Jason Hills 
For MacEwan Athletics 
 
EDMONTON – Madison Hoppus is a perfect definition of a team player. 

The fourth-year Griffin spent the first three seasons as an outside hitter, and this year was transitioning over to play left side, but during the pre-season, head coach Chris Wandler wanted to try her out at libero. 

Hoppus thrived, and now in her final year of university volleyball, she's the Griffins starting libero – a position she previously only played for one game during high school. 

"I think (Wandler) wanted me in there for the leadership piece and to be a voice," said Hoppus. 

"I slowly transitioned there, and at the end of the preseason, Chris told me that would be my role. I had a couple opportunities where I capitalized on and proved myself, and it's given me the chance to play a larger role." 

Hoppus and the Griffins (0-6) will host the Winnipeg Wesmen (2-4) on Friday (12 p.m.) and Saturday (3 p.m., both David Atkinson Gym, Canada West TV). 

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As an outside hitter, Hoppus didn't get a lot of playing time in her first two seasons. She started to get on the court more last year under Wandler but was still coming on-and-off the floor throughout the season. 

This season, she's been a staple in the Griffins' starting lineup one thing hasn't changed – she's still the vocal leader she showed in her early seasons as a Griffin, even though her playing time wasn't consistent. 

"I think for me, I had those bigger star moments in high school and club volleyball, and I came to MacEwan with the mindset that I wasn't going to be a star at this level, and that I would be in and out and coming off the bench," said Hoppus. 

"Early on, I was so happy to be part of the 14 players that got to travel or get a chance to serve the ball in a critical moment. It was so rewarding for me when I got to go in. I didn't want to take it for granted." 

Madison Hoppus passes the ball during MacEwan's match against Alberta last Friday (James Maclennan photo).

When Hoppus wasn't on the court with MacEwan, she always found a way to make an impact. Whether that was bringing energy on the bench, or encouraging her teammates in practice, Hoppus was willing to do what was needed, even if she wasn't counted on to always make a big play on the court. 

"For me, it was important for me to always be a positive voice and be there for my teammates no matter what my role has been over the years," said Hoppus. 

Despite playing a completely different position this year, Hoppus has approached it like she's always done on the volleyball court – she's all in. 

She admits there was an adjustment, but she hasn't felt any extra pressure in her new position. 

"Honestly, I was scared I would get the opportunity, and the nerves would get to me, but it's been good. I've just taken the approach to give it my all, and just be me, and do the best I can," said Hoppus, who has recorded 31 digs and averaged 1.48 digs per set so far this year. 

"Playing libero, you don't get that burst of adrenalin like you do as an outside hitter when you get a big kill, so I focus on getting excited for my teammates. Instead of me getting that kill, you get all pumped and excited for them. 

"That's how I feel connected with them." 

Madison Hoppus' leadership qualities on the court are crucial for a Griffins team hit by injuries (Jefferson Hagen photo).

The Griffins have certainly needed to lean on someone like Hoppus this year. They've been hit hard with the injury bug early on with veteran outside hitter Danielle Jodoin out for the season, and middle Kara Frith dealing with an ankle injury that has kept her out most of the year so far. 

It's forced the Griffins to give some opportunities to some younger players, and having a veteran voice like Hoppus on the court has been helpful. 

"I've always been eager to speak up in meetings and give someone recognition. Seniors always did that for me, and it's important to follow in their footsteps," said Hoppus. 

"Injuries hit us hard early on, and there were a lot of questions internally about how we were going to deal with it. Mentally, that was tough, but we've been getting better and better, and we're starting to get through it."