Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Consistent, accurate and creative, the first recruit announced in head coach Brad Poplawski's 2025-26 men's volleyball incoming class is exactly what the Griffins are looking for in their next setter.
Sherwood Park's Lincoln Pinchuk will have a chance at immediate playing time as he hits the court at MacEwan in his rookie season this fall, set to compete with returner Kenneth Ang for starting minutes after Mason Natras' graduation.
"I really like the way he sets the game," said Poplawski. "When he came on his recruit visit – it's one thing to watch with their team, it's nice when you get him here – it was just the repeatability of his sets.
"With the speed we're trying to run, we need someone who can locate and deliver a very consistent ball. The way the ball comes out of his hands, I really like it. He was connecting with our guys right away."
The 6-foot-2 product of Park Elite Volleyball Club recently captained Strathcona Christian to a silver medal at the 3A high school provincials after they won the Div. 1 Edmonton Metro championship over Jasper Place.
Pinchuk not only brings that championship success to the Griffins, his volleyball IQ is top notch.
"He just thinks the game really well," said Poplawski. "When we had him in some 6-on-6 (in training), the decisions he was making, I was like, 'wow, that's a really impressive decision for a Grade 12.' It wasn't making a hard set just to make a hard set, but it was 'if I do this, I can get an advantage here.'
"He is already thinking the game very well. Watching him through club, I noticed that as well – just his repeatability and choices. He loves to run pipe, which is something a lot of young setters don't do. He keeps his middles involved and I really like the way he releases the ball and his consistency to the outside."
Consistency at the setter position is a huge driver of a team's attack at the Canada West level. Pinchuk will have the chance to adjust to the speed and physicality of U SPORTS while he aims to put his stamp on things for the Griffins.
"With the offence we're trying to run we need someone who can deliver a consistent ball because the hitters don't have time to adjust," said Poplawski. "With his release, he has the ability to do that.
"He obviously has to get stronger and faster – all those things for young players coming in – but just his ability to locate is such a huge thing at our level with the speed," he added. "I think he's going to be very good for our offence."
