Shimoda has individual assists mark in sight, but is team-first for a Griffins squad trying to make playoffs
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T |
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25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
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21 | 9 | 23 | 0 |
Team Stats
Thompson Rivers
| Game Statistics | Thompson Rivers | MacEwan University |
|---|---|---|
| Hitting % | .330 | .103 |
| Blocks | 8.0 | 5.0 |
| Digs | 38 | 30 |
| Aces | 5 | 0 |
Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – It was a special night during the 2024-25 season when Payton Shimoda broke the program's all-time assists record.
On Feb. 7, 2025, during a 3-1 loss to Manitoba in Winnipeg, Shimoda earned her 2,011th assist, passing Claire McLoughlin for the program mark.
Now, she has the Canada West top-10 all-time in sight. After netting 83 assists during the Griffins' season-opening split at Calgary to reach 2,227 for her career, the Griffins' starting setter is just 714 away from joining a very exclusive list.
"I saw that. I would have had no idea," she said of last week's story that mentioned the possibility of reaching 10th, currently at 2,941 shared by Trinity Western's Nikki Cornall (2013-17) and Mount Royal's Quinn Pelland (2017-23). "I thought that was exciting. It's nice to know I'm on pace for something that's kind of in the background.
"Looking at our first weekend, it's encouraging team-wise to see how we're doing. This is a cool category because it's fully reliant on your other players. It is kind of like a team stat, if that makes sense."
And that sums up Shimoda in a nutshell – completely all about the team. The Griffins' returning floor captain will lead them into their home-opening weekend vs. Thompson Rivers on Friday (5 p.m.) and Saturday (3 p.m., both David Atkinson Gym, Canada West TV).
"First and foremost, she leads by example," said Griffins head coach Chris Wandler. "Her work ethic is unmatched by anybody, on and off the court.
"Her knowledge of the game, the IQ level of her position is really immense. She brings all those leadership aspects you would want from your setter."
Shimoda is part of a core veteran group of five returning starters, which is key with 11 newcomers on the roster.
"I think being a fifth-year starter, it's kind of a little bit of a legacy moment because I'm not sure if there have been any other five-year starters in her position," said Wandler. "For her, she could be the first. That by itself is very impressive. Number one, you've got to stay healthy. It's a testament to her perseverance, working through multiple teammates and coaches, as well.
"She's super adaptable, but then she's very adamant regarding how she wants her teammates to work, to carry themselves, just to be a Griffin."
Kara Frith is currently second in Canada West in kills/set after averaging 3.67 against Calgary (David Moll photo).
Shimoda shares the leadership mantle with fellow fifth-year senior Kara Frith, who had a tremendous opening weekend with 33 kills against Calgary. She's currently second in Canada West, averaging 3.67 kills/set.
"Within our leadership group, we're all different and able to do different tasks very well," said Shimoda. "I feel like I'm the captain, but Kara and I are pretty much co-captains. To be able to spread the load and bounce ideas off her has been a super good thing for me."
Shimoda loves the energy the whole team is exuding right now.
"I think it's really positive," she said. "Our team energy off the court and on the bench is so strong. Having people like Chloe (Penz) and Anna (von Krosigk) come in to serve, we're really excited to have them on the court. It's a fun thing for us starters. Our bench just contributes so much energy and joy.
"I feel like this team, compared to any other team I've played on in my four years is the most like cohesive on a full scale."
It will be important for the Griffins to get off to a strong start as they face some of the top teams in the conference in the second semester.
"I think it was really good to start with Calgary because it built some confidence that we can be successful," said Shimoda. "We have to take advantage of this semester because (our schedule) is really back heavy, so taking advantage of opportunities early on is important."
