Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – If improvement is a good indication of a prospect's potential, the Griffins men's volleyball team has a true find in their first addition to head coach Brad Poplawski's 2023-24 recruiting class.

Matt Nielsen, who had never played club volleyball before last season, excelled on one of the top clubs in the province – NAVC – while also leading a strong Bev Facey boys volleyball team in his Grade 12 season.

"He had a good season at Facey and that's probably how he got on the radar to play with NAVC, which was one of the top club teams in the province," said Poplawski. "I first saw him during the high school season and that's where he stood out to me. He just continued to improve throughout the season."

Nielsen earned a Metro all-star award and was named team MVP at the Sherwood Park high school, which was ranked as high as third in the Alberta 4A ranks early in the season.

The 6-foot-5 outside hitter also excelled with NAVC's U18 team, helping them to a provincial medal and top-three finishes in every Volleyball Alberta event they've entered.

"He's physical, very athletic and has a great work ethic," said Poplawski. "I'm very excited to work with him as he continues to improve and grow. 

"It was his first year playing in a high-performance environment, so there's a lot of potential and room for growth with him. I'm excited to work with him."