Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – There are plenty of misconceptions about sisters playing together on the same team.  

"We have that telepathic connection … just kidding. We definitely don't," joked Danielle Jodoin about playing on the MacEwan Griffins women's volleyball team with younger sister Renee.

There's also little-to-no truth to the sibling rivalry angle.

"I don't know if we would have as good a relationship if we played the same position because then we'd be competing for playing time," said Renee, who is a setter for outside hitter Danielle. "But we're very different and I feel like we both have respect for each position we play. It's not like we give too much advice on how she's hitting or how I'm setting. I feel there's not a lot of conflict there."

Sisters and teammates, they'll lead the Griffins into home action vs. Regina on Friday (6 p.m.) and Saturday (3 p.m., both David Atkinson Gym, Canada West TV).

BUY TICKETS HERE

"The idea of sisters is nice, but I think you see them more as teammates on the court," said Griffins head coach Chris Wandler. "You never see any bickering between siblings or anything like that. 

"They're really professional in their approach and they genuinely enjoy and like each other on the court and it shows in their play around each other."

Growing up in Spruce Grove, the Jodoin sisters first played volleyball together when Danielle was in Grade 12 and Renee in Grade 10 at St. Peter the Apostle high school.

"I think that's how we knew we'd work good together when we went to university," said Renee. "That was also a super fun experience. We never really had conflict issue more than we would have with any other teammates."

Renee Jodoin joined her sister Danielle at MacEwan in 2022 and is showing improvement as the Griffins' backup setter (Robert Antoniuk photo).

Looking up to her older sister, Renee chose MacEwan in the recruiting process and wouldn't change a thing.

"She was definitely my role model who gave me courage to come and play here, and she paved the way," said Renee, who is in her second season with the Griffins. "I think I could have played at other schools, too, but going on your own and not knowing people (is challenging). 

"Having your sister here to guide you and make you feel comfortable; that was a big thing when I got here. I felt very comfortable because I knew a lot of the girls from what she was telling me. I felt like I knew them."

They also have a special on-court relationship as Renee sets for Danielle, especially in practice.

"They do play quite regularly on the same court when they train," said Wandler. "It's funny because the setter is usually the quarterback on the court. Renee being the younger one is the setter and Dani's an outside hitter. It's neat seeing that component, seeing the younger one be the leader, per se. 

"Dani's always one who plays for everybody, not just her sister, but it's kind of neat seeing that relationship that they have on and off the court."

Danielle is making an impact across the board as a starter for the Griffins, fifth on the team in kills (36), fourth in aces (7), fourth in digs (43) and tied for third in blocks (10).

Danielle Jodoin has been one of the Griffins' key players this season (Robert Antoniuk photo).

"I feel the last couple years were building years and now I'm in my third year – but technically fourth year (the lost COVID season of 2020-21 was her rookie year at MacEwan) – I'm happy with how things are going volleyball-wise," said Danielle.

Added Renee: "I've definitely seen Danielle grow a lot this year from last year. That's awesome to see her become more confident on the court and put up better numbers."

And although Renee hasn't yet seen the court in 2023-24 as the team's backup setter behind Payton Shimoda, her improvement has been showing, too.

"Since I got the job in April and I was down here for some skills sessions, Renee has showed dramatic improvement over the last few months, which has really helped us out," said Wandler. "Renee was pretty green when she first got here and had been slowly starting to build herself into a really competent setter. She's come a long way."

The support from her sister has meant the world. Not only are they teammates, they're also roommates.

"We played Mario last night," laughed Danielle. "We do spend a lot of our spare time together."

Mix in two more sisters in the Jodoin household – Joelle and Denise are older than Danielle and Renee and don't play volleyball – as well as avid MacEwan fans, parents Cory and Leanne, and it's quite the support system.

"On the court, she just feels like another teammate," said Danielle, summing up her relationship with Renee on the Griffins. "It is a lot of time spent together in the beginning. It was a lot to adjust, but now I see her as my teammate."