For Jersey Hansen-Young of Brandon, Manitoba, volleyball has always been a part of life—family, fun, and now, competition. This summer, Jersey is suiting up for her first-ever Canada Games, proudly representing Team Manitoba—two decades after her mother, Jolene Hansen, did the same in London, ON in 2001.

The Hansen family’s deep volleyball roots and passion for sport make this moment even more meaningful.

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It’s a Full-Circle Moment

Jolene still recalls her Canada Games experience.

“It was quite an event. It was a lot of fun. It was a great experience. A future Olympian, Annie Martin was there competing. It was a great summer. We got to do lots of training  across the country at different things. So it was a pretty eye opening experience. The closing ceremonies were amazing, they did such a good job and it was really cool just to see all the athletes come together and celebrate sports.”

Now, as a mom watching from the sidelines, Jolene’s advice to Jersey is simple:

“Just to enjoy the experience, and make those connections with your teammates and have fun. That's what it's about. And obviously doing your best and gaining those experiences, but at the end of the day not a lot of athletes get to do this.”

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Carrying the Torch

Jersey’s earliest volleyball memories aren’t from her own games—but from watching her parents play.

“I always remember going and watching my parents play co-ed and sitting on the side and we would be the ones who'd flip the scores and watch them play.”

Jersey will begin her university volleyball career with the University of Manitoba Bisons this fall, pursuing her dream of playing at the post-secondary level while studying agricultural science as a pre-vet student.

Representing Rural Manitoba

As a rural athlete, Jersey brings a unique perspective to the provincial team.

“It’s really cool to come out and represent rural Manitoba. Getting to practice with all the girls from Winnipeg is really awesome, and then coming to such a gigantic event - basically a mini Olympics - it's really cool to get to see how all the different teams play, because all the different provinces play volleyball a little bit differently.”

Her goals for the Games are grounded in growth.

“I want us to compete as well as we can, so we can keep building on our success so far and improve every single day, and just see where that takes us.”

And when the Games wrap up? There’s no slowing down.

“My university team’s preseason starts right after I get back—so it’s straight into the next chapter. I can’t wait.”

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Passing on the Passion

For Jolene, watching Jersey walk a similar path is emotional—and deeply rewarding.

“It’s about more than winning. I hope she builds friendships, grows as a teammate, and walks away with memories that will last a lifetime.”

From the sideline scorecards to the Canada Games spotlight, the Hansen-Young legacy is one built on hard work, passion, and the power of family through sport.