Home » Retirement of Kerry and Chris MacLean

Retirement of Kerry and Chris MacLean

OTTAWA, ON

After 40 remarkable years of leadership, mentorship, and passion, Kerry and Chris MacLean – pillars of the Maverick Volleyball Club – are officially announcing their retirement.

As founders of the club, the MacLeans have been instrumental in shaping Maverick Volleyball into one of Canada’s premier youth volleyball organizations. Through their tireless work and unwavering commitment, they have impacted thousands of athletes, families, and coaches across the region and beyond.

As a coach, director, visionary, and president, Kerry brought fierce determination and exceptional leadership to the club’s development and success. His dedication to athlete development and coach mentorship has become a cornerstone of the Maverick philosophy. Inducted into the OVA Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2025 in the Builder category, the mark that he has left on the volleyball community is beyond measure.

Chris, the club’s operations expert and steady hand behind the scenes, was instrumental in making the Maverick vision a reality – coordinating programs, managing logistics, clothing, branding, web design, and creating a supportive environment that felt like home to many. Chris also spent time on the court in the early years and has taken on more key roles in the club than can be described.

“Kerry and Chris have shaped the culture of Maverick Volleyball in every way,” said Greg Skotnicki, Vice President, “Their legacy isn’t just in championships and tournaments – it’s in the generations of young people they’ve empowered, inspired, and cared for. They’ve truly created a family in the club and inspired so many exceptional youth over the last 40 years.”

“We often talk about one generation impacting the next. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Kerry and Chris, a Club was created that gave me the chance to play the sport I loved at a competitive level during high school. When I returned 24 years ago, it was again their vision and guidance that inspired me to give back. Today, I’m proud to help provide, in a small way, the same opportunities to the next generation of Mavericks that I once received as a young athlete,” says John Nguyen, former athlete and current Director for the club.

While their retirement marks the end of an era, their influence will live on in every Maverick athlete, every coach they mentored, and every team that carries forward the values they championed. We will continue to honour their vision and legacy as we carry Maverick Volleyball forward for the next 40 years and beyond.

Kerry and Chris are looking forward to spending more time with their children, grandchildren, and travelling as they move into this next phase of their lives, but would like all to rest assured that this isn’t goodbye. You will still see them around as aides, advisors, and special guests throughout the club.

Through this next phase and in the theme of keeping Maverick Volleyball a family, they would like to be referred to as Granny and Grampy Maverick.

The MacLeans would like to invite everyone to MavsFest on August 16th to celebrate their retirement with them. This event will signal Kerry’s official retirement as President, though he will continue to sit as a Director on the Board. Chris will also retire from her many operational roles as of August 31st, while continuing to support and mentor as needed thereafter.

Transition plans are in the works and the Board will announce plans later this summer.

Well wishes for Kerry and Chris can be submitted here for compilation and presentation at a later date. If you have photos you would like to submit, please contact lindsay@maverickvolleyball.ca.

The entire Maverick Volleyball family extends its’ heartfelt thanks to the MacLeans for four decades of selfless service and inspiring leadership. Your legacy is forever etched in the history of the club – and in the hearts of all you’ve touched.

Kerry and Chris, thank you for everything!