Posted: Oct 18, 2024

2024-25 Women's Volleyball Preview

By: Thiago Neuenschwander
Humber Athletics Communications

Humber women's volleyball will return for its 40th season, opening the OCAA schedule on October 18 against the Boreal Vipères at the Sports Centre Gymnasium, Sudbury. First serve is set for 6 p.m.

2023-24 Highlights

Hawks climbed to the OCAA mountaintop once again, capturing the program's 18th provincial title – the 16th under the guidance of coach Chris Wilkins.
The navy and gold captured the OCAA Championship for the third straight season, defeating the Seneca Sting in four sets.
Humber improved to 18-6 in the OCAA gold medal match.
The Hawks recorded their 11th perfect season during Coach Wilkins's era, capturing the program's third straight division title. They only dropped two sets during the regular season.

At the helm

Head coach Chris Wilkins returns for his 23rd season. He owns a 432-60 (.878) career record. Mandi Dorris (9th season), Ben Hong (4th season), Taylor Robertson (7th season) and former head coach Dave Hood will be the assistant coaches. Coach Hood led the Hawks from 1993 to 2002, winning two OCAA gold medals.

Fresh faces

11 players will be donning the navy and gold for the first time this season:

Tayah Wilkins, Setter, Schomberg, First Year
Jindazay White-Eye, Left Side, Muncey, First Year
Lauren Bannister, Left Side, Kitchener, First Year
Sydney Koehler, Outside, Little Current, Fourth Year - Appeared in 12 matches for the Lakers from 2021-24, recording 10 points, nine kills and 13 blocks.
Rachel Vanderwal, Middle, Hamilton, Fourth Year - Appeared in 44 matches for the Mountaineers from 2021-24, recording 424 points, 308 kills and 77 blocks.
Alexa Zicari, Outside, Burlington, Fourth Year - Appeared in 41 matches for the Mountaineers from 2021-24, recording 446 points, 334 kills and 13 blocks.
Caroline Klich, Middle, Toronto, Fifth Year - Appeared in 36 matches for the Bruins from 2021-24, recording 248 points, 161 kills, and 57 blocks.
Averi Bodnar, Outside, Sault Ste. Marie, Fourth Year - Appeared in 24 matches for Nipissing from 2018-20, recording 51.5 points, and 42 kills.
Amy Connelly, Middle, Sudbury, Fourth Year - Appeared in 43 matches for Nipissing from 2021-24, recording 353 points, 282 kills, and 27 blocks.
Rachael O'Dell, Middle, Puslinch, Second Year - Was named the OCAA Rookie of the Year last season for Conestoga, capturing the OCAA scoring title with 302 points - 4.6 P/S.
Amanda Larson, Middle, Ajax, Fourth Year - Appeared in 54 matches for Durham from 2021-24, recording 529 points, 283 kills, and 194 blocks.

Rising Star

Last season's Humber Rookie of the Year, Kennedy Williscroft, returns to help the team in its quest for another title. She appeared in every match last year. The Vancouver native led the program with 277 assists, finishing third with 24 service aces. The 5-foot-10 setter played a crucial role in leading Humber's high-level offence – helping the Hawks finish the season with a .360 swing percentage – their highest mark since 2015. Williscroft was the fifth volleyball player to win Humber Rookie of the Year.