Blues Land Gilray

Story courtesy of Brent Mutis of the Capilano Blues

The Capilano University Blues Department of Athletics and Recreation is pleased to announce the hiring of a new head coach for the men’s volleyball team.

Michael Gilray will succeed Dave Dooley with the defending CCAA national champions and takes over all head coach responsibilities. Dooley will remain with the team part-time in an advisory role.

From 2015 to 2019, Gilray was head coach of the women’s team at the University of the Fraser Valley and prior to that, he was an assistant coach at Trinity Western University. In club volleyball, Gilray led Fraser Valley Volleyball Club (FVVC) to seven consecutive provincial championships from 2004 to 2010 and in 2007, he was named the Volleyball BC Coach of the Year.

Gilray coached beach volleyball for B.C. at the Canada Games in 2009 (gold medal), 2013 (silver) and 2017 (bronze).

“I’m super excited for the challenge, making the change from the women’s to the men’s game,” said Gilray. “One of the things I’ve spent a lot of time on in professional development is having a growth mindset and helping people become better learners. I’m just providing these guys an opportunity for growth.

“The work these guys did under Dave, that culture is what we’re going to continue to build.”

A native of Milton, Ont., Gilray moved to Langley, B.C. in high school and went on to attend the University of Alberta where he earned an undergraduate degree in physical education and an education degree. Since 2001, he has been a high school teacher, most recently at Johnston Heights Secondary in Surrey.

“Mike is a relational individual who has a constant desire to get better as a coach and leader and expects the same from those around him,” said CapU Manager of Athletics and Recreation Milt Williams. “His volleyball experience and his familiarity of collegiate sport along with his reputation for being a good scout all factored into my decision.

“I believe we made a huge stride in winning the CCAA national championship in 2020 and we have worked hard at building a winning culture with the men’s team. I know Mike will do a great job continuing to do so and follow in the footsteps of Dave Dooley."

The Blues team Gilray inherits won the CCAA national championship in March of 2020, the last time volleyball championships were held.