Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – On the hunt for physicality as a defining characteristic of his 2023-24 recruiting class, MacEwan men’s volleyball head coach Brad Poplawski has found several players who bring that in spades.
Hailing from Victoria, B.C., Poplawski’s latest recruit Sawyer Wishlow packs a punch in his 6-foot-5 frame, bringing exactly what the Griffins need to bolster their outside hitter position next season.
“I think a big piece for us this year is our physicality – getting bigger and stronger,” said Poplawski. “I think he brings that. He’s a pretty physical player and I think a lot of its natural.
“I think he has a lot of really untapped potential and talent. He hasn’t played volleyball for a ton of time – he was a basketball guy who switched to volleyball, but he was on Team B.C. last summer. Even in a short period, he’s already played at a high level.”
The Oak Bay high school and Victoria Volleyball Club product helped his team win the Island championship and was named MVP in the process. He was also a 2023 B.C. provincial all-star.
He has played for Team B.C. at both the 18u and 16u levels.
“Watching him with Team B.C. in the summer, I was very impressed,” said Poplawski. “Big arm, good jump – just a lot of really good potential there.
“I think there’s a lot of raw talent there and some untapped potential,” he continued. “Even throughout club this year, I just saw him get better and better.”
Wishlow’s father previously played Canada West volleyball at UBC, so the sport runs in the family. Now it’s his turn to carve out a successful university career.
“I think he’s a good guy,” said Poplawski. “He meshed well with our team on his recruit visit. I think the guys are excited to have him. He checks a lot boxes.
“I think he’s another really good piece for us going forward that we’re really excited to work with. That Team B.C. experience for him was really good last summer. He’s coming in at a good level and we’re excited to work with him and help him develop through his years here at MacEwan.”