Passing The Torch: TMU Men’s Volleyball’s Offseason Turnover
The TMU Bold men’s volleyball team enters the 2025 season with a familiar spirit but a new look. After an offseason that saw eight players depart, including OUA All-Stars Jacob Walker and Alex King, the focus has shifted. With eight newcomers joining the roster, the Bold are putting all the pieces together.
For a team undergoing that much change, team chemistry is everything. The Bold are refining their identity as their season inches ever closer. Behind the scenes, players and coaches have been working to ensure that those team connections are as strong off the court as they are on it.
Head coach Niko Rukavina says helping players feel comfortable has been the top priority. “The first few weeks for first-years can be stressful,” he said. “We’ve tried to be patient and spend time getting to know each other.”
That emphasis on chemistry has carried through every part of the preseason. Team-building sessions and even personality tests have replaced some traditional drills. “It’s been really good,” Rukavina said. “Everyone’s buying in.”
Last season, TMU finished tenth in the OUA East with an 8-12 record, but Rukavina is not measuring success in numbers this year. “Wins and losses aren’t the priority,” he said. “If our culture and team dynamic improve, that’s a win.”
For Captain Tony Tanouchev, now in his fifth year at TMU, leadership looks different but feels the same. The Toronto native has witnessed the program’s growth and evolution since his arrival in 2021. “Who I am hasn’t changed,” he said. “It’s just more important now, with so many new guys looking up.”
Courtesy: Instagram - @tmuboldmvb
Tanouchev believes the team’s off-court chemistry will translate into better volleyball. “We hang out as much as we can,” he said. The team recently spent time together in Gatineau, sharing hotel rooms, exploring and bonding off the court. Tanouchev believes those moments will pay off in the long run.
First-year middle blocker Oliver King, from Calgary, says those connections with the veterans have helped ease the transition to downtown Toronto. “It’s a lot,” King said, reflecting on the change. But when things get tough, he added, “I know (the veterans) can pick me back up.” For King and the other rookies, that support has made a significant difference as they adjust to the pace of life at TMU.
Courtesy: Instagram - @tmuboldmvb
Rukavina says the mix of experience and youth has already created a strong environment. Veterans are stepping up, and newcomers are embracing the challenges of the next step in their playing careers, uniting around shared goals. “Everyone’s learning from each other,” he said. “That’s the kind of team you want.”
As the Bold prepare for the season, their focus is on redefining what it means to be TMU Bold. The strength of this group won’t be found on a stat sheet. It will be built through the patience and everyday work of becoming a team. This year is about more than just volleyball, it’s about building something for years to come beyond the court.
