Chris Lake, a key planning volunteer in Newfoundland’s volleyball community for the 2025 Canada Games, has a family legacy deeply intertwined with the sport. His wife Jennifer, and their children Nathan, Jenna, and Carter have all represented their province in the Canada Games. The Conception Bay South family are some of the most successful indoor volleyball athletes to come out of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mom, Jennifer Lake, began her Canada Games volleyball journey at the 1993 Games in Kamloops, British Columbia. She was the first of the family to represent the province.

With both Chris and Jennifer being heavily involved in sports, it was a great environment for their children to have athletic aspirations of their own.
“Jennifer actually took a lot of time coaching, coached our kids when they were younger, and then kind of transitioned over to me, and I coached our kids for years.”

Although they all play volleyball now, that wasn’t always the case.

“They are big multi-sport athletes, we believe in the multi-sport athlete model. It makes better individuals and better athletes,” said Chris. “So our kids weren't always 100% volleyball players. They played other sports growing up, soccer, hockey, you know, all the traditional sports. But once they started making provincial teams and traveling for volleyball they fell in love with the sport.”

And that started with the eldest of the Lake siblings, Nathan. He has carved his path starting with representing Newfoundland and Labrador in indoor volleyball at the 2017 Canada Games in Winnipeg, which helped him transition to playing at higher levels.

“Nathan went on to play at York University, which was an incredible opportunity for him,” said Chris. His time at the Games not only showcased his talent but also opened doors to the next level of competition. Playing at York provided Nathan with invaluable exposure, allowing him to refine his skills, develop as an athlete, and gain experiences that shaped him both on and off the court.”

Jenna Lake followed in her brother's footsteps also competing in indoor volleyball at the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games. Chris notes it's the commitment both his kid’s put into the sport and the support from their coaches that took them to the next level.

“They are motivated kids who wanted to continue their careers to play high-level volleyball and get a great education while doing it. They get all the credit for all the effort they put in, but they've certainly had fantastic coaches who helped them along the way.”

“Jenna is currently the captain of the Acadia University Women’s Volleyball team,” Chris shared.

Jenna was named the AUS championship MVP in 2024 after the Acadia Axewomen won the program's first championship on home court last year.

Carter Lake, the youngest sibling, is currently a high school student in Newfoundland and Labrador. While he is working hard to make the 2025 Canada Games men’s volleyball team, these Games won’t be his first time.

“Carter played squash at the 2023 Winter Games and is now in the Canada Games volleyball pool. Similar to Nathan and Jenna, he has also had amazing coaches, like Brian Bennett in particular who coaches Nathan as well.”

As Carter continues to fight for his spot on the roster, Chris notes that there is something truly special about the Canada Games and what it means for these athletes.

“These kids have worked beyond belief for two or three years to get there, and just the effort and commitment deserves to be applauded. But then the fact that you're going to participate against people from all across the country. All my kids have made great friends through the Games and even I have made great friends just from attending as a parent over the years. Sports really does bring people together.”

Chris also emphasized the rapid growth of volleyball programs in the province with numbers tripling on the female side and significant growth in the male program.

“For the young athletes of Newfoundland and Labrador, what an amazing opportunity to see sports that maybe they wouldn't see live. Some of the athletes competing could very well be on TV in the next few years whether it is through U SPORTS or with our national team. The 2025 Canada Games are going to be a fantastic showcase and what a cool thing to be able to say I watched that player compete in a Canada Games.”

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