Information memo for recruits & interested players:
(Updated May, 2008)

For those who have an interest in the University of Ottawa for school and volleyball, I will do my best to paint an accurate picture of the state of things right now with Gee-Gees Volleyball as it relates to new athletes for the 2009-10 season and beyond.

In terms of our team "make up" at present; it is no secret that we have a team with a lot of experience and depth, however there are a few key positions that we will need players to fill for the 2009-10 season. For the “right fit recruits”, they will be joining a team that graduates 3 starting players from the 2008-09 roster, which means we will have a decent number of returning players (10-12) from a team that continues to have a lot of success at the conference and national level (2007-08 OUA Bronze medal, 2006-07 OUA Champions, consistent National Top 10 rankings). This program does not believe in “re-building” years. We develop young players while veteran players shoot for a championship each and every year. Our program has qualified for the playoffs 30 of the past 31 seasons, so development is an ongoing process with young players as annual high expectations remain. We plan to train full time with 14-15 "roster" athletes each season, with some possibility to offer a select number of “red-shirt” or “non-roster” spots for athletes that we believe may have long term potential.

Current depth chart situation:
For the 2009-10 season will be placing a priority on:

1. Immediate & future needs for Left side & Right side attack
• Need for 2-3 impact players with strong potential on front row & back row

2. Middle and Libero are medium length priorities
• Middle player core returning in 09-10 BUT need for young future players
• 2 libero players returning in 09-10 but possibility for young future player if right fit

3. Setting is not an immediate need with 2 full time setters returning for the 2009-10 season

Although we are always looking for talent at each position – we are focused on finding immediate key players at the positions above for next season. Our recruiting philosophy is not to recruit volume; but rather, to recruit and select specific players that we feel will fit in well with our cycle of development & graduation as well as our overall team philosophy.

Beyond these specifics, we are looking for the best possible student-athletes to add to our mix of current players. All this is to say that although the opportunities for first year "walk on" or “un-recruited athletes” are limited, they do exist for the right student athlete. (Please see recruiting philosophy, on our web page, for more details – www.ggvball.com)

I am always pleased to communicate with any interested student athlete who wishes to consider attending the open try-out in September.

Thank you very much for your interest in our school and volleyball program
Lionel Woods, Head Coach – Gee-Gees Volleyball