Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – Middle blockers have had a history of contributing right away for the Griffins men's volleyball team. 

A season after Jonah Karsten and Carsten Bergeron earned big minutes as rookies in 2021-22, Seth Birkholz carved out a significant role last year.

Going back even further, Max Vriend made the U SPORTS all-rookie team at the position in 2015-16.

So, it's certainly possible new recruit Thomas Froberg gets his chance to shine sooner rather than later for the Griffins.

"Obviously, it's a big jump (from high school), but we're excited to get him in the weight room, get him with our guys and coaches," said Griffins bench boss Brad Poplawski. "He's super eager and excited to join our program, which means a lot. We want athletes who want to be here."

Froberg will enter U SPORTS in 2023-24 with a solid high school resume that included winning a Division 1 Metro all-star award with Ross Sheppard as he led the Thunderbirds to a provincial 4A bronze medal. 

The 6-foot-5 Edmontonian was also a member of Team Alberta for the U19 North American Indigenous Games and previously also played for the provincial team in 2021 and 2022.

He's a long-time member of FOG Black on the club scene with several gold medals and undefeated seasons to their credit, most recently finishing fifth nationally in 2022.

Froberg will pursue a degree in Science at MacEwan.

"He has good size and played Team Alberta the last few years," said Poplawski. "He's young; he was actually playing 17U this year. He had a good high school season. I saw him a little bit through Team Alberta. I think he moves pretty well. 

"Just comparing in the summer with Team Alberta to where he ended club season at nationals, I just thought there was a ton of improvement."