Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – When they join the Griffins women's volleyball team for the 2025-26 season, Lethbridge sisters Addison and Alyssa Piekema will become the second set of twins in the MacEwan student-athlete body, alongside women's soccer players Marina and Selynna Simao.
There's an innate comfortability and chemistry that comes along with that as they make the transition into Canada West from the high school ranks in a different city together.
"I'm so grateful to have someone I've grown up with my entire life," said Addison in a video about their signing created by the Lethbridge School Division in March. "It's such a privilege to already have a best friend on the team.
"It will definitely be an easier experience going somewhere new, moving away from home. I think we're very lucky to be together."
Addison is a 5-foot-11 middle blocker – with Team Alberta experience – who will bolster the position for 2025-26 before likely being transitioned "to an opposite position eventually, potentially," said Wandler.
"We're thrilled to have Addison join the Griffins," he added. "A leader on her high school team, she brings strong character, relentless work ethic, and a winning mindset to the court."
Addison's versatility could get her on the court in the middle or outside, but she aims to be a good teammate first.
"In whatever position I get to play in, I (want to) just create a positive environment for those around me," said Addison in the Lethbridge School Division video. "If I try my best and work hard I can hopefully earn a spot on the court."
Both sisters were instrumental in leading LCI to the provincial high school championship, where they beat new Griffins teammate Chloe Penz's Lindsay Thurber team in the final.
"They both just never gave up," said Wandler of their performance in that game. "They were down at one point, and you could just see it building and building. They never left the court the whole Grade 12 year. They were very key to that team."
