Griffins shore up libero position with talented NAVC, St. Albert recruit Flindall
Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – After making an impact for the best 18U club team in Alberta – the NAVC Griffins – Solomon Flindall is taking the next step in his volleyball career by launching into a Canada West career with the MacEwan Griffins.
The libero out of St. Albert Catholic high school has a shot at carving out an immediate role with MacEwan in 2025-26.
"I know his club coach really well and he just raved about him," said Griffins head coach Brad Poplawski. "That was my impression when I got to know him as well – hard working, loves volleyball and comes from a good athletic family. His sister plays basketball for U of S and they just won nationals. Very athletic family.
"He's a guy who wanted to stay local and it worked out," he added. "We were looking for a libero. He just loves playing volleyball. Good athlete. Has to learn the nuances of the game at this level, but I think he has the ability to do that."
Flindall helped NAVC capture the U18 provincial club championship back in May, putting up good numbers as a left side.
Poplawski sees him fitting in more as a libero at the Canada West level and said he will have an opportunity to earn starts as a rookie.
"He'll be in the mix right from Day 1," said Poplawski. "He has a lot to learn at this level, but I like that he played on a top club team with athletes that are all going U SPORTS.
"He's a good athlete, reads the game well and gets a lot of enjoyment from playing."
Flindall's older sister Maya helped the Saskatchewan Huskies women's basketball team win two-straight Canada West championships and the U SPORTS title last season. She was a member of the 2022-23 Canada West All-Rookie team.
Additionally, his father Derek previously played basketball for the Brock Badgers.
