Kodiaks women’s volleyball team signs versatile hitter Helen Machar

The Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks women's volleyball team signed Edmonton recruit Helen Machar to their roster for the upcoming season.

Machar is no stranger to the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), having been a redshirt with the SAIT Trojans during the 2023–24 season. She joins the Kodiaks as a pin hitter, bringing explosive power and energy with her.

"Helen's ACAC experience as a redshirt initially caught our interest," says head coach Anna Schwark "After a really positive experience meeting her for the first time, we knew she was someone with a good attitude and maturity we wanted to bring in to the team."

Machar says her recruiting process was easy thank to coach Schwark. Machar reached out to the Kodiaks coaching staff prior to the regular season games in Edmonton and she was able to talk to the coaches at the game. She was connected to Kodiaks second-year Trinity Walton (Criminal Justice - Policing, Warman, Sask.), who was able to provide insights on both the academic and athletic sides of being a student-athlete at Lethbridge Polytechnic. 

"I wanted to come play for the Kodiaks because I heard about the exceptional Criminal Justice program from my uncle who took it a few years back, and I finally felt ready again to get back into volleyball," Says Machar "I reached out to a few schools and decided to go with Lethbridge because of the supportive coaching staff and the bond between the current girls on the team."

Machar's age and ACAC experience bring a strong sense of maturity to the team. With the women's volleyball program welcoming a larger recruiting class, athletes like Machar will play a key role in leading younger players and helping them buy into the Kodiaks' competitive culture. 

"I am also really excited to come and make a difference not only in the game but also in the Kodiaks community as I believe that Anna and (assistant coach) Steve Ivan are truly building something great here!"