2026 ACAC Women's Basketball Coaches of the Year
Edmonton, AB (March 4, 2026) –
NORTH WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH OF THE YEAR, KIERA LYONS:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is proud to announce Kiera Lyons of the NAIT Ooks has been named the 2026 ACAC North Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year.
Lyons guided the Ooks to an exceptional regular season, finishing with a 17–3 record and securing second place in the ACAC North Division. The team closed out the season on a strong note, winning nine of their final ten games, including a five-game winning streak to conclude regular season play. With a .850 winning percentage and 1,498 points scored, the Ooks re-established themselves as one of the premier programs in the conference.
Dominant on their home court, NAIT posted a perfect 10–0 record in front of their fans this season, creating one of the toughest home environments in the ACAC. Under Lyons’ leadership, the program has continued to trend upward, with multiple student-athletes reaching and surpassing program records over the past several seasons which is a reflection of the high standards and competitive culture she has instilled within the team.
“Kiera's hard work and determination have resulted in getting the NAIT women's basketball team back to the top of the ACAC standings,” said Jordan Richey, Director of NAIT Athletics and Recreation. “She expects a lot out of her players and is able to get the players' best effort every game. NAIT Athletics would like to congratulate Kiera on this special award.”
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2026 ACAC Women’s Basketball Championship hosted by Briercrest in Caronport, Saskatchewan.
SOUTH WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH OF THE YEAR, STEVE SHOULTS:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is proud to announce Steve Shoults of the SAIT Trojans has been named the 2026 ACAC South Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year.
Steve Shoults, head coach of the SAIT Trojans women’s basketball team, has had an outstanding season that showed consistency, resilience, and competitive excellence. In his second season leading the Trojans, Shoults guided the team to a 14–7 record, finishing first in the South Division and closing out the regular season on an impressive eight‑game winning streak.
Under Shoults’ leadership, the Trojans demonstrated steady growth throughout the year, particularly in the second semester where the team suffered just one regular season loss, reflecting their discipline and ability to perform at a high level when it mattered most. His approach emphasized accountability, preparation, and trust, allowing the group to build momentum and confidence as the season progressed. The team’s strong finish was a direct result of Shoults’ ability to adapt, motivate, and bring out the best in his roster.
Shoults’ has an already impressive tenure with the program, after leading the Trojans to a 2024–25 ACAC Championship and receiving the 2024-25 South Women’s Basketball Coach of the year in his first season at the helm with the Trojans. His passion for the game, commitment to player development, and resilience in navigating challenges have set a strong foundation for continued success. In just two seasons, Shoults has firmly established a winning culture and a standard of excellence within the Trojans women’s basketball program.
“Steve brings a level of passion and preparedness to the court that has positioned the Trojans to succeed within a very competitive ACAC. Having his peers select him for such a prestigious award is indicative of the respect and impact he has generated during his time with Trojans.” – Wade Komel, Athletic Director
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2026 ACAC Women’s Basketball Championship hosted by the Briercrest Clippers in Caronport, SK.
– 30 –
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