2025 ACAC Women's Volleyball Rookies of The Year
Edmonton, AB (February 19, 2025) –
North Female Rookie of the Year | RACHEL MALLETT | NAIT Ooks:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Rachel Mallett of the NAIT Ooks has been selected as the 2024-2025 ACAC Women’s Volleyball North Rookie of the Year.
Rachel Mallett has had an incredible debut season with the NAIT Ooks. Playing in all 19 matches and 64 sets, Mallett has proven to be a dominant force on the court, making an immediate impact in her first year at the collegiate level.
Mallett has recorded an impressive 225 kills, averaging 3.52 kills per set, which ranks her third in the ACAC in kills per set. Her all-around contributions have been essential to the Ooks’ success, as she has amassed 273 total points, 38 service aces, and 179 digs, showcasing her versatility both offensively and defensively.
NAIT head coach Erminia Russo Thorpe praised Mallett’s performance and leadership, stating: "An outstanding athlete, Rachel has surpassed expectations in her first year. Strong in all areas of the game, at the net and in the back row. She has also brought a high level of competitiveness and intensity that has been key in leading the team."
Mallett’s remarkable rookie campaign has set the foundation for a promising collegiate career, the first-year from Edmonton, Alberta will undoubtedly continue to be a key player for the Ooks during the post-season.
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2025 ACAC Women’s Volleyball Championship hosted by the Augustana Vikings in Camrose, AB from February 20-22.
The Player of the Year award is proudly sponsored by Vereburn Medical Supplies.
South Female Rookie of the Year | MIA DELAQUIS | SAIT Trojans:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Mia Delaquis of the SAIT Trojans Women’s Volleyball has been selected as the 2024-2025 ACAC Women’s Volleyball South Rookie of the Year.
Delaquis has had an outstanding season, quickly becoming a standout player for the Trojans. Throughout the regular season, she tallied 108 kills, 91 digs, and 18 service aces. Her remarkable contributions on both offense and defense helped the Trojans secure a playoff berth for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Mia’s versatility and relentless work ethic have made her a key asset for the team, and she’s demonstrated the kind of leadership that elevates her teammates' performance.
“We are beyond excited for Mia to receive this well-deserved acknowledgement within the ACAC! She’s a quiet force—relentless in her work ethic and a leader by example. As a rookie, she’s only just getting started, and we can’t wait to see all she accomplishes in this league for years to come. Congratulations, Mia!” said Lauren Kucera, Manager of Athletics.
A native of Winnipeg, MB, Mia is studying Business Administration at SAIT. Prior to joining the Trojans, Mia was an accomplished player in the local volleyball scene, and her drive to improve both individually and as part of a team has set her up for even more success in the future.
With the South Rookie of the Year honour now under her belt, Mia Delaquis looks ahead to continued success on the court, as she and her teammates look to make a run going into ACAC Championships.
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2025 ACAC Women’s Volleyball Championship hosted by the Augustana Vikings in Camrose, AB from February 20-22.
The Player of the Year award is proudly sponsored by Vereburn Medical Supplies.
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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