2026 ACAC Women's Basketball Rookies of the Year
Edmonton, AB (March 4, 2026) –
NORTH WOMEN'S BASKETBALL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, RAYA PLOUFFE:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Raya Plouffe of The Kings University Eagles Women’s Basketball team has been selected as the 2026 ACAC North Women’s Basketball Rookie of the Year.
Raya Plouffe has stepped into this season and immediately provided our team with valuable depth on both ends of the floor. Competing on a veteran roster, she has embraced her role and continues to make an impact, averaging 15 minutes per game. Whether it’s contributing defensively, moving the ball offensively, or bringing energy off the bench, Raya consistently finds ways to help our team succeed.
What stands out most about Raya is her relentless work ethic. She is constantly looking for ways to improve her game, putting in the extra time and effort to develop her skills and elevate her performance. She listens, applies feedback, and approaches every practice and game with purpose. Her coachability and commitment to growth make her someone you can rely on in any moment.
Raya is the type of player every team values. She does what the coaches ask without hesitation and competes until the final buzzer. Her determination, resilience, and team-first mentality set her apart. No matter the situation, she stays composed and ready to step up when called upon.
A graduate of Salisbury Composite High in Sherwood Park, AB, Raya has carried her strong foundation into the next level both academically and athletically. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a major in Kinesiology and Biology, balancing the demands of her studies with the commitment required to compete at a high level in basketball.
“Raya’s passion for the game and her drive to continually improve make her future in basketball exciting to watch. I have no doubt that her dedication and perseverance will continue to open doors for her, and I look forward to seeing where her path leads and celebrating the success that lies ahead at The King’s University.”
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2026 ACAC Women’s Basketball Championship hosted by Briercrest College in Caronport, Saskatchewan.
SOUTH WOMEN'S BASKETBALL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, SUMMER LONG:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Summer Long of the Lethbridge Polytechnic Kodiaks has been selected as the 2026 ACAC South Division Women’s Basketball Rookie of the Year.
Selected as the CCAA student athlete of week along with being chosen as the Kodiaks Student Athlete of the week throughout the season along with ranking in the Top 5 of league scoring and Top 6 in rebounding has made for an outstanding first year for Summer. Long was also voted an All Conference First team south player. Long has proven she is a team player.
“Summer has been able to "come out of her shell" as a rookie forward,” says Kodiaks Head Coach Ken McMurray. “She is a tremendous athlete with jumping ability and sprinter speed. One of our best options is when Summer grabs a defensive rebound and busts out to start a one man fast break - it is difficult for the opposition to beat her down the court.”
“What an incredible honor for Summer to make such an immediate impact with her team and in the league as a first year athlete,” says Todd Caughlin, Kodiaks Athletics Director. “We are proud of Summer earning such a distinguished honor right out of high school.
Long is from Raymond, Alberta and is a first year student athlete enrolled in General Arts and Sciences.
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2026 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