Ferguson named Division's top rookie

EDMONTON, ALTA., (Feb. 22, 2023) - The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Sophia Ferguson of the SAIT Trojans has been selected as the 2022-23 ACAC Women's Volleyball South Division Rookie of the Year. 

The first-year middle from Airdrie, Alta., did not wait long to make an impression on the league, recording nine kills, four blocks and three service aces in her team's 3-2 win over Lethbridge College on the season's opening night. From there, Ferguson continued to shine and would end up finishing second on her team in blocks (20), third in services aces (16) and fourth in kills (78) in just 14 games played.

"Coach Chantelle LaMotte had high expectations for Sophia coming in, and she was able to meet those this season despite missing time with an injury," said Wade Kolmel, SAIT's Director of Athletics and Recreation. "She plays the net aggressively and shows a fantastic awareness for the game while keeping a calm and positive demeanor. We look forward to seeing her grow as a Trojan and congratulate her on this well-deserved award."

Ferguson, a first-year Open Studies student at SAIT, joins Madison Hayley (2016-17) as the only Trojans volleyball players, male or female, to earn ACAC South Division Rookie of the Year honours since the award was first handed out in the 2005-06 season.

This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2023 ACAC Women's Volleyball Championship hosted by Red Deer Polytechnic in Red Deer, Alberta.

The Trojans men's volleyball team also took home some honours, as middle Filip Florek was named an ACAC South Division All-Conference selection for the second straight year.

Florek, from Poland, led his Trojans in kills (125) and blocks (37) this season.