Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – The first recruit announced in new head coach Chris Wandler's MacEwan women's volleyball 2023 incoming class has size, athleticism and promise that she can become an impact player in Canada West.

At 6-foot-3, middle blocker Jaylin Anthony will enter her rookie university season tied with third-year Lauren Tensen as the tallest player on the Griffins.

"She has all kinds of potential," said Wandler. "She's 6-3, she's a middle blocker and is very athletic. She's a young Grade 12, so there's still lots of untapped possibility there. 

"I'm really looking forward to working with her and developing all those technical skills and getting her a little stronger with her movement patterns. I think she has a ton of upside."

The Sherwood Park product is coming off a very successful Grade 12 season at Salisbury Composite where she helped the Sabres win an Alberta Schools Athletic Association 4A silver medal – the first provincial hardware the school has captured in more than 25 years. Anthony and the Sabres also won the City Championship.

Wandler has had her out for a couple sessions with the current Griffins lineup and is looking forward to helping her develop further.

"Her strength over the next couple of years – getting into the training room and working out – (will be key)," he said of Anthony, who also plays club volleyball with NAVC. "And just trying to match that with the speed of the game and volleyball IQ. There's lots of learning to do."

But there's no doubt the promise is there as Anthony, who will be one of the tallest players in the Canada West ranks, gets acclimated to the speed of the U SPORTS game.