In their second appearance at the FIVB Beach Volleyball U19 World Championships, Ruby Sorra and Emma Glagau were firing on all cylinders to earn the bronze medal and to solidify themselves as a world top team in the age category. The duo competed at the 2021 Championships in Phuket, Thailand where they completed their run in fifth place. Their bronze medal finish in Turkey marks the third medal (all bronze) Canada has won at the U19 World Championships; the other two being Megan and Nicole McNamara (Porto, 2014) and Aaron Nusbaum/Grant O'Gorman (Umag, 2011). 

En route to the medal finals, Sorra and Glagau tore through the opposition, dropping a total of only two sets in their run. Their only loss came to the United States (Massey/Pater) in the semis which knocked them out of the gold medal final. The Canadians would meet the other U.S.A. team (Kubiak/Showalter) in the bronze match, picking up the medal in a decisive two sets. 

"Being able to represent such an amazing country across the world has been such an incredible experience," said Glagau. "This tournament taught me so much about myself, the team, and made me so extremely grateful for all of the support we have received throughout the journey." 

At the recent Volleyball Canada Beach Nationals event in Toronto, Sorra and Glagau were on the opposite sides of the court when they each partnered with one of the McNamara twins, winning the gold and bronze, respectively.

"This tournament was an experience of a lifetime and we both learned so much from it. Although we came into the tournament wanting the gold we still came out with the bronze and that’s something to be super proud of," Sorra said. "Teaming up with Emma again was great after not playing together for a while and everything just clicked back to before! Our support system at this tournament was unbelievable and we could not have done it without all of their help! So happy to represent the Canadian leaf!"  

Making their World Championships debut, Cameron McGregor and Charlie Winser were put to the test against the teams from Costa Rica, Czech Republic and Brazil. Although they finished the tournament in 25th place, the experience gained from facing top teams from other countries is a win in and of itself. 

"Being able to represent my country on the international stage was a great experience. I was able to learn a lot, and am grateful for the opportunity I was given," says Winser. The pair headed into the event off a silver medal finish at Nationals in the 18U category. "The atmosphere of the tournament was unlike any competition I've played in before. The intensity and excitement surrounding the event, from players and spectators alike was amazing. The support we were given from both our coaches and supporters was incredible, and I am thankful for all of the help we were given. It was an incredible experience and I look forward to more opportunities like this one."

Stepping onto the world stage for the first time also were Team Ontario athletes Calinda Kok, Katarina Drozd, Jack Svendsen and Andon Kiriakou. The two teams entered the tournament in the Qualification bracket, but unfortunately did not make it into the Main Draw after each had narrow three-set matches.

"It was an awesome experience to be there with the best players around the world and a great learning experience for me," said Kiriakou. "The atmosphere was really cool, playing on the world stage, and I hope to play in another world championships in the coming years."

The 2022 World Championship is Dikili, Turkey was the 17th edition of the event. First started in 2022 as a U18 tournament, the division changed to U19 in 2005 at the Saint-Portrieux competition in France.