Kasandra Trenke: volleyball beyond the court

Leadership doesn’t just involve huddling up, encouraging the team and jumping into action. Kasandra Trenke, beginning the 2025–26 season in her fourth year at Dalhousie University, strives to develop her leadership skills on and off the court. 

The 6-1 middle blocker from Calgary has built an impressive resumé in Atlantic University Sport women’s volleyball.

Trenke posted a .366 hitting record, putting her first in the AUS and fourth in the U Sports league. Trenke’s volleyball play, academics and community service led to her winning the Thérèse Quigley Award, awarded to a U Sports player who shows determination in athletics, education and community involvement. Trenke became the first Tiger to take home the honour.

“That was definitely a very large accomplishment for me,” Trenke says. “I always try to give 110 per cent to everything I do, both academically and in the community. Trying to balance all that can be a lot, but I enjoy it.”

Involvement in the community

Trenke, a microbiology and immunology student, holds a 4.18 GPA. She also regularly volunteers with several charities in Halifax, including the Ronald McDonald House Charities, where she plays and bakes with children in the charity’s family room. 

Trenke also volunteered with other organizations, such as Extra Awesome Dalhousie and Dalhousie SPRING, two programs dedicated to providing recreational opportunities for children with varying physical and cognitive abilities. 

Last year, Trenke coached with Special Tigers, a program similar to Dalhousie SPRING, which connects children and teens with varying cognitive abilities to varsity athletes through sports.

Trenke says she became interested in pursuing leadership opportunities at a young age.

“I like trying to keep myself busy and find things to do. I also grew up in a very loving family, and I’ve been privileged and thankful for what my parents have given me,” she says. “I have always just wanted to share the opportunities with others who may not get the same opportunities.”

Trenke says when she volunteers, she goes as a person, not an athlete.

“Volleyball is probably like 90 per cent of who I am,” she says. “With that coming to an end in the coming years, it’s been important for me to separate myself from the sport. Volunteering is a great way to do that, be present and make every moment count.” 

During her time as a Tiger, Trenke says she’s had to balance volunteering, practices, games and school work.

“Last year I really tried to stay on top of my schoolwork early on, so halfway through the semester I got behind,” Trenke says. “I mean, it’s going to happen.” 

Reflecting on her growth, Trenke says her time as a Tiger has taught her important lessons about leaning on her teammates and coaches.

“I am definitely a perfectionist,” she says. “I feel like one thing that I’ve really learned is that it’s okay to ask for help.”

When asked why she doesn’t often talk about her community work, Trenke said, “I’m not doing it to get praise from other people, so it’s not really something that I feel I need to share.” 

Trenke and Dal’s women’s volleyball team will host Memorial University for their home opener on Oct. 24.