2026 ACAC Women's Volleyball Rookies of the Year
Edmonton, AB (February 26, 2026) –
NORTH WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, GILLIAN HEAD:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Gillian Head of the Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) Wolves has been selected as the 2026 ACAC Women’s Volleyball North Rookie of the Year.
In her first season with the Northwestern Polytechnic Wolves women’s volleyball program, Gillian Head quickly emerged as one of the conference’s most impactful newcomers, earning ACAC North Rookie of the Year honours. Head brought a competitive edge and steady production to the Wolves’ roster throughout the 2025-26 campaign, ranking among the league’s statistical leaders and becoming a key part of the team’s success. Her recognition reflects not just her individual growth but also her immediate contribution to the Wolves’ competitive performance in the ACAC North division.
Head finished the season among the conference’s top performers in setting, tallying 480 assists, which ranked her 4th overall in the ACAC. Her consistent facilitation helped drive the Wolves’ offensive rhythm throughout the 2025-26 campaign, demonstrating poise and precision in directing the team’s attack. Head’s assist production was a key factor in Northwestern Polytechnic’s competitive play across the North Division and was critical in tight matches where effective ball distribution made the difference.
In addition to her individual accolades, Head’s emergence reflects the ongoing growth of the Wolves’ women’s volleyball program, which competed in 19 matches this season as the squad worked to build momentum in the ACAC North. Head’s commitment, work ethic, and on-court leadership as a rookie have energized her teammates and set a strong foundation for her future with the Wolves.
Gillian Head is a first-year open study athlete from Grande Prairie, Alberta.
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2026 ACAC Women's Volleyball Championship hosted by the University of Alberta-Augustana Vikings in Camrose, Alberta.
SOUTH WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, CRYSTAL WEBBER:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Crystal Webber of the SAIT Trojans has been selected as the 2025-26 ACAC South Women’s Volleyball Rookie of the Year.
Crystal has made an immediate and lasting impression in her rookie season with the women’s volleyball team, quickly establishing herself as a dependable and composed presence in the backcourt. Crystal has been on the ACAC “Digs per Set Leaderboard” throughout the majority of first ACAC season, this reflects both her consistency and work ethic in the libero role. From the opening serve, she has shown a strong understanding of the game and an ability to perform under pressure, earning the trust of her teammates and coaching staff early
on.
Webber’s defensive awareness, quick reactions, and ability to read opposing hitters have been evident throughout the season. She has delivered several standout performances, including a high of 26 digs in one game, routinely extending rallies and creating opportunities for her team. Her calm demeanor and reliable ball control have helped stabilize the Trojans’ defense, while her communication and court presence have elevated the play of those around her.
Despite being in her first year, Webber has already grown into a leadership role on the court, setting the tone defensively and leading by example through her preparation and consistency. Her impactful rookie season has made her an integral part of the Trojans’ lineup and a player the team can rely on in key moments. Webber is a firstyear studentathlete from Edmonton, Alberta, in the Energy Asset Management program, balancing academic success with an impressive start to her collegiate volleyball career.
“Crystal has been an invaluable addition to the team this season. She made an immediate impact in the back row with her defensive prowess, averaging 3.51 digs per set. As the season progressed, she also honed her skills on serve receive, setting up the foundation of the teams offense. Along with the physical skills, Crystal was able to be a calming presence for everyone she played with. Crystals constant hard work made for an amazing first season, and the best is yet to come." – Coach Fauve Welsh
Crystal is a 1st year Libero from Edmonton, AB, currently in the Energy Asset Management program. This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2025-26 ACAC Women’s Volleyball Championship hosted by Augustana in Camrose, AB.
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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