Meet Brandie Wilkerson: Canadian Olympian and Pro Beach Volleyball Player Joins Wilson as a Cross-Category Advisory Staff Member

Read on to find some behind-the-scenes content with Brandie Wilkerson, an olympic beach volleyball player who is revolutionizing the sport.

Wilson is proud to welcome Canadian Olympian and Pro Beach Volleyball player, Brandie Wilkerson, to our Wilson Volleyball and Sportswear Advisory Staff, and as our first cross-category Wilson ambassador.

Brandie is the current Women's World Beach Volleyball Silver Medalist and first Black woman in history to ever represent Team Canada in beach volleyball at the Olympics. At the highly anticipated 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Brandie finished fifth out of 24 teams— a stellar achievement for her Olympic debut.

Some of Brandie’s accomplishments include: being the most undersized blocker in the world standing at only 5 '11 (this includes both AVP and international tour), and winning "Best Blocker" by the AVP for two consecutive years— having more controlled blocks than her male counterparts.

Brandie's athleticism brings so many firsts to the game, but undeniably she is the best in the world at what she does.

Off the court, Wilkerson is passionate about diversifying the next generation of volleyball players through Project Worthy — a scholarship program she started with best friend and former beach volleyball partner Julie Gordon. Each season they directly support one teenage indoor player from the BIPOC community by covering their costly club fees.

We are extremely proud to welcome Brandie to our Wilson Advisory Staff. We had the opportunity to ask her some questions about her career and future goals. Here is what she had to share with us:

Wilson: Why Wilson? What made you want to be a Wilson Advisory Staff Member?

Brandie: Wilson is a legendary brand who has had a historical footprint in sports for as long as I’ve been an athlete. I also know Wilson for maintaining a high level of innovation, creativity and swagger which makes Wilson such an attractive and exciting brand to partner with.

I’m so honored to be a part of the team at Wilson and it’s really a dream come true as somebody who’s been playing Volleyball forever to get the opportunity to work with a brand I’ve been wearing, using, and enjoying for so long. I’m excited to work with and help Wilson expand its reach into the sport of beach volleyball.

Photo Courtesy of Bryan Malloch

Wilson: How did you get into beach volleyball? Can you talk a little about your career progression from starting out to now?

Brandie: I was first introduced to the sport of beach volleyball while watching the 2012 Olympics which had so many legends of the game competing. After watching the final, I was super inspired and encouraged to get involved in the game somehow. Thanks to some close friends who connected me to the beach volleyball coaches at Team Canada, I was able to begin my journey.

I started training as well as playing and started my varsity indoor career at York University. By 2014, I was training full-time beach volleyball and entering into my first international competitions. After many trials, hard lessons, wins, and losses, I had refined my skills enough and was granted the opportunity to be on the alternate team for Canada at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

After that surreal experience, I was invigorated. My career skyrocketed from that moment on. I worked hard to qualify for the following Olympic Games and within that 5-year qualification period, I earned number 1 world rankings, Best Blocker awards, gold medal finishes and a dedicated and engaged following who continues to support me.

The 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games came and while it was disappointing not to win gold, it was an amazing experience for me. We finished 5th in the world, which is a top finish for women Canadian beach volleyball, and it set the tone for future improvement.

Also, having been the first person of color to represent Canada in the history of beach volleyball definitely came with a sense of responsibility and pressure that I welcomed, and I was so happy to see the response and motivation I was able to provide young aspiring athletes.

Post Olympics, I’ve continued competing on the American Professional Tour earning AVP Best Blocker awards and top podium finishes which will continue as we approach the 2023 season. Currently I have teamed up with a new partner as the number one ranked team in Canada looking to make history earning Canada’s first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Wilson: What was your experience like in the 2020 Olympic games? What did this moment mean to you?

Brandie: Competing in the 2020 Olympic Games was a defining moment in my life.

Being able to compete at the global stage, for the world to watch, was all that I had worked for up until that point. Obviously, it was weird not having people in the stadium but I still felt a deep and genuine amount of support and love from my family, my team, and countless fans which was incredibly encouraging.

I’ve said on many occasions, it was a bittersweet experience simply because I was so proud and honored to be wearing my Olympic uniform on the biggest stage of the game, but I was missing my family, and the rush and roar of the fans. Getting to The Games came with a lot of time away from loved ones, a lot of sacrifice, a lot of unknowns that I can now reflect on and appreciate.

Wilson: Any favorite memories representing Team Canada?

Brandie: There are two that come to mind for me.

One is my first international tournament in St. Lucia, which is where/when I realized I wanted to be the best in the world at this sport.

The second was my first gold medal on the FIVB international circuit which was in Poland on Canada Day, which also is my birthday, so that was so cool and a massive celebration.

Wilson: Can you describe the moment when you realized you wanted to pursue professional beach volleyball?

Brandie: There were many moments where one can say I realized, but the most pivotal was probably after my first international event.

It was the first time I wore a jersey that said “Canada” on it, and I realized the fortunate role I had and responsibility it came with. That was the first time I competed against more experienced, physical players. But I rose to the occasion which made me hungry for more. It was a moment I am proud of. I faced my fears with confidence and believed in myself before anyone else could see it — so I knew I could take it all the way to the top.

Photo Courtesy of Bryan Malloch

Wilson: Throughout your career, who has been your biggest inspiration or mentor?

Brandie: I’ve been inspired by many incredibly successful beach volleyball players from all over the world who all have different things that make them special.

I’ve also received inspiration from athletes who are exceptional and phenomenal like tennis players Roger Federer and Venus & Serena Williams. Of course, Micheal Jordan and Muhammad Ali, who have had tremendous impact on myself and many people's lives.

But my lifelong inspiration has been my mother. She teaches me how to be a resilient, resourceful, honest, authentic, and a deeply joyful human which has translated into my game more than anything else.

Wilson: If you had to give one piece of advice to a young beach volleyball player trying to take their game to the next level, what would it be?

Brandie: My piece of advice for any young beach volleyball player is to take risks, listen to your body, and be your own biggest fan. These 3 things have helped my game and success immeasurably.

Wilson: What is your favorite Wilson volleyball product and why?

Brandie: My favorite Wilson volleyball product is the white Wilson visor because I am extremely particular about the fit and function of visors since I play in them every single day.

It is essential to a volleyball player's comfortability and success and cannot be overstated.

I find that the Wilson visor is extremely comfortable, easily adjustable, easy to clean, and super cute to wear which is important because if you look good, you feel good, you play good.

Shop Our Classic Visor Here

Wilson: When you are not playing beach volleyball, what do you like to do in your free time?

Brandie: When I’m not playing volleyball I like to do anything that allows me to be creative or learn something new. I love to explore new places, foods, music, art, and shops, it is a large part of who I am. Especially if I can share those moments with people I love.

Wilson: What are you most excited about as you move forward in your career?

Brandie: What I’m most excited about as I move forward in my career is continuing to be a student of the game and of life. I look forward to the abundance of joy, success, growth, and new experiences that will come with the dedication and commitment to my goal. Most of all, I look forward to sharing every minute of it as a member of Wilson and having Wilson be a part of this journey.

Wilson: What makes a strong beach volleyball partnership?

Brandie: I personally believe what makes a strong volleyball partnership is an equal dedication to a common goal, a high standard, direct communication, commitment to self growth, and genuine support and fun in watching each other evolve as players.

What's also vital is knowing how to navigate through the hardships and successes with love and gratitude together.

Keep up with Brandie and the rest of our Volleyball Advisory Staff by following @wilsonvolleyball

Updated March 15, 2023