Women's Volleyball makes history, captures CCAA silver medal

By: Fernando Bossoes
Humber Athletics Communications

OSHAWA, Ont. – Historic. This is the best word to truly capture the emotion felt by the Humber women's volleyball team and their supporters today.

After 19 attempts, countless near misses and years of dedication, the Hawks made history by capturing their first-ever national silver medal. Although they came up short against the top-ranked Lakeland Rustlers - the three-time reigning champions - in four sets (20-25, 27-25, 16-25, 22-25), Humber never backed down.

They showed the country what it means to never give up on a dream, fighting with heart and determination. Head coach Chris Wilkins and the Hawks proved that perseverance leads to greatness even when the ultimate goal is not reached.

A historic achievement. The Hawks are national silver medallists for the first time.

Match Recap

There was no better matchup than this. The only two undefeated teams in the country, No. 3 Humber Hawks and No. 1 Lakeland Rustlers were set to clash for national glory. One team would leave as champions, while the other would watch the trophy slip away.

For the Hawks, simply reaching the championship match was historic, as this was their first-ever appearance in the finals. On the other side, the Rustlers aimed for a three-peat after sweeping both the quarter-final and semifinal. The top-ranked team against a program chasing its own history. This was the stage for the 2025 CCAA Women's Volleyball National Championship.

The energy in Oshawa was electric. With a packed gym and fans spilling onto the sidelines, the atmosphere was deafening from the opening serve. Middle blocker Rachael O'Dell showed her dominance at the net early, scoring important kills to keep the match level at 14-14. But the Rustlers managed to build momentum, with outside hitter Jenay Varga firing from the left side. Lakeland pulled away late, closing out the first 25-20.

The Hawks looked unsettled to start the second set, struggling with reception errors and disrupted offensive rhythm, leaving setter Kennedy Williscroft with limited options. Trailing by 17-10, Humber faced an uphill battle but refused to back down. The Hawks clawed their way back and forced a deuce. With the pressure at its peak, clutch player Hannah Manners scored two massive kills to secure a 27-25 win, tying the match 1-1.

 Both teams put on a volleyball clinic in the third set, trading long rallies and refusing to break, keeping the score even at 8-8. But the Rustlers mixed up their attacks as the set progressed and started controlling the front zone. Humber struggled to keep pace as Lakeland took control, capturing the set with a commanding 25-16 win.

 In the fourth set, Lakeland's setter Emma Letkeman disrupted Humber's defensive line with deceptive sets, making it difficult for O'Dell and Amanda Larsen to time their blocks. The Hawks fought relentlessly, recovering from an eight-point deficit to within two, but the Rustlers held their ground, sealing the championship with a 25-22 victory.

Humber never backed down. That resilience is the legacy of this team. The Hawks are national silver medalists for the first time in program history. Ontario stands on the podium with silver for the first time ever.

Player of the Game

• Rachael O'Dell

 Championship All-Star – Second team

• Reese Cholette

Championship All-Star – First team

• Kennedy Williscroft
• Hannah Manners

Humber Highlights

• Humber became the first OCAA program to reach the national finals since 1987 when Centennial captured the silver medal. 
• The Hawks have now made three straight CCAA Final Four appearances - the longest streak in team history.
• The Hawks are the only team to take a set off the Rustlers at nationals in the past three years—once in 2023 and again in 2025.
• Humber falls to 0-4 all-time against Lakeland.
• The Hawks fall 4-13 all-time against the ACAC and 2-1 in the 2025 tournament.
• Head coach Chris Wilkins holds a 25-33 all-time record at the big dance.
• Humber finishes the season with a 24-1 record - tying the program record from 2016.