Vancouver’s Williams commits to the ‘Pack

KAMLOOPS – Make it a sixth recruit in advance of the 2024-25 campaign for the Thompson Rivers WolfPack men’s volleyball team and head coach Pat Hennelly are proud to announce that Rafael Williams has committed to the ‘Pack.
 
“Very excited to announce another top recruit in our 2024 class, Rafael Williams from Vancouver. I remember watching Rafael at U-16 Nationals two years ago and was instantly impressed with his size, movement, and ball control. I have been tracking Rafael ever since that tournament and he has always been at the top of our list of athletes to recruit to TRU.” 
 
From Vancouver, Williams plays for both the Apex Volleyball Club and École Jules-Verne and is a 6’6″ outside hitter.
 
“TRU gives me the best opportunity to pursue and get better at volleyball,” said Williams who describes himself as a competitive player on the court that loves to get better at the game.
 
Coached by Mike Hughes at a couple different stages of his high school career, it was a close relationship between the Hughes and Hennelly that proved vital in Williams route to Kamloops.
 
“I have known Raf’s high school coach, Mike Hughes, for a long time,” said Hennelly. “It is always nice to personally know the coaches and Mike has nothing but great things to say about Raf’s work ethic and character.”
 
“I’m very happy to see him go play in the Canada West, it’s a very strong conference so it’s an accomplishment just to get there,” said Hughes. “I’ve known Pat for years and I think very highly of him and the program that he’s built at TRU and I think Raf will be a great fit for that program.”
 
Playing volleyball since the fifth grade, Williams started playing club with Apex at 13-years old and really started to take the sport seriously in his U-16 season.
 
“He has exceptional ball control for someone his age and his size so that is going to translate well at the next level for him,” said Hughes. “He also thinks through the game very well and has a high volleyball I.Q.”
 
A B.C. Provincial Champion during his U-16 season, Williams has been named a provincial all-star multiple times and suited up for Team B.C. in both 2022 and 2023.
 
“He’s a good teammate, he’s respectful to everyone and works hard,” said Hughes. “He’s a good person with high character.”
 
Williams plans to study business at TRU.
 
“Rafael continues to upgrade our outside hitting group and instantly makes our practice environment more competitive,” said Hennelly. “This adds to an already impressive class of recruits for 2024.”

Name: Rafael Williams
Position: Outside
Height: 6’6″
Hometown: Vancouver
Club team: Apex Volleyball Club
High School: École Jules-Verne