2024 ACAC Golfers of The Year
Edmonton, AB (September 27, 2024) –
Male Golfer of the Year | MICHAEL VALK | Medicine Hat Rattlers:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Michael Valk of the Medicine Hat College Rattlers has been selected as the 2024 ACAC Male Golfer of the Year.
The defending champion solidified his reputation as a top competitor, winning both regional events and the ACAC Championship to claim the men's individual golf title. Michael was the only golfer to finish under par in both the first and second regionals, with impressive totals of -9 and -1, respectively. At the ACAC Championship, Michael's consistency shone through as he posted a -12 across three rounds, securing the individual gold. His contributions also helped his teams earn bronze in both the men's and mixed team competitions, capping off another stellar season.
Head Coach of Medicine Hat Rattlers Golf, Dillon Batsel, says, “Michael Valk has been by far the best Rattler’s golfer to ever pass through the program. In his two years with the team, he has won every ACAC tournament he has played in and added a silver medal at CCAA Nationals in 2023. He has led the Men’s and Mixed teams to bronze medals at this year’s provincial tournament and has served as a great mentor to everyone on the team. Going into Nationals this year Michael would love to have another opportunity to compete for the gold medal going into the final round. Following our season he already has several big amateur events he plans on playing in – so look for his name near the top of many leaderboards next summer! Michael was an absolute pleasure to have on the team for the last two seasons and will be greatly missed next year!”
Photo by Caitlin Purcell
Michael is originally from Medicine Hat, AB, and is in his second year of Power Engineering, in his last year of eligibility. In addition to his accomplishments in the ACAC, he has also achieved success outside of it, winning the 2020 Alberta Amateur Championships (69, 70, 65), tying for 3rd at the 2021 Glencoe Invitational (72, 72, 75), placing 6th at the 2023 B.C. Amateur (69, 68, 66, 76), winning the 2023 Victoria Day Classic (71, 68, 67) and the 2023 Davis Invitational (71, 68, 71), and low amateur at the 2024 Alberta Open.
Female Golfer of the Year | ELLA GIFFORD | Concordia Thunder:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is happy to announce that Ella Gifford of the Concordia Thunder has been named the 2024 ACAC Women’s Golfer of the Year for the third year in a row.
With tough weather conditions going into the North Regional, Ella battled her way to a third place finish, shooting a 94 on Day 1 and a 96 on Day 2. She improved her rankings in the South Regional, finishing in second place shooting an 83 Day 1 and a 79 on Day 2.
Ella's season has been one of hard work and incredible play, capped off by her best performance of the year at the ACAC Championships. After shooting 83 on Day 1, Gifford finished the day second overall. Ella kicked things into high gear shooting 77 on Day 2, pushing herself into first place. She continued her dominance on Day 3 shooting a 79 and winning the Women’s Individual category. Throughout the season she was challenged and persevered to continue her impressive run in ACAC golf. Gifford is the first golfer in ACAC history (male or female) to win Golfer of the Year three times as well as win the award three years in a row.
Photo by Caitlin Purcell
“Winning Female Golfer of the Year for the third consecutive year is an incredible achievement, reflecting Ella’s relentless work ethic and passion for the sport”, Director of Athletics & Recreation Nate MacLellan commented. “She consistently raises the bar, inspiring her teammates and our entire athletic community. We are proud to honor her talent and commitment as she continues to shine both on and off the course.
Ella is currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Science program at Concordia University of Edmonton.
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About the ACAC: The ACAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Alberta. Its mission is to provide competitive collegiate sport experiences, promote academic achievement and be a leader of sport development in Canada.
For more information on the ACAC, please visit our website: www.acac.ab.ca
For additional information, contact:
Mark Kosak, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
markk@acac.ab.ca
Kayla Beers, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
kaylab@acac.ab.ca
Nate MacLellan, Concordia University of Edmonton
Director, Athletics & Recreation
780-479-9322
nathaniel.maclellan@concordia.ab.ca
Terry Ballard, Medicine Hat College
Sports & Wellness Manager
403-529-4823
tballard@mhc.ab.ca