GUELPH, Ont. – A total of six new faces will be featured on the 2023-24 edition of the Guelph Gryphons women’s volleyball team as part of the U of G women’s volleyball’s latest recruiting class. One libero, one settter, two middle blockers, and two outside hitters will join a Gryphon team looking to make their return to the OUA playoffs this upcoming season.
“The University of Guelph Gryphons women’s volleyball program is pleased to welcome the recruiting class for the 2023-24 season,” says Gryphon volleyball head coach Paul Funk, who enters his 19th season in charge of the women’s volleyball program. “The new recruits include a trio of rookies from the Durham Rebels volleyball club as well as a libero and middle blocker pair of transfers who will bring new energy to the program.”
The Gryphons kick off their 2023-24 regular season schedule on Friday, November 10 when they host the Lakehead Thunderwolves at the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre.
#2 Payton King
Height: 5-8
Position: Libero
Program: Psychology
Hometown: Newmarket, ON
Previous Team: U of T Varsity Blues
Quote from Gryphons head coach Paul Funk: “We see Payton as being able to contribute at the libero position as a mature and steady presence and her defensive abilities have already been on display early on this year.”
#3 Lexi Nicholson-Clarke
Height: 5-11
Position: Middle Blocker
Program: Sociology
Hometown: Ajax, ON
Previous Team: Durham Rebels Volleyball Club
Quote from Gryphons head coach Paul Funk: “It will take Lexi some time to adjust to the university level but she really brings a fighting energy and competitive attitude to the court.”
#4 Kareena Toor
Height: 5-9
Position: Outside Hitter/Setter
Program: Commerce
Hometown: Milton, ON
Previous Team: Milton Edge Volleyball
Quote from Gryphons head coach Paul Funk: “Kareena hasn’t played at this level previously but she provides depth at the setter position for us this year.”
#6 Madison Shular
Height: 5-11
Position: Outside Hitter
Program: Animal Biology
Hometown: Brooklin, ON
Previous Team: Durham Rebels Volleyball Club
Quote from Gryphons head coach Paul Funk: “Madi will need some time to adjust to playing against more experienced players but physically, she has the ability to compete in our program.”
#7 Nikina Bear-Lowen
Height: 6-2
Position: Middle Blocker
Program: Human Kinetics
Hometown: Constance Lake First Nation, ON
Previous Team: KW Predators Volleyball Club
Quote from Gryphons head coach Paul Funk: “Nikina is farther along in her development than I was anticipating. Her participation in the N.A.I.G. (North American Indigenous Games) competition has given her a bit of a head start in terms of competing at the university level.”
#15 Sophie Sommerfeldt
Height: 5-9
Position: Setter
Program: Human Kinetics
Hometown: Whitby, ON
Previous Team: Durham Rebels Volleyball Club
Quote from Gryphons head coach Paul Funk: “Sophie will need some technical adjustments but she has all the tools to become a very good OUA setter.”