Seawolves Find Head Coaches in Breau and Landers

Saint John, NB - The University of New Brunswick Saint John Seawolves are pleased to announce the appointment of Gil Breau and Suzanne Landers as co-head coaches of the men's volleyball program, bringing in a new era built on collaboration, athlete development, and a shared vision for long-term success.

Already familiar faces within the Seawolves volleyball community, Breau and Landers have spent the past seasons working together as members of the women's volleyball coaching staff. Their established partnership, combined with decades of playing, coaching, and leadership experience, makes them well-positioned to guide the men's program into its next chapter.

Landers brings an extensive background in high-performance volleyball. A two-time U SPORTS national champion as a student-athlete with the University of Alberta Pandas, she holds a Master's in Coaching and currently serves as Volleyball New Brunswick's Performance Lead and a Canada Games coach. She has also played an instrumental role in the continued growth of the Seawolves women's volleyball program as an assistant coach. "I am honoured that the university was willing to place this team in Gil's and my charge," said Landers. "Coming from the women's program, we have always taken a collaborative approach to coaching. We both invest equally in the success of our athletes, so sharing the role of co-head coach was a natural fit."

Breau, a Seawolves alumnus, has dedicated years to strengthening volleyball both on campus and throughout the province. In addition to serving as an assistant coach with the women's program for the past six seasons, he founded a local men's volleyball league to create additional playing opportunities for student-athletes while supporting a scholarship initiative he established for the program. His fundraising efforts have also generated nearly $10,000 for Seawolves volleyball over the past two years through community tournaments, while his expertise in performance analysis has become a valuable resource for athletes and coaches alike. "My time as a student-athlete at UNB Saint John gave me far more than the opportunity to compete," said Breau. "It gave me lifelong friendships, a support network, and a community that has remained part of my life long after graduation. The best way I know to thank the coaches who invested in me is by paying that forward by supporting today's student-athletes and creating opportunities for others to enjoy the game."

Although their backgrounds differ, Breau and Landers believe their strengths complement one another and will provide the men's program with a balanced leadership approach.

Breau's analytical mindset and technical understanding of the game pair naturally with Landers' extensive experience in athlete development, leadership, and high-performance coaching. Together, they have built a coaching relationship founded on collaboration, open communication, and a willingness to challenge one another in pursuit of continuous improvement.

"We constantly exchange ideas and challenge each other to think differently," said Breau. "Our strengths complement each other well, and I'm excited about what we'll be able to bring together as co-head coaches and how that will benefit the men's program."

For Landers, building a successful program extends well beyond wins and losses. "My varied experiences as both a player and coach have shown me there are many ways to achieve success," she said. "A coach's social and emotional intelligence is an understated skill. Athletes need to trust your message and know that you are committed to both their development and the team's success."

That philosophy will help shape the culture they hope to establish within the Seawolves men's program. They also hope to develop student-athletes who are not only technically skilled but capable of thinking critically, embracing challenges, and continuing to grow both on and off the court.

"This appointment reflects our commitment to a collaborative, athlete-centred approach to leadership within Seawolves volleyball," said Natasha Kelly, Director of Athletics. "Gil and Suzanne each bring a strong track record of developing student-athletes, fostering team culture, and contributing to a unified program vision. Together, their complementary strengths, experience, and dedication position our men's volleyball program for continued growth and success."

As volleyball continues to grow throughout New Brunswick, both coaches see the Seawolves as an important part of that pathway, providing student-athletes with the opportunity to compete at the university level while building a program that remains connected to alumni and the broader volleyball community.

"Ultimately, I want the UNB Saint John community to know that Gil and I are entirely committed to building a program that everyone—our university, our alumni, athletes, and fans—can be proud of," said Landers. "We aren't just looking to win volleyball matches; we are looking to build a lasting legacy."

With a proven partnership already in place and a shared commitment to student-athlete success, Breau and Landers are set to lead the Seawolves men's volleyball program into an exciting new chapter.

~ Russell Malally BSW 27 ~