometimes, even David beats Goliath. That mindset changed everything, and we went into the next game determined to give it our all,” Gray said.
The team pulled off a shocking reverse sweep victory and the momentum resulted in an eventual five-game winning streak. Today, the Hurricanes are third in the ACAA with an 8-5 record and have been in a dogfight for second place with their rivals, the STU Tommies. Gray attested to the growth, commitment, and dedication the team has made since turning the ship in the right direction.
“This group has been incredible to train and play alongside. The improvement we’ve seen since the start of the season is a testament to how much everyone is going all in. Many of the guys are putting in extra time in the gym and focusing on their development not just for themselves but for the benefit of the team. It’s inspiring to see that level of dedication day in and day out. The chemistry we’ve built goes beyond familiarity. For me, as a hitter, my interaction with the setters is constant, and this is the first year I’ve had three setters I can rely on at any moment,” Gray said.
Butler called Gray’s progress through the program a “coach’s dream.”
“He was a seamless fit (in year one) and played the role of P2. In his second year, we named him captain for his ability to lead by example and for his knowledge of the game, and we asked him to step up on the offensive side of the ball. He led us without missing a step and rarely missed a match. This year, he was named captain again. He has every shot from the left side in his bag, has developed a strong back-row attack and is a consistent leader. He’s always looking for an edge to improve and willing to take others under his wing. We couldn’t ask for anything else from him,” Butler said.
While Gray carries the fort on the men’s side, he has a fellow “hometown hero” leading the charge for the women’s Hurricanes – Morgan White.
Born and raised in Charlottetown, the fourth-year left-side and Administrative Assistant student grew up watching Hurricanes games, eventually achieving her dream of playing for them after a solid high school run. Since being recruited in 2021, she has helped the women’s volleyball program claim one ACAA championship and a showing at the 2023 CCAA Nationals on Vancouver Island. Like Gray, she has experienced a similarly successful path of developing confidence and taking on leadership responsibilities.
“Carson (Gray) and I have been connected to the volleyball program for a long time,” White said. “Over the past few years, we’ve been heavily involved in the growth of our respective programs, and I think we share a strong commitment to help make our teams better. I have so much respect for Carson, both as a leader and as an athlete. I’ve learned so much just from observing how he carries himself in tight matches or when things don’t go as planned. His progression and dedication over the years is truly inspiring. Even though we’re on different teams, the passion and leadership we each bring unite us in representing our school and community.”
Gray and White will each have the opportunity of a lifetime in a few weeks as the 2025 ACAA Volleyball Championships are right around the corner, set to be hosted by Holland Ƶ on the weekend of Feb. 21-23. Both players were beyond excited to learn the news last July. White will be chasing her second ACAA title within three years while Gray seeks his first in his third attempt, which would be a perfect “third time’s the charm” story if successful.
“Hosting such an important event is always special,” Gray said. “It’s a chance for the college to showcase our athletic program, facilities, and school spirit to the rest of the Maritimes. It will highlight the strength and passion for volleyball here on P.E.I., and it’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation of athletes. Events like these bring attention to how much talent and dedication exists in our region and provide a platform for athletes to shine. I’m honoured that I’ll be part of it and I know the entire team is working hard to make the most of this opportunity. If we can achieve it, the feeling of accomplishment and pride will be unmatched and it could define our athletic careers.”
White said it’s always special to represent her hometown, and a high-level event hosted in her home gym is exciting. “Being able to play in front of my friends, family, and fans who have supported me from the start is something I’m really proud of and grateful for. It’ll be such a fun experience and it’s nice for the Hurricanes program and the island as a whole. Having experienced winning a championship once was incredible and I would do anything to have that happen again. Chasing another title at home is so motivating and we want to make people proud.”
Butler said it’s an honour to host the championships at Holland Ƶ again. “Holland has a history of hosting top-notch events in the past and I’m sure the athletic department will do the same this time around. It’s a great opportunity for young volleyballers to get an up-close look at the top teams in the region. Three days of intense competition, what more could you ask for?”
Women’s volleyball Hurricanes head coach Craig Hoskins was thrilled and nervous when he heard the news. “It’s great to be able to host the championships. It’s a great opportunity to host some of the best volleyball in Atlantic Canada and showcase to P.E.I. the talent within the ACAA and show off Holland Ƶ. I’m a confident coach and have faith in our team’s abilities, but I don’t ever take the other teams in our league for granted. The last few years have shown the league is getting much more competitive, therefore, hosting (the championships) gives another element of pressure. I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the matches,” he said.
Albert Roche, Director of Athletics and Recreation at Holland Ƶ, looks forward to seeing the championships being played back on Prince Edward Island.
“We are proud to host the ACAA Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Championships once again. We take great pride in hosting these events and we look forward to providing a quality experience for student-athletes and volleyball supporters.”
With the championships being at home comes the potential for a full-circle moment. Holland Ƶ previously hosted the volleyball championships in 2019, the year the men’s program won its second regional title within three years. Butler and Marcus Lapointe, a former player and current assistant coach, played on that team. This year, Butler and Lapointe have a chance to replicate what they did six years ago but, now, as coaches.
“We were the underdog hosts against the defending champions. In my playing career, I had never beaten STU in the playoffs until that day,” Butler said. “Marcus (Lapointe) was a stud for us all year. I had about 20 members of my extended family there to support me and countless classmates there as well. Our team played our best two matches all year that weekend; it’s a day I’ll never forget. My hope is that this year’s team can peak on that weekend as well. When I took this position (as head coach), I wanted to continue the moment I had been part of as a player. We turned Holland Ƶ into a respected name in the ACAA and, as part of a great coaching staff, we have the opportunity to keep building this program and help student-athletes become the best versions of themselves.”
When Gray was told about the possible full-circle scenario, he said it adds more meaning to hosting the championships again. “Knowing the last time we hosted was also the last time our team won the championship, it’s a powerful piece of history and it motivates us to rise to the occasion and try to repeat that success.
“It would mean so much to me and the team to be part of that full-circle moment for Brett and Marcus. They both had incredible careers as players and, now, they’re continuing to shape the legacy of this program as coaches. To help bring a championship home for them at Holland Ƶ would be the ultimate way to honour their contributions and everything they’ve done to help us grow as athletes,” Gray said.
When asked to provide a promotional campaign for the event to the rest of the province and the Maritimes, Gray said it’s not just about the game, but the energy, passion, and pride that the community will bring.
“There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of championship volleyball, especially when it’s happening right here on P.E.I. As a proud representative of island volleyball and the Hurricanes, I see this as an opportunity to inspire the next generation and to show younger athletes that they can achieve great things. My journey from a rookie learning the ropes to becoming a captain and a top conference player is proof that anything is possible if you’re willing to dedicate yourself to your goals.”
“Volleyball is such a unique and special sport; it’s fast-paced, exciting, and all about teamwork. It teaches you discipline, builds strong relationships, and helps you grow both on and off the court. This is more than just an event; it’s a showcase of what’s possible in our sport and a chance to inspire others to dream big and chase their own athletic goals. We’d love fans to join us and be part of this incredible experience. It’s going to be unforgettable.”
The 2025 ACAA Volleyball Championships will take place at the McMillan Centre in Charlottetown, PEI from February 21-23, 2025. Tickets will be available on day one of the championship at the McMillan Centre box office.
For more information on the ACAA, visit .
Connect with the Hurricanes volleyball teams at , , and .
For more information on the Holland Hurricanes, please visit , , and .
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