Dalhousie Tigers women’s volleyball head coach Patty Murray is pleased to announce the naming of Tessa Bulmer as lead assistant coach.
Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Bulmer is returning to the bench for her seventh season on the Tigers coaching staff, this year in an expanded role.
"This is a very big move for our program, and it will have a direct impact on our success moving forward,” says Murray. “Creating this position is a success in and of itself, but having Tessa be the person to fill it is truly special. We have an extensive history together that has seen us support each other through a variety of roles in a competitive environment.”
A return to the fieldhouse
Bulmer joined the Tigers bench staff after playing five seasons in the AUS: her first three at Acadia University and her last two with the Tigers. A setter, she is a five-time Academic All-Canadian and was named to the AUS all-rookie team in her first year at Acadia.
While completing her industrial engineering degree, Bulmer started her coaching career as an assistant coach with Volleyball Nova Scotia’s 15U team. She then transitioned to coaching with the Tigers Volleyball Club from 2017-2021 in both assistant coach and head coach roles, working 16U and 18U teams.
“I am so excited to see the program take the next step of creating this expanded role, and am proud to be stepping into it,” says Bulmer. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to coach with Patty - this role offers the chance to learn from each other, challenge and push each other, and ultimately work together to build a national championship-caliber program.”
More recently, Bulmer led the Tigers to a U SPORTS bronze medal in the 2022-23 season.
New team culture
“Tessa's value to this team extends well beyond the volleyball court,” continues Murray. “With her increased involvement we will be able to strengthen our existing culture and accelerate the growth of our program through the introduction of new initiatives."
“As a queer woman in a predominantly non-queer volleyball landscape, I quickly realized the impact of representation and importance of creating an inclusive environment,” says Bulmer. “I am grateful to the department for creating this role and look forward to continuing to focus on creating spaces where all those involved feel accepted, empowered, and celebrated for their individuality and what they bring to the program.”
Away from the court, Bulmer is an associate at Davis Pier, working as a consultant on several local health care projects in Nova Scotia.
The Tigers open their 2024-25 season at home on October 25 when they host the UNB REDS in Alumni Weekend action.
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