NORFOLK, Va. – Ashlyn Gent may be an incoming freshman, but the libero from Calgary, Alberta, Canada is bringing a wealth of experience to Old Dominion volleyball.
One of eight newcomers to the program, she has trained for multiple years with Canada’s National Excellence program.
“When I first started playing with Team Canada, I played for our red and white junior team when I was 15 years old,” said Gent.
“I played with the red and white team twice and then got the opportunity to apply for the National Excellence program. I threw my name in the hat and got invited to an ID camp. From there, I waited and waited until I got an email that I had made the program. I headed down to Vancouver and got the chance to play for them for two years.”
Being a member of Canada’s national team afforded her the opportunity to compete in the U17 NORCECA Continental Championship, the U17 World Championships, the U19 NORCECA Pan-American Cup, and the U19 World Championships.
“Playing internationally definitely opens your eyes to brand new things in volleyball,” continued Gent. “Countries play volleyball very differently, and they have different styles, which I think is incredible.”
“Having the opportunity to play against really strong countries is incredible,” she said of the experience. “You get to learn so much from what they do, and it makes you want to be better.”
On July 13 in Columbus, Ohio, Gent helped her home country capture its first-ever medal at the NORCECA U21 Pan-American Cup.
In group play, Canada defeated Mexico, 3-2 on July 7 and swept Venezuela, 3-0 on July 8 before dropping a 3-1 decision to the United States on July 9.
“This year, I got the opportunity to play two years up, so I got to see a lot of girls that I had never seen before. They were more physical, they were stronger, and had years of experience. Not only did I get to play against them, but I also got to play with them, which was really incredible.”
In the championship bracket, Canada defeated both Belize and the Dominican Republic in straight sets to advance to the title match versus the United States, but came up short, 3-0 to earn a silver medal.
“This group of girls was just amazing on and off the court,” Gent said of her Canadian teammates. “I think the pursuit and the drive that this team had, that’s all we really needed. At the end of the day, we worked together. Every day we got better as a team, and it was just amazing to be a part of that history.”
“Canada volleyball is getting better and better, so the privilege to wear the maple leaf is incredible.”
Gent will look to continue that success as she transitions to playing at the collegiate level with the Monarchs.
“I want to keep on my reception, that’s the biggest thing for me,” Gent replied when asked what part of her game she hopes transitions to her first season in Norfolk.
“Staying confident on the reception line, and then just competing with this new program. I think what Coach Chao and the coaching staff has done to build this program has been amazing, and I would not want to be anywhere else right now. Playing with these girls and learning new things is what I’m definitely excited for.”
Following an intersquad match on August 14 and exhibition matches versus VCU on August 15 and William & Mary on August 21, Gent and the Monarchs will open the 2026 season by hosting the sixth annual Quest for the Crown tournament on August 28-29 at the ODU Volleyball Center. Click here to see ODU’s complete schedule.