Dynamic Slovakian outside hitter Hodánová headlines deep Griffins recruiting class
Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – With an opportunity to make an immediate impact in Canada West, promising Slovakian outside hitter Bára Hodánová is bringing her talents to the MacEwan Griffins women's volleyball team in 2025-26.
The first of 11 new additions in head coach Chris Wandler's 2025-26 recruiting class was announced in February on the Griffins women's volleyball Instagram account. She will be the first international player the Griffins have featured on the roster in seven years.
Hodánová is a dynamic presence at the net, who will bring, physicality, versatility and a strong work ethic to the Griffins as she pursues a Science degree.
"I just like the player herself," said Wandler. "That's what first intrigued me – her skill-set, her physicality. She's been at basically a volleyball sports school since she was 15. Now, she's 18 turning 19. So, her experience and depth of training will be huge for us.
"What also interested me is the fact that she wanted to continue her studies right out of Grade 12. She's not one of these European athletes who've played a little bit of pro and then come over to U SPORTS. She's right out of Grade 12. That really intrigued us from a standpoint she's the same age as the other recruits."
Hodánová hails from Bratislava, Slovakia where she played for Projekt RD SVF – SSS Volejbal Nitra and is part of the Slovakian National Team pathway, with aspirations to represent her country on the international stage.
At 6-foot-1, she figures to be a massive presence for the Griffins on the right side. It just so happens they have an opening at that spot following a bunch of turnover on the roster.
"She will definitely have that opportunity," said Wandler of the open starting position. "On one of the pins, we're still looking for someone to fill in, especially on the opposite, the right side. Maybe she fits in there. After Kara (Frith) and Arden (Butler) graduate, there might be a fit on the other pin.
"Her future is extremely bright."
