Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – With a solid setter being so crucial to a team's success, the Griffins women's volleyball team has bolstered the position with the addition of a talented Strathcona product.
Katelyn Hennessy will kick off her Canada West career with the Griffins in 2024-25, head coach Chris Wandler announced Thursday.
The 6-foot Metro Div. 1 all-star led Scona to the city semifinals and to an eighth-place finish at the 2023 Alberta 4A high school championships.
"She's got tons of potential, tons of upside," said Griffins head coach Chris Wandler. "She's a physical kid at the net, great blocker, great defender, and an absolute stellar server. And she runs a really good offence at this point.
"She's smart and cerebral, athletic. I think she's maybe one of those kids who fell under the radar and is definitely a stellar pickup for us here."
She's not unlike current Griffins starter Payton Shimoda, who also fell under the recruiting radar but was a revelation once she got to MacEwan, now entering her fourth season in the fall as one of the best setters in Canada West.
Hennessy has a golden chance to learn as a rookie behind her on the depth chart – crucial development as she grows into her potential at the U SPORTS level.
The NAVC product was an alternate for Team Alberta in 2023 and brings a strong desire to win.
"Just like Payton, Katelyn is extremely competitive," said Wandler. "Katelyn has that under-toned type of competitiveness, that fire you can just see in her belly. She may not be as vocal as some of the other players, but she's definitely competitive."
