Powerful German opposite Breitenbach set for a high-volume role with the Griffins
Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Bringing a powerful left-handed swing to the opposite position and a plethora of high-level experience in Germany, new Griffins men's volleyball recruit Fabian Breitenbach will be a rookie to watch in Canada West next season.
"Watching him play, he can carry a lot of offence," said Griffins head coach Brad Poplawski. "He's a 6-6 lefty with a big arm, big jump and checks all the boxes. I like how he plays. He has a very large toolkit – has lots of shots, scores in a lot of different ways.
"Not to put pressure on him, but I see him as being a high-volume guy for us, whether it's right off the bat or has to take some time. Eventually in our program, he'll be a very high-volume guy you need at this level – a guy who can hit a high ball and solve some problems for you.
"In the opposite position, you need a terminator, a guy who can put the ball away and he has the ability to do that, for sure."
Breitenbach is a product of ASV Botnang in Germany's third division, where he racked up six player of the match honours this past season. He began his volleyball journey with Giorgii Allianz Stuttgart, developing a strong foundation before stepping onto the national stage and earning bronze at the U20 German nationals.
"He's been playing against men since he was 16, 17," said Poplawski. "(In Europe), it's stage, not age, so you're playing where you're most suited to. He's been playing up. I think that brings a lot of experience because older guys just do things differently. They're a little more physical, so you have to learn how to play at that level and not just beat up on your peers.
"Obviously, he's new to Canada and Canada West, but his experience in Germany is a great prep ground for entering U SPORTS."
Poplawski can count on one hand the number of lefties he's had playing right side over his coaching career – (Ethan Nashim in 2021-22 and Lee Iverson 2012-17 are the most recent examples) – and it adds a little different dynamic to the attack.
"Your blocking angles change a little bit," he said. "Guys play enough against lefties, it's not super crazy, but there are certain advantages to being an opposite as a lefty because the ball's not crossing over your body, so it is easier to cut it off in front of you.
"There are some things you can do with your offence, with speed and different routes you can run that I'm excited to work with him on and see how he responds to it."
Breitenbach will have the added bonus of joining a MacEwan team that has a German coach – assistant bench boss Patrik Zimmermann – while others in the Griffins' family, such as German men's soccer veteran Jakob Sievert are ready to help him acclimate to Canada.
"I've watched him play a lot, Patrik has talked to his coach back home," said Poplawski. "They have very high expectations for him: come to Canada, get your degree, improve and then come back home and continue playing pro at a very high level.
"He's looking at this being a stepping stone to things and we want to help him get there and in the process he'll help our program in a big way. I'm just excited to get him here."
