Pickett & Bridges-Hunter Join Lancers Volleyball for 2021-22
Lancer men’s volleyball head coach James Gravelle has announced the addition of two more standout recruits for the 2021-22 season.
Coming to Windsor are Daniel Pickett from Wiarton, ON, and Chase Bridges-Hunter from Hawaii.
Pickett is a 6’0 setter from Peninsula Shores District School. “I am excited and honoured to join the outstanding Lancer men’s volleyball program,” said Pickett. “I look forward to being part of the team, learning and growing as a student athlete. I know I will be surrounded by great mentors, teachers, coaches and teammates.”
Pickett played hockey for years before discovering his passion for volleyball. A multi-sport athlete for the Peninsula Shores Phoenix, the future Criminology major captured multiple coaches awards, plays for the Bluewater Ballistix Volleyball Club, and was part of the Team Ontario Academy this past summer.
Also an avid beach volleyball player, Pickett is currently part of the 18U team with partner Liam Thomas.
“We are very pleased to be adding Dan to our team,” said Coach Gravelle. “Dan is a very good athlete, he’s bright, and he is also a great team player. He has shown steady improvement as a setter and has only scratched the surface of his potential. The boys on the team know Dan well and are thrilled that he has chosen to come study and play at the University of Windsor.”
A 6’6” opposite, Bridges-Hunter made the decision to move across the continent because of the connection he felt with Gravelle. “I had the chance to speak with some amazing college coaches, but when I spoke with Coach Gravelle, he made me feel like family; and coming from Hawaii, that’s a big deal,” commented Bridges-Hunter. “When he gave me an opportunity to become a Lancer, majoring in Aeronautics, I knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I jumped at it quickly. I feel the next chapter in my life will be an absolute adventure, and I am proud to say I am a Lancer.”
A multi-sport athlete at the prestigious Kamehameha Schools, Bridges-Hunter began focusing on volleyball in his sophomore year and grew into a three-year starter and helped lead the team to a Big Island Championship. He was named 2nd all-state middle and D1 All-Big Island first team.
During his junior year of high school, Bridges-Hunter had the opportunity to play club volleyball for Outrigger Canoe Club based in Waikiki, Oahu where he shaped his techniques and opened doors to play collegiate volleyball.
“We are very excited for the commitment of Chase Bridges-Hunter for 2021,” said Gravelle. “Chase is long, jumps very well, and has high level potential. He has played multiple positions, but we see him as a future game-changing opposite.”