MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Two-time Edmonton Metro high school girls volleyball coach of the year Dusty Freimark has been named interim head coach of the MacEwan Griffins women's volleyball team for the 2022-23 Canada West season, Athletics Director Joel Mrak announced Wednesday.
Freimark comes in with a decade of experience at the helm of the Jasper Place Rebels senior girls squad, leading them to three city championships and a 4A provincial title over that time.
She will take over a Griffins women's volleyball program full of young talent that will be looking to take the next step towards a playoff berth.
"I am ecstatic to have Dusty on board with us this season," said Mrak. "She is a strong coach and a wonderful human being.
"There is no doubt that she will be a great mentor and role model for this group of women. Looking forward to seeing her lead the team this season."
Freimark brings the unique experience of not only playing in Canada West, but also winning medals on the national stage – a CIS silver and bronze with the University of Alberta Pandas between 2002-04.
Her extensive coaching career in the years since also includes serving as head coach of Canada's women's sitting national team (2010-12), leading them to third place at the Pan Am zone championships.
She was also a founder, manager, and head coach with the Pandas Volleyball Club (2011-18), served as an assistant coach with the U of A Pandas' 2007 national championship squad, has been at the helm of the NAIT Ooks women's volleyball team (2007-08) and has many other high school, club and Team Alberta experiences on her resume.
"I'm really excited for the opportunity to work with these high-performing student athletes," said Freimark. "In my life, I have been fortunate to work with some really amazing coaches and I am still feeling the ripple effect today from those interactions.
"I am excited to give back and put in the work to see what these athletes are capable of achieving both on and off the court."
The Griffins women's volleyball team will hit training camp later this month as they prepare for their season opener Oct. 21 vs. Winnipeg.
