Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – In the university recruiting game, decisions are made on a combination of viewings, testimonials, referrals and fit with the program and school.

In the case of latest Griffins women's volleyball recruit Ella Black, though, MacEwan head coach Chris Wandler only had to look in the mirror for a referral. He's also her high school coach.

Newly hired by the Griffins this spring and in the process of moving to Edmonton, Wandler has had the privilege of coaching Black the past two years at Red Deer's Notre Dame high school.

"She's our best female athlete in the school," he said, noting Black starred in volleyball, basketball, track and badminton at Notre Dame.

Black was one of the top players on the high school's basketball team, too, and she's so good at badminton that she won the Senior Mixed Doubles - Position 9-16 bracket championship at the recent high school provincials.

"She's got a great pure arm swing," said Wandler of skills that transfer between the sports. "She's another absolute go-through-a-wall-to-do anything (player) – an extremely competitive, likable kid. She's just going to be great for the culture of the Griffins."

To further that point, Black won the Notre Dame senior girls volleyball Coaches Award in 2022.

The outside hitter brings sublime passing skills that will give her a role with a Griffins team looking to improve their first contact. Wandler noted she's recovering from a leg injury but is getting back up to speed.

"We'll see where she's at come September," he said. "Like I told all of our recruits, just get ready to come in and compete and we'll see where everything lies. 

"Have realistic expectations on yourselves but realize there's an experienced group ahead of you, as well."