ALBERTA RECRUIT COMMITS TO PLAY FOR DEFENDING OCAA CHAMPIONS

ETOBICOKE, ON: After a highly successful season, highlighted by the programs first national medal, ninth consecutive OCAA championship and two student-athletes named Academic All-Canadians, the Humber Hawks women's volleyball team will be joined by rising star Harlie-Jayne Lawrence.  Lawrence is a five-foot-ten middle/right side from Drayton Valley, Alberta.

"We're excited to have Harlie join the Hawks," said head coach Chris Wilkins, the all-time winningest coach in program history.  "She is an extremely athletic player who I believe has not yet scratched the surface of how good she can be.  Over the next few years I expect to see her develop into a dominant player in our league.  She has been well coached by a number of club coaches out in Alberta, including former National Team coach Lorne Sawula."

Lawrence was attracted to Humber College's nationally renowned academics and prestigious athletic program; however she was initially hesitant about moving 3,500 kilometers away from home.    

"I was hesitant about attending Humber College because it's so far from where I grew up, but it seemed like a great fit and when I visited the campus it had a great atmosphere," said Lawrence.

An alumna from Frank Maddock High School, Lawrence and the Amazons won their home tournament for the first time in 25 years.  She started playing club volleyball in grade nine and has continued with various teams throughout her career.  On her hometown club team, the U18 Magic, Lawrence was named co-MVP along with the team's setter.

Family is important to Lawrence, who admitted her mom was very supportive in her decision to play at Humber, a team currently in the midst of a 109 match OCAA win-streak.

"My mom is the most inspirational person in my life," added Lawrence.  "I know that's a super cheesy answer but it is true.  My mom is also good friends with a woman who played on the first rugby team here at Humber."

"Harlie's warm personality and her work ethic is something I'm looking forward to working with over the next couple of years," added Coach Wilkins.  "She has strong family support that will be cheering her on from Alberta."

Lawrence, along with recruits Gabrielle Miletic (Windsor), Emma Heeney (Ingersoll), Breanna Golding (Pickering), Celine Blanchette (St. Catharines) and Julia Watson (Burlington), will join the rest of the Humber Hawks volleyball team when training camp begins in July.

Quick Facts:

Height: 5'10
Favourite athlete of all-time: "Dan Carter – New Zealand's rugby team."
What do you like to do aside from your chosen sport: "Mostly artistic things like reading, writing, painting and playing guitar."