The Battle Begins: ACAC Women’s Basketball Season Opens with High Hopes and Higher Expectations
EDMONTON, AB - It was yet another thrilling season to be an ACAC basketball fan, as teams across the conference showcased incredible talent, grit, and determination from start to finish. Each matchup brought its own excitement — from nail-biting finishes to breakout performances that highlighted the depth of skill across the league. The passion and intensity on display made every game a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts. As the dust settles on last year’s action, teams are back in the gym, hungry to build on their momentum and make a statement in the upcoming season. With fresh talent joining returning stars, fans can expect another year packed with high-level competition, unforgettable moments, and the relentless pursuit of an ACAC Championship.
“It’s shaping up to be another exciting ACAC basketball season and I’m looking forward to seeing some of the best basketball in the country played right here in our conference” says Randy Stewart ACAC Basketball Convenor and Red Deer Polytechnic Athletics Director. “The depth and parity of competition across our conference has been impressive over the last few seasons and it's exciting to see our teams doing so well on the national stage.”
2024/25 SEASON RECAP
Women’s Basketball in the ACAC has continued to grow in skill, competition, and talent, and the 2024–25 season was a true testament to that progress. The King’s University Eagles (TKU) soared to the top of the regular season standings, earning the right to host the ACAC Championships. However, with their gym already in use for an outstanding hosting effort of the CCAA Badminton Nationals, the NAIT Ooks and TKU Eagles joined forces to deliver an exceptional 2025 ACAC Women’s Basketball Championship.
After a fiercely competitive regular season, eight teams earned their place in the Championship tournament — the TKU Eagles, St. Mary’s Lightning (STMU), NAIT Ooks, Red Deer Queens (RDP), Concordia Thunder (CUE), SAIT Trojans, Briercrest Clippers, and Keyano Huskies. With two coveted berths available for the CCAA Nationals, the SAIT Trojans and STMU Lightning rose to the occasion. The Trojans claimed the 2025 ACAC Championship title, securing their spot at Nationals and capping off an unforgettable season for women’s basketball across the conference.
2024/25 AWARD RECIPIENTS
North Coach of the Year:
Torey Hill - TKU
South Coach of the Year:
Steve Shoults - SAIT
North Rookie of the Year:
Dior Sellars - NAIT
South Rookie of the Year:
Halle Aleman - Lethbridge Kodiaks
North Player of the Year:
Aneilia Ayotte - TKU
South Player of the Year:
Maitlynn Miller - STMU
North Defensive Player of the Year:
Mackenzie Mrazik - UAA
South Defensive Player of the Year:
Maitlynn Miller - STMU
LOOKING AHEAD
The 2025–26 ACAC Women’s Basketball season is right around the corner, tipping off on October 16 with an exciting opening matchup between the STMU Lightning and the Northwestern Wolves. From the first whistle, every team will be hungry to make a statement, setting the tone early in pursuit of one shared goal — that coveted top spot in the standings come February. Securing first place means more than just bragging rights — it brings the reward of hosting the ACAC Championships and gaining that all-important home court advantage when it matters most.
After a thrilling 2024–25 campaign that saw the SAIT Trojans capture the ACAC Championship title, the question now looms: Can the Trojans repeat their championship run, or will a new contender emerge to claim the crown? With talent and competitiveness at an all-time high across the conference, fans can expect a season filled with highlight plays, close finishes, and unforgettable storylines.
The excitement extends beyond provincial borders, as the CCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship will be held in Montréal, Québec, hosted by Dawson College from March 18–21. As the top teams battle their way through the ACAC schedule, all eyes will be on who earns the right to represent ACAC on the national stage and compete for ultimate glory.
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
Emily Peterson, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Emilyp@acac.ab.ca
Twitter: @acac_sport | #ACACsport
Instagram: @acac_sport | #ACACsport
Facebook: Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference