Griffins add Team Manitoba captain and Canada Cup champion Guenther-Hoorman for 2024-25

Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – Showing off his affable personality during a recruiting trip to MacEwan, the first prospect announced in head coach Brad Poplawski’s recruiting class will bring exactly what the Griffins need next season.

Swagger, moxy, leadership and character.

Miles Guenther-Hoorman, who captained Team Manitoba to a Canada Cup national championship last summer, figures to be an important contributor to MacEwan’s success out of the gate in 2024-25.

“I think even just seeing him on his recruiting trip, he wasn’t just a quiet guy,” said Poplawski. “He was loud and vocal and was chirping in a friendly way. The guys loved it. It was awesome.

“He adds a bit of that Manitoba grit, which I just love. Through all my years coaching Team Alberta, Team Manitoba always has a style they’ve played. It’s a very aggressive, gritty, hard-working style. I think he brings that. 

“We’re really excited to have him join and I think he’s excited, too – a very, very big pickup for us heading into next season.”

Miles Guenther-Hoorman is a product of Mennonite Brethren and Team Manitoba (Submitted photo).

Guenther-Hoorman was named an all-star of the Canada Cup for Team Manitoba and has a decorate resume that includes winning Manitoba’s 16u male volleyball athlete of the year and junior varsity provincial MVP when he led Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute to a 4A Manitoba championship.

“He has a lot of experience in big-game situations,” said Poplawski. “He’s a very good passer, very dynamic attacker. I watched him play this summer at the Canada Cup and we were very interested in him. 

“I’m just really happy his recruiting trip went well and that he decided to join our program for next year. We’re very excited to have him.”

Poplawski sees the Winman Volleyball Club product likely fitting in as a P2 outside hitter at the Canada West level.

“He has a great work ethic with great jump, a good arm,” he said. “He just has a lot of potential. He played on some very, very good teams that have had a lot of success. Just his work ethic and mentality, I’ve really enjoyed. 

“He’s been captain of every team he’s ever played on pretty much, so I think that says a lot about his character.”