RECRUIT ANNOUNCEMENT: Gee-Gees women’s volleyball welcome three electrifying recruits for the 2025-26 season
The University of Ottawa women's volleyball team is excited to welcome a group of three impressive recruits for the 2025-26 season.
The trio of wing hitters will join the Gee-Gees in the fall and will look to make an impact early.
"Since returning to the OUA conference, our recruiting efforts have shown great pay off, and the 2025 class looks to be no different. We had a specific need to add wing players who will have a 6-rotation impact, and fit in well with our athletic, explosive and physical style of play," said Gee-Gees head coach, Lionel Woods "We have no doubt that Lea, Zoe and Sophia will all have an important role to play, as we set our sights on competing for our 6th all time OUA Championship as soon as possible"
Zoe DiRisio | Toronto, Ontario
Finishing up her final season with her high school team the North Toronto Collegiate Institute (NTCI) and her club team the Durham Rebels Volleyball Club 18U Smash (DRVC), Zoe DiRisio is looking forward to moving onto U SPORTS volleyball.
DiRisio first heard of the Gee-Gees program through her cousin, Tristan Peterson, an RSEQ Second Team All-Star who played from Ottawa from 2018-2022. Peterson led the 2021 Gee-Gees attack with 2.87 kills and 3.3 points per set.
Her interest in the Gee-Gees program heightened 2023, and DiRisio got the opportunity to speak the Gee-Gees' head coach, Lionel Woods, and assistant coach, Sophie Carpenter at provincials in 2024.
"Ottawa is a beautiful city, and the university has a beautiful campus," DiRisio said. "The volleyball program has a really good team chemistry and atmosphere. Something that really stuck out to me was the amount of resources and support for student athletes."
A passionate and aggressive player, DiRisio will look to make an impact with her energy and dedication.
Lea Pendergast | Metcalfe, Ontario
Before joining the Gee-Gees for the 2025-26 season, Lea Pendergast is playing her final season with the Mavericks Volleyball Club.
A local product, Pendergast has always considered the University of Ottawa a landing spot for her post-secondary career.
"Ever since I was a kid, I've always considered uOttawa. It's my home and a great university," Pendergast said. "I love how Lionel and Sophie push their team and the passion they have for the sport. I couldn't be more excited to join such a welcoming, inspiring, and supporting family."
"It's very important to me that I am able to stay at home and have unconditional support from family and friends," Pendergast said.
The 6'2" hitter will bring her positive energy to the Gee-Gees squad. Described as a team player and coachable athlete, Pendergast's love for the sport and desire to help the team achieve their goals will help Ottawa stand out.
Sophia Jekat | East St. Paul, Manitoba
After finishing up her final season of high school volleyball at River East Collegiate, Sophia Jekat will make the move from Manitoba to Ontario to join the Gee-Gees next season.
Jekat has picked up plenty of high-level experience with the Winman Volleyball Club and representing Team Manitoba. With the Gee-Gees, she will be able to continue improving her game and make her mark on U SPORTS volleyball.
A hardworking and competitive athlete, Jekat has also excelled at Alpine Ski Racing where she competed at the 2023 Canada Winter Games. Her background with a high-level individual sport has encouraged her to push herself while bringing a supportive energy to her teammates.
"I love the energy from the players and the coaching style," Jekat said about the Gee-Gees. "It stood out to me how involved everyone is in timeouts."
"On my visit, I fell in love with the campus. I knew it was the right fit for me."