RECRUIT PROFILE: Brynn Lewis joins Gee-Gees women’s volleyball for 2022-23
The Gee-Gees women's volleyball team got a jump on their 2022-23 recruiting class with the addition of libero Brynn Lewis.
A Saskatoon, Sask., product, Lewis brings a plethora of court and beach volleyball experience to the Garnet and Grey, having won Saskatchewan provincial titles at the U-15, U-16 and U-18 levels.
"uOttawa has everything I was looking for in both academics and volleyball, and I heard a lot of good things about the city," said Lewis. "There is both Human Kinetics and a Physiotherapy program, which is what I'm looking to take, and the bilingual aspect of the school was a unique feature that I hadn't heard of anywhere else."
"As we went through our multi-step recruiting process with Brynn, it became clear that she was the kind of person and player that would do well here at uOttawa and help us get back to Nationals," said head coach Lionel Woods.
Standing 5'8", Lewis will have big shoes to fill at libero. Senior captain Magalie Frappier is in her final season with the Gee-Gees in 2021-22 and has been one of the program's most consistent performers during her career.
"Mags will be tough to replace, but what we really pride ourselves on is finding character kids that love to mentor the next generation while they drive success in their own performance," said Woods. "Magalie and Michaela Jones are an unbelievable libero tandem for us right now, and there is no doubt that Mick will share her knowledge and experience with Brynn, just as Mags has done for her, to create a similar partnership starting in 2022."
"As a player I would describe myself as quick, athletic and determined," said Lewis. "I'm known for my speed, work ethic, and ability to read and react. I love a good challenge and I'm always pushing to see what new levels I can reach."
Lewis will be the second Gee-Gee with a provincial beach volleyball championship to her name, with Grace McKale having won the Alberta Provincial Beach Volleyball Championship in 2017.
Once Lewis arrives in Ottawa, the women's volleyball roster will boast one player from each of the western provinces. Shay Kirk is from Brandon, Man., Lewis is from Saskatoon, McKale is a Cold Lake, Alta., product and Alana Leung hails from Burnaby, B.C.
"Our university has been outstanding in recent years at providing the resources for our varsity programs to recruit from Vancouver to Halifax so we can find the best student-athletes to help us achieve success on the court, in the classroom, and in the community," explained Woods, who is in his 30th season at the helm of the program.
Despite being from several provinces away, Lewis nevertheless visited the University of Ottawa campus and the team, which helped when making her decision.
"When I visited the campus, the players were super welcoming and a lot of fun to play with, which is a big part of what drew me to uOttawa," recalled Lewis. "The Gee-Gees play a very fast style of ball, which is a great fit for me."
The 2021-22 campaign will see Lewis remain in Saskatchewan to play with St. Joseph High School and the Huskies Volleyball Club U-18 Premier squad. She'll stay connected with the team through regular calls with the coaching staff, and plans on following the season through social media and by watching live broadcasts of matches.