2026 ACAC Women's Basketball Players of the Year
Edmonton, AB (March 4, 2026) –
NORTH WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR, CHLOE SUTHERLAND DEKLERK:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Chloe Sutherland Deklerk of the Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder Women’s Basketball team has been selected as the 2026 ACAC North Women’s Basketball Player of the Year.
Sutherland Deklerk delivered a dominant and well-rounded season, leading the ACAC in both points per game (21.9) and total steals (105) while guiding the Thunder to an impressive 16-4 regular season record. Averaging 5.5 steals per game, she consistently disrupted opponents’ offensive flow and set the tone defensively, earning her recognition as the 2026 ACAC Defensive Player of the Year. Her relentless on-ball pressure, anticipation in passing lanes, and ability to convert turnovers into scoring opportunities made her one of the most impactful two-way players in the conference.
Offensively, Sutherland was equally elite. She shot 46.5% from the field and 84.8% from the free throw line, while adding 5.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. Playing over 32 minutes per contest, she proved to be the engine behind Concordia’s success, combining scoring efficiency with defensive intensity. Her efforts also earned her ACAC All-Conference honours, capping off one of the most complete individual seasons in the league.
Now in her third year and pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree, she has continued to elevate her game each season. Her work ethic, leadership, and commitment to both ends of the floor have established her as one of the premier players in the ACAC and a cornerstone of the Thunder program.
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2026 ACAC Women’s Basketball Championship hosted by the Briercrest Clippers in Caronport, beginning March 5th.
SOUTH WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR, KENDAL RUSSELL:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce that Kendall Russell of the St. Mary’s University Lightning Women’s Basketball team has been selected as the 2026 ACAC South Division Women’s Basketball Player of the Year.
Russell delivered an outstanding 2025-26 campaign, emerging as one of the most complete players in the conference. The fifth-year guard averaged 18.1 points per game — third best in the ACAC — while finishing second overall in total points with 380. Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor was equally evident defensively, as she recorded 75 steals on the season, the second-highest total in the conference.
A consistent offensive force, Russell recorded two 32-point performances this season — and another 12 20+ point games — elevating her play particularly in key matchups. Resulted in the Lightning’s 11th straight playoff appearance in women’s basketball. She also contributed 2.2 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game, helping guide the Lightning to a 13–8 record and a third-place finish in the highly competitive ACAC South Division.
This season also marked significant career milestones for Russell, as she surpassed 850 career points and 150 career three-pointers, solidifying her place among the most productive players in program history. After earning Second Team All-Conference honours last season, Russell elevated her game once again to earn the conference’s highest individual recognition.
“Kendall is one of the most competitive and passionate athletes I have ever coached,” said Lightning Head Coach Abdell Farag. “She balances playing with a chip on her shoulder and a childlike joy for the game. Her work ethic, intensity, and love for competition set the tone for our program every day.”
Originally from Strathmore, Alberta, Russell is in her fifth year of eligibility and is pursuing a degree in Psychology at St. Mary’s University. Throughout her career, she has been a cornerstone of the Lightning program, combining consistent scoring production with defensive tenacity and leadership by example.
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2025 ACAC Women’s Basketball Championship hosted by Briercrest College in Caronport, Saskatchewan.
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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