The McMaster Marauders men’s volleyball team is excited to welcome their newest recruits to the 2022-23 class with the signing of Aidan Palanca, Jack Mackley, Luc Cluley, and Cole Francis to the program.
“We are very excited to welcome these fine young men to our volleyball family. Each of them brings a high level of athleticism and the desired attributes that will allow them to succeed in our competitive culture of excellence.” said Ian Eibbitt, Lead Assistant Coach
Currently in his final year at Notre Dame Regional Secondary School, Aidan Palanca will be entering Kinesiology in the fall.
At the club level, Palanca represented Fraser Valley Volleyball Club becoming the Volleyball BC U18 Boys Club Provincial Champion and Tournament MVP in 2022. Palanca has also been a part of the Team BC Volleyball Select Program since 2020.
“My goal in volleyball at McMaster is to be the best version of myself as a player and as a teammate,” said Palanca.
Palanca also competes in beach volleyball, winning gold at the Volleyball BC U14 Provincial tournament in 2018, and bronze at the BC U15 Provincial tournament in 2019.
With intentions of Business in the fall, Jack Mackley is currently in his final year at Brebeuf College School, and currently plays for the Thundercats Volleyball Club.
“I chose McMaster not only for their academics but their amazing team environment,” explained Mackley. “All of the coaches and players have set an amazing example of what it’s like at McMaster University.”
Mackley has been a member of Team Ontario for the past two years, including Team Ontario Red in 2020 and Team Ontario Black in 2021.
Luc Cluley has already graduated from École Catholique Secondaire Renaissance and has intentions of entering Engineering I in the fall.
“I am most excited about the opportunities to improve and excel, with the help of both teammates and coaches,” said Cluley. “I look forward to growing as an individual and a player at McMaster.”
Cluley was named Most Valuable Player four years in a row, from 2018-22 and Athlete of the Year in 2020 for his École Catholique Secondaire Renaissance team. At the club level, Cluley plays for the Thundercats Volleyball Club.
Currently in his final year at École Catholique Franco Cité, Cole Francis will be entering Business I in the fall.
“I chose McMaster for the amazing people who continue to build the great men’s volleyball program,” said Francis. “I am looking forward to training in a competitive environment all while being surrounded by hardworking and kind people.”
Francis has been a member of Team Ontario for the past 3 years. Most recently, he was a part of Team Ontario Elite. At the club level, Francis currently plays for the Ottawa Mavericks.
“This year’s recruiting class brings us depth in three different positions and will enhance our daily training environment as well as develop them for future success. We are also excited to see how they will integrate and influence our team culture on the court and in the team room,” said Eibbitt.
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