Jefferson Hagen, MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – The future is bright for the MacEwan Griffins women's volleyball team.

Among eight new recruits added in 2020-21 – just months after four senior starters graduated from the program – are three top prospects from B.C.

Setters Amelia Anderson (Communication Studies) and Macie Chapman (Communication Studies), and outside hitter Erica Bolink (Science) will join the Griffins in person later this fall after starting their university experience online this month.

With Griffins' starting setter Kylie Schubert entering her final season as a Canada West student-athlete, head coach Ken Briggs nets a succession plan in Anderson and Chapman, who bring their own distinct styles to the crucial position.

"I like to have two setters that bring something different," said Briggs. "When you look at Kylie and Mac (former Griffins setter Mackenzie Oshanek-Gladue), those are two different styles. You like to come with something a little bit different and I think Amelia and Macie make a nice combo. I like that combination. Obviously, our plan is that's the future."

For the present, Anderson will enter the 2020-21 season – whatever it might look like – as MacEwan's backup setter because Chapman plans to redshirt in her first campaign.

A 6-foot-1 Kelowna Secondary product, Anderson helped lead her team to two-straight B.C. 4A provincial titles. Named a second team all-star at the 2019 championship, she brings rare size to the position and has a resume that includes B.C. provincial team experience.

"That was a big attraction," said Briggs. "She's 6-1 and athletic and is a great kid. She played for the UBCO Heat club program, so I've got to watch her for a number of years.

"Obviously, I know a number of people, including Steven (Manuel) from the UBCO Heat. I've talked to them over the years about the extra things Amelia has – the academics and the character. She comes from a great family and has the intangibles we're looking for."

Macie Chapman was named her high school's co-female athlete of the year in 2019-20 and brings plenty of promise as a setter for the Griffins (supplied photo).

Chapman hails from North Vancouver where she starred for perennial B.C. high school powerhouse Handsworth in both volleyball and soccer, winning the Royals' co-female athlete of the year award in 2019-20.

At 5-foot-8 – the same height as Griffins starter Schubert – she succeeds with speed and precision.

"She's a totally different kind of setter (than Anderson)," said Briggs. "She's small, quick and dynamic. What has attracted me to her is she's a leader and a gamer.

"I've watched her play on teams where she's been the backup and where she's been the starter. Even when she's the backup setter, when she goes on the court there's no break in rhythm. She can control the court."

Part of that starts with her love of the game.

"She follows every level of volleyball and knows about all the players," said Briggs. "She really understands and follows the sport. I think she could be an understated leader here moving forward."

Erica Bolink played under former Griffin Claudia Covelli at Victoria's Pacific Christian high school and has the potential to be an impact player on the outside at MacEwan (supplied photo).

Bolink, a 6-foot outside hitter from Victoria's Pacific Christian, heard a lot about MacEwan in high school, playing under former Griffin Claudia Covelli. She brings strong attacking on the court and great academics off of it.

"Erica's an all-star provincial team player, who played at a small school," noted Briggs. "She actually plays for one of our alumni there from back in the '90s – Claudia Covelli (1996-98). We've had three Covellis play in our program over the years."

Bolink will be one of five rookie outside hitters donning the Griffins uniform in 2020-21 as the squad rebuilds after senior starters Lauren Holmes and Hailey Cornelis graduated. She has all the potential to make an impact at the Canada West level.

"I like her demeanour," said Briggs. "Erica's very calm under pressure and she's a power hitter. She's a nice package. She passes, defends and she's a strong attacker."