We are excited to announce Natalie Bienias has been chosen as the 2026 Female Leadership In Coaching Award (FLIC) recipient.
Natalie has been coaching youth volleyball since her high school years, but her coaching journey really took flight after she moved to Salt Spring Island, where she works as a teacher. She recognized the passion some of her students showed for volleyball and started the Salt Spring Island Volleyball Club, to give youth in her community the ability to play competitively.
‘It means so much to me to be selected as the recipient of this year’s FLIC Award,” said Bieinias. “It feels like recognition that I’m doing something important and worthwhile. I love volleyball and coaching, and I want to be the best coach that I can be. To be selected for this award means that I’m on the right track, and I now have the support needed to advance my coaching certifications. It is such an honour to be selected for this award, and I am so thankful to everyone that helped me get to this stage in my coaching career.”
Natalie has plans to use the funds provided as part of the FLIC Award to advance her coaching career by getting higher certifications, as well as to pay for the travel and other costs associated with being a youth volleyball coach. She also plans to continue to grow the Salt Spring Island Volleyball Club and help her team develop as they reach higher age divisions in the near future.
Congratulations Natalie!
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The Female Leadership in Coaching Award (FLIC) is intended to financially assist one female coach each year to support their participation in training, mentorship and leadership opportunities.This Award has been established as part of Volleyball BC’s Strategic Plan that aims to “improve the female experience and increase female participation overall in coaching.”
The FLIC Award will provides $1000 per individual per year.