VANCOUVER – In the midst of what is quickly becoming a very promising season for the UBC Thunderbirds, the team is already looking ahead to the long-term future having locked up three key recruits for 2020-21.
Middle blockers James Vincett and Jon Lockie as well as outstanding outside hitter Roan McCarthy have all committed to the T-Birds as they will begin their U SPORTS careers at the Point Grey campus this fall.
"It was pivotal for our program to capitalize on our already young and talented roster with the right group of athletes in the 2020 recruiting class and I feel like we did just that," said UBC head coach Mike Hawkins. "Not only are James, Jon, and Roan excellent prospects but all three have the personal characteristics we think fit our program's identity."
Roan McCarthy
McCarthy brings top-notch pedigree to the T-Birds and can be expected to be an impactful player for the program for many years. The 6-foot-5 outside hitter from Kelowna served as captain of the 2019 Team BC Selects team which won gold at last year's Canada Cup tournament.
"I couldn't be more thrilled to have Roan join the Thunderbirds," said Hawkins. "He is a smooth receiving outside hitter who shines brightest during high pressure situations. He showed his quality throughout his grade 12 year earning BC High School Volleyball Player of the Year. Roan is gritty, competitive, and will bring so much to our group both on and off the court."
James Vincett
Vincett hails from Calgary and brings an impressive 6-foot-10 frame to the T-Birds. Set to study Forestry at UBC, the middle blocker out of the Canuck Volleyball Club was also a member of the 2019 Canadian youth national team.
"James is an exciting prospect not only because of his size but also his ability to read the game as a middle blocker," said Hawkins. "His competitive attitude and his desire to improve have us extremely confident he will max out his potential as an athlete, with that potential trending toward the Junior and Senior national team."
Lockie heads to Vancouver already very familiar with Vincett as he too was a member of the 2019 Youth national team. The 6-foot-7 middle blocker from Winnipeg is currently with the 204 Volleyball Club where future teammate and fellow Manitoban Gerard Murray also played.
"Jon had a breakout summer with the Youth national team and displayed why so many programs were eager to have him join their team," remarked Hawkins. "He has great size and speed and is an absolute force as a blocker. Jon will look to add to an already talented young core on our team and have an impact throughout his five years at UBC."
These three top-end talents for the 'Birds only add to what is becoming a force to be reckoned with once again in the Canada West and beyond.
"James and Jon are unquestionably the two top middle blocker prospects in the country and Roan is the best player out of BC making this arguably the best recruiting class in U SPORTS," exclaimed Hawkins. "We are proud and excited to have these three young men join our team and play significant roles in our pursuit of national championships."
