When she goes through customs after arriving at Zurich’s international airport in September, Haley Roe may have to pause and think twice when she’s asked if she’s there for business or for pleasure.
The 23-year-old volleyball player from Airdrie will be heading to Europe this fall to play professional volleyball, after recently inking a contract with Raiffreisen Volley Toggenburg – a professional team located in Wattwil, a short drive from the Swiss capital.
“I’m just super excited for the opportunity and can’t wait to get out there,” said Roe, a Bert Church High School alumna, who starred for the Chargers’ senior girls’ volleyball team from 2014 to 2016. “It’s kind of scary, but I’m very excited to explore.”
Roe recently wrapped up a successful U SPORTS career with the Mount Royal University (MRU) Cougars. She spent six years and played 113 matches in total with the Calgary-based university squad, highlights including a silver medal at the U SPORTS nationals in 2022 and a fifth-place showing at nationals in 2023.
Playing her senior season with the Cougars this past school year, Roe led the Cougars' offence 389 kills in 2022-23, helping MRU finish second at the Canada West conference championships before finishing fifth at the ensuing national tournament. For her efforts, Roe was one of three MRU players selected to the Canada West all-star team.
“It was incredible,” the Airdrie native said of her university volleyball career, the entirety of which was spent with the Cougars. “I owe it all to MRU and the last six years of my life being there. I was so sad to go, but I’m also excited for this new step and to move on. But yeah, MRU was the best.”
Throughout her five seasons in U SPORTS, Roe registered 877 kills (2.44 per set) and 130 service aces.
Despite playing at the front of the net, she also chipped in defensively, recording 601 digs. And even though she stands just 5’10", (relatively short for a front-of-net volleyball player) Roe managed 13 solo blocks.
Away from the court, Roe received her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice this spring – undoubtedly setting herself up well for whatever career she eventually pursues when her volleyball days are over.
But for now, Roe is content to see what transpires in Switzerland, adding she intends to play the game she loves at the professional level for as long as she’s able.
“I’m going to see how this first year goes,” she said. “I’d like to continue with it if it works out and if my body keeps up with the task, but I want to keep going as long as I’d like to.”
Showcasing the team’s overall talent in recent years, Roe was one of four players from the MRU women’s volleyball team to sign professional contracts in Europe this summer. According to the Cougars’ website, setter Quinn Pelland is going to a team in France; middle Nyadholi Thokbuom signed a contract with a club in Belgium; and outside hitter Madison Marshall is going to play professionally in Greece.
While Roe said she’s the only Cougar heading to the Swiss league this year, she won’t be the only Canadian university volleyball player joining Raiffreisen Volley Toggenburg, as two players from the Trinity Western University Spartans are also going to be on the team this season.
“I think it is such a cool opportunity,” Roe said. “I’m really looking forward to exploring Europe. I’ve never been there before, so I think it’ll be cool to have volleyball as my job and get to travel as well.”
