HUMBER'S WILLISCROFT NAMED OCAA FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is proud to announce that Kennedy Williscroft of Humber Polytechnic has been named its 2024-25 Female Athlete of the Year.

The second-year setter was the cornerstone on the Humber women's volleyball team running an offence that averaged a league-best 17.4 points per set during the regular season.

Individually Williscroft (Vancouver, B.C.) led all OCAA student-athletes averaging 8.73 assists per set. Williscroft has become one of the most dominant players in the OCAA with a commitment to defence and a deadly serve from the baseline.

Williscroft was named a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) All-Canadian, OCAA Player of the Year and a West Division First-Team All-Star at season's end. The Hawks easily won the division title with a record of 18-0, dropping only four sets all season.

That dominance continued in the playoffs. Williscroft assist rate actually improved in the OCAA post-season, averaging 9.36 per set, leading all players with 131 total assists. The Hawks rolled to four straight victories to win their fourth straight OCAA championship, and their 15th in the last 17 seasons.

Humber didn't have far to travel for the CCAA championship being hosted by Durham College in Oshawa. Prior to the competition, Williscroft was honoured as the CCAA Player of the Year as the nation's top student-athlete in women's volleyball.

Despite boasting 19 overall OCAA championships, a national title has always eluded the Hawks. Humber had only earned one CCAA medal in its history, a bronze in 2016.

Looking to flip the script, Humber came out strong in its opening match, sweeping Augustana in three sets. Williscroft contributed 25 assists and five service aces and was named Player of the Match.

Needing a victory to advance to their first-ever national final, the Hawks jumped ahead of VIU by two sets, with their opponents marching back to force a fifth and deciding set. Humber outlasted the Mariners 16-14 in an exhilarating tiebreaker to secure its spot in the gold medal match. Williscroft was kept busy all match long, contributing 48 assists.

Humber became just the second OCAA women's volleyball program ever to advance to the national final. The Hawks gave it their all, but in the end, two-time defending champion Lakeland proved to be too strong, as Humber lost the gold medal match in four sets. Williscroft contributed 30 assists in defeat.

Although falling short of the ultimate goal, Humber's silver medal was the best outcome in its history. Williscroft was named a CCAA Championship First-Team All-Star.

Williscroft is a natural leader who brings poise, vision, and determination to the court. As the playmaker of the team, Williscroft not only orchestrates the offence with precision but also elevates the performance of teammates through encouragement and strategic mindset. Leading with confidence and composure, Williscroft sets the standard for teamwork and perseverance.

Williscroft's fair play philosophy is rooted in respect—for the game, opponents and teammates—ensuring that competition remains both intense and honourable. Williscroft believes that success is built on integrity, hard work, and a commitment to uplifting others. This makes Williscroft not just a standout player but a true ambassador of sportsmanship.

2024-25 OCAA MAJOR AWARDS

Apr. 8 - Matthew Ferreira, Athletic Administrator of the Year
Apr. 9 - Betty Calic, Coach of the Year
Apr. 10 - Payton Jones & Kale Murray, Rookies of the Year
Apr. 11 - Malik Grant & Kennedy Williscroft, Athletes of the Year

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

For over 50 years, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association has been a dedicated leader in amateur athletics through the provision of quality varsity and recreational athletic opportunities at the collegiate level.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com