Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Featuring a trio of promising high-level student-athletes, the Griffins' 2022 women's volleyball recruiting class replenishes and bolsters positions all over the court for the young, up and coming Canada West team.
Middle/Outside Narelle Arnold, libero Bronwyn Ettinger and setter Renee Jodoin are joining the Griffins for the 2022-23 U SPORTS season, MacEwan Athletics Director Joel Mrak announced Thursday.
"We're extremely excited to have such a high calibre and talented group of new Griffins women's volleyball players coming in," said Mrak.
"It's nice to see the potential for Narelle, Bronwyn and Renee being able to come in and compete right away and grow into leadership roles on the team in the years to come."
Arnold recently played the middle blocker position for the Pandas 18U club team that recently won the provincial championship, playing a key role and earning an all-star award.
In past seasons, she played as an outside on Team Alberta, so she offers great versatility for the Griffins moving forward. The Austin O'Brien product will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science at MacEwan.
"I am described as an aggressive and fierce player who promotes a positive energy on the court," said the 6-foot Austin O'Brien high school product.
Bronwyn Ettinger is a nice addition to the Griffins' libero stable after 2021-22 co-starter Jordyn Thomas graduated.
Ettinger was also on the provincial champion Pandas squad and has a history of success in her career, leading her Strathcona high school squad to the city championship.
The 5-foot-4 libero won the Scona Coach's Award and achieved honours with distinction in the classroom. She's entering Macewan's Bachelor of Science program.
"Small, but mighty," she said of how others would describe her on the court. "I'm a tenacious player that works hard to keep the ball off the floor."
Renee Jodoin has been playing club with Edmonton Elite, but also helped her high school team - St. Peter the Apostle - win a 3A provincial championship in recent months.
Renee Jodoin will be joining her older sister Danielle on the Griffins. The Spruce Grove product, who is entering MacEwan's Bachelor of Commerce program, led her high school team – St. Peter the Apostle – to an undefeated season that culminated in the 3A provincial title.
A Team Alberta member at the U15 level, the setter - who also has some right side experience - plays club volleyball with Edmonton Elite.
"The type of player I would describe myself as is strategic, hard working and team orientated," said Jodoin.
