Killing It: Pierce Johnson Has A Year To Remember

Pierce Johnson killed it this year. He dominated the court at every turn with the Windsor Lancers, both in Ontario, and Nationally.

Johnson was named an OUA First-Team All Star, and was named a USports Second Team All-Canadian.

“This has been another very successful season for our men’s volleyball program at Windsor,” said Johnson when asked about his year.

“Although we did not achieve all of our goals, we can be nothing but grateful for all the ones we did achieve. As for individual accomplishments, it has been a huge honour to have been recognized by USports and the University this season. However, I feel that all of this recognition spotlights the group of guys on the team and the program that my coach James Gravelle has created here more than an individual accomplishment.”

Johnson was named the University of Windsor’s Male Athlete of the Year, and helped his team win an OUA bronze medal.

For the Chatham-born outside hitter, choosing the University of Windsor is a decision he calls one of the best of his life.

“Coming to Windsor was without a doubt the greatest decision I have ever made. Since I came to Windsor, I have done nothing but grow as a player. Gravelle is the greatest coach in my opinion because he helps you in all aspects of life. I know for a fact I would not be doing what I am in the sport if I had gone somewhere else.”

This season, Johnson was second overall in the OUA in hitting percentage, fourth in the OUA in kills per set, and fifth in the OUA in total points.

Ending his season with an injury, Johnson has been working to get stronger, healthier, and prepare for an even larger step, earning a spot with Canada’s National B team.

“After a long season I have been recovering and working on the small things in order to prepare for the National B team tryouts that are coming up, all my focus right now is on that.”

That doesn’t mean however, that he’s not thinking about even more team success with the Windsor Lancers next season. He knows however, that larger success will come through the accomplishment of the finer points of the game.

“Even though our sights are still to bring Windsor its first OUA volleyball championship, we have our sights at the moment set on smaller team and individual goals that if executed correctly, will allow us the opportunity to fight for that championship. We have one of the strongest recruitment classes that Windsor has ever seen coming in this fall. That mixed with the strong veteran leadership returning will create a strong base to help us achieve our goals.”