2026 ACAC Badminton Rookies of The Year
Edmonton, AB (February 20, 2026) –
FEMALE BADMINTON ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, NANA AMNUKKITTIKUL :
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Nana Amnukkittikul of the SAIT Trojans Badminton team has been selected as the 2026 ACAC Women’s Badminton Rookie of the Year.
Nana delivered a standout first season by establishing herself as a composed and strategic competitor showcasing her consistency, versatility, competitive poise and her ability to make an immediate impact in both singles and doubles play. In Women’s Singles, she consistently proved herself against strong competition, earning second‑place finishes at both tournaments she competed in. Her steady performances and tactical awareness allowed her to control rallies and remain competitive in high‑pressure matches, demonstrating a level of poise rarely seen in first‑year athletes.
What truly distinguished Nana’s rookie season was her effectiveness in doubles competition and her ability to build strong on‑court partnerships. She captured a first‑place finish in Women’s Doubles and followed it with a second‑place finish in Mixed Doubles, showcasing her adaptability, communication skills, and understanding of team dynamics. Nana’s ability to adjust her role depending on her partner and situation made her a dependable presence and a key contributor to the team’s overall success.
Off the court, Nana is known for her calm demeanor, focus, and professionalism. She approaches each practice with intention, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn, consistently applying feedback to her performance. Her positive attitude and steady presence contribute to a supportive team environment, and her Rookie of the Year honor reflects not only her competitive results, but also her maturity, composure, and strong foundation for continued growth within the program.
“A high-velocity force on the court who views every rally as a runway for her next attack; she doesn't just play for the win—she smashes through the ceiling with an unbreakable 'can-do' spirit.” -Coach Austin Liaw
Nana is a first year Collegiate Badminton Player from Thailand. She’s enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration program.
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2026 ACAC Badminton Championship hosted by The King’s University Eagles in Edmonton, Alberta.
MALE BADMINTON ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, MONO SUTTINON:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Mono Suttinon of the SAIT Trojans Badminton team has been selected as the 2026 ACAC Men’s Badminton Rookie of the Year.
Mono made an immediate and impressive impact in his first season of collegiate badminton, showing his work ethic through exceptional consistency and high‑level performances across multiple tournaments. Competing in Men’s Singles throughout the season, Mono demonstrated remarkable composure and technical skill, finishing second overall in three consecutive tournaments. His ability to maintain this level of performance against experienced opponents speaks to both his competitive maturity and his readiness for the collegiate level. In addition to his singles success, Mono showcased his versatility by competing in doubles events, earning a first‑place finish in Mixed Doubles, a sixth‑place finish in Mixed Doubles, and a third‑place finish in Men’s Doubles over the course of the season. These tournaments really showcased his leadership skills through the highs and lows of the season with his teammates.
What set Mono apart as a rookie was not only his results, but his adaptability and willingness to contribute wherever needed. Competing successfully across singles, mixed doubles, and men’s doubles, he consistently adjusted his play style to support his partner and the team’s overall strategy. His calm demeanor in high‑pressure matches and his ability to execute with confidence made him a reliable competitor in key moments, and his presence strengthened the team’s competitive depth throughout the season.
Beyond the court, Mono is recognized for his disciplined work ethic and commitment to improvement. He approaches training with focus and professionalism, remains highly coachable, and consistently strives to elevate his performance. His team‑first mindset and dedication have made him a valued member of the program, and his Rookie of the Year recognition reflects both his immediate success and his strong potential for continued growth within collegiate badminton.
“A master of the rally who moves with a fluid, rhythmic grace, dictating the pace of every point while masking a warrior’s grit beneath a seamless exterior.” – Coach Austin Liaw
Mono is a first year Collegiate Badminton Player from Thailand. He’s enrolled in the Avionics Technology program.
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2026 ACAC Badminton Championship hosted by The King’s University Eagles in Edmonton, Alberta.
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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
Emily Peterson, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
emilyp@acac.ab.ca
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