Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Receiving some intriguing video of a 6-foot-6 Kamloops, B.C. outside hitter in action, Griffins men's volleyball head coach Brad Poplawski set up a recruiting visit.
The in-person evaluation was even better, leading to Sawyer Cousins committing to the Griffins for the 2023-24 Canada West season.
"He reached out and wanted to send some video," said Poplawski. "We brought him in on a recruiting trip and he really impressed. He's a big kid – 6-6 and is physical. You can tell he's been in the weight room a lot."
Cousins played high school for the Sa-Hali Sabres, picking up a few tournament MVP awards before helping them place ninth at provincials. For the club season, he joined the Kamloops Volleyball Association (KVA) Pack, helping them win Div. II Tier 1 nationals.
"Coming from a smaller club program, he's a little under the radar," said Poplawski. "But on his recruiting trip, he really impressed us, firstly with who he is – his coachability – but good size, he's a really good athlete.
"I'm excited to work with him. He's got a big arm and is a strong, physical kid."
