Humber Hawks setter Kennedy Williscroft wrapped up her final season in spectacular fashion, earning recognition as the 2025 Female Athlete of the Year while helping lead her squad to an undefeated OCAA season, a provincial title, and a silver medal at the national championships.
The accolades didn’t stop there. Williscroft was also named OCAA Player of the Year, CCAA Player of the Year, and a CCAA All-Canadian, placing her among the most celebrated players in Humber women’s volleyball history.
“It feels really good,” she said. “Setting isn’t always the most recognized position, so being acknowledged this year felt really special.”
But the second-year star emphasized that her success was rooted in the group's strength.
“I get the individual awards and that’s great, but it really has to do with how our team lets me shine,” Williscroft said. “I’m just really grateful for them. I couldn’t have done it without the team we had this season.”
Williscroft said the support of her teammates and coaching staff gave her the platform to grow as a player and leader. She credited head coach Chris Wilkins for creating a competitive environment that elevated the entire team’s level of play.
“Our practices were intense, and we pushed each other every single day,” she said. “That’s what made us ready for those high-pressure games. We trusted each other and stayed focused because of how much we challenged ourselves during the season.”
That trust and preparation paid off during the Hawks’ run to the OCAA title. Williscroft described the provincial championship as a defining moment, not only for the win, but for how united the team felt.
“We came together and finished what we came here to do,” she said. “That game just felt like all of us moving in sync. We kept that same mentality the whole season—we knew we had to work for everything.”
The team then defeated Vancouver Island University in the national semifinals before falling just short in the gold medal game against Lakeland College. Despite the loss, Williscroft said the group walked away with their heads held high.
“It was a different kind of game against a team we’d never faced,” she said. “But we didn’t walk away disappointed. We were proud of what we accomplished. We gave everything we had.”
Looking back, Williscroft said her biggest takeaway wasn’t the medals or awards—it was the relationships.
“I just want to be remembered as a good teammate,” she said. “Volleyball is volleyball, but these friendships are what last. Being a Hawk means being part of something bigger than yourself.”
To future Humber athletes, her advice is simple: stay humble, stay hungry, and be grateful for the opportunity.
“Put your pride aside and be willing to learn—from coaches, from veterans, from teammates,” she said. “Not everybody gets the chance to play at this level. So, embrace the moment and enjoy the journey.”
The Hawks are preparing to move forward without their star setter. But Wilkins said her impact will linger long after her final serve.
“She was our anchor,” he said. “A quiet leader, a fierce competitor, and someone who brought people together. She’s left a mark on this program that will be felt for years.”
Williscroft leaves Humber not only with a collection of accolades but with the respect of her teammates and coaches and a legacy that will inspire future Hawks for seasons to come.
