TWO NEW RECRUITS SET TO JOIN DEFENDING OCAA CHAMPIONS
ETOBICOKE, ON: Humber Hawks head volleyball coach Chris Wilkins has announced the signing of two high-profile student-athletes for the 2016-17 OCAA season.
Signing with the Hawks is Celine Blanchette, a setter from St. Catharines, Ontario and Julia Watson, a right side from Burlington, Ontario.
Celine Blanchette
Celine Blanchette is a five-foot-eleven setter with over seven seasons of competitive volleyball under her belt. Blanchette has competed for the Niagara Rapids and Burlington Blaze at the club level, while winning three SOSSA and one OFSAA gold medals with the Eden Flyers.
Blanchette will be enrolled in recreation and leisure, a four-semester diploma program.
"I chose Humber because the recreation and leisure program will set me up for everything I need in the future," replied Celine when asked what made her choose Humber College. "If I do well in school, I think Humber College will help me earn experience that will give me an edge in the workforce."
No stranger to success, Blanchette has won three provincial medals and a tier two national gold with her club teams.
Celine is also the younger sister of Clayton Blanchette, freshman outside hitter and team leader in points, service aces and kills for the Humber men's volleyball team.
"I've spent a lot of time in that gym supporting my big brother and I already feel like a hawk," said Celine. "Coach Wilkins offers so much experience and I can see myself getting to be a better player under his coaching."
Quick Facts
Height: 5'11
Favourite athlete: Serena Williams
Most inspirational person: "My mother. She supports our family in every way."
One thing most people do not know about Celine: "I read too much!"
Julia Watson
Julia Watson is an honours student from Nelson High School in Burlington, Ontario. A proven leader, Watson is the current co-captain of the Burlington Blaze U18 team.
Watson will be enrolled in the honours bachelor of applied science in psychology program at the University of Guelph-Humber.
"I chose this program because I want to learn why people think the way they do and how they interact in society," said Watson. "I love this program, the volleyball team, and the campus; and that's why I chose Humber College."
As a member of the U17 and U18 Burlington Blaze teams, Watson was accustomed to receiving sets from Humber's second-year setter Brittany Vanderlaan (Stoney Creek). The 2014-15 OCAA rookie of the year led the league with an incredible 7.98 assists-per-sets this season.
Watson's talents have been apparent off the court and have been recognized through her numerous academic honours from Nelson High. When asked what her goals off the court were, Julia responded: "to be a trustworthy friend and teammate while doing well in my studies."
Quick Facts
Height: 5'10
Favourite athlete: "Mats Sundin."
Most inspirational person: "Matt Schnarr."
One thing most people do not know about Julia: "I like writing."
