Chase Bridges-Hunter (far right) looks to close his varsity volleyball journey with a national championship. (PHOTO BY EDWIN TAM/UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR)
By John-Paul Bonadonna
Surrounded by water.
That’s likely where the similarities of Windsor-Essex and Hawaii — the birthplace Lancers fifth-year veteran men’s volleyballer Chase Bridges-Hunter — end.
“It was definitely a big adjustment moving from Hawaii to Windsor,” Chase reflected.
“Being away from my family and everything I knew was tough, but it also helped me grow as a person.”
As the University of Windsor prepares to host the 2026 U SPORTS BioSteel Men’s Volleyball Championship, Chase finds himself preparing for the most emotional chapter of his career — the final matches of his varsity journey and a launching point toward professional volleyball overseas.
Relocating thousands of kilometres away to pursue both athletics and academics required immense sacrifice. Leaving behind family, familiar traditions and island life presented challenges that stretched far beyond the court.
Lancers head coach James Gravelle said players like Chase represent the commitment and unity that defines the program.
“It’s a really diverse group of people who’ve come from all over,” Gravelle said.
“It’s been great to see them come together and we’ve built something special over their time here.”
For Chase, that sense of belonging became critical during difficult stretches when homesickness or academic pressures could have derailed his focus. Instead, he embraced the grind, allowing both his character and volleyball IQ to evolve alongside a team chasing national prominence.
Now in his final varsity season, Chase is part of a graduating class that has helped elevate the Windsor Lancers men’s volleyball program to national contender status.
Hosting the U SPORTS championship at the Toldo Lancer Centre adds an emotional layer to what is already a career-defining moment.
“To be able to finish my varsity career at home, in front of our fans, with my teammates — it’s something really special,” Chase said.
“This tournament means everything.”
The Lancers enter the championship with legitimate aspirations of capturing gold, backed by experience, talent and chemistry developed through multiple national appearances.
They’ll also be backed my Chase’s family, who are making the trip across the Pacific to take in the tournament in-person at the Toldo Lancer Centre.
The end of Chase’s varsity career will signal the beginning of another dream — playing professional volleyball internationally.
“I want to keep playing at the highest level possible,” he said.
“Playing professionally overseas is the goal and everything I’ve learned here has helped prepare me for that next step.”
Still, before he looks ahead, Bridges-Hunter is fully immersed in the present — and the national championships — cherishing every practice, every match and every moment wearing the Lancers jersey.
For ticket information and a full championship schedule, visit the 2026 U SPORTS BioSteel Men’s Volleyball Championship website or golancers.ca.