Mark Dodds brings fresh start, experience to Huskies volleyball

A familiar face is returning to the court that launched his volleyball career in an effort to do the same for young Saskatchewan athletes.

Mark Dodds has been a volleyball star with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, Canada's national team, and professionalteams in Germany and Belgium.

But the 33-year-old from Lucky Lake, Sask., might be facing his biggest challenge yet turning around the women's volleyball program at his alma mater. Just four years ago, the Huskies finished 0-20.

"It's new, so it's difficult at times just to grasp everything that kind of goes on," Dodds told Saskatchewan Weekend host Eric Anderson. "Each week it's difficult to make sure that I'm preparing my team to be the best that they can be. And it's sometimes stressful to know whether or not you're actually accomplishing that goal because the competition is so difficult."

Dodds accepted the head coach position in May after the university and former coach Jason Grieve agreed to part ways.

Grieve was being investigated by university officials after concerns were raised within the program. Distractions aside, Dodds said he loves the challenge.

I want to create a place for our best athletes to come to.- Mark Dodds

"Obviously, there's not many positions full-time as a head coach in Canada," he said. "The opportunity to have this position open up at the right time and to be here, and get this opportunity is basically my perfect job."

The U of S women's volleyball team hasn't won a championship since going back-to-back in 1980 and 1981. Despite their recent struggles, Dodds said he was "oozing" excitement when he first took over the team.

"I think that's important for them to know that, 'Hey. Our coach is excited so great, we can be excited as well,' " he said. "Whereas sometimes it gets into that situation where it's got to be serious. And it's got to be hard work. No smiling. No laughing ... as an athlete, I always played better when I had fun. I think most people play better when they are enjoying themselves."

The Huskies have a 2-6 record so far this season. Last year, they finished the year 5-19. When it comes to building the team and moving forward, Dodds said he has a clear goal in mind.

"My first goal will be to fill this team with the top Saskatchewan players," he said. "That's important to me, because I want to create a place for our best athletes to come to."

Dodds and the Huskies women's volleyball team are off this week, but will travel to the University of Calgary on Nov. 20 and 21 for a pair of games.

They'll return home on Nov. 27 to take on the University of Manitoba.