2026 ACAC Women's Basketball Defensive Players of the Year
Edmonton, AB (March 4, 2026) –
NORTH WOMEN'S BASKETBALL DEFENSIVE 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 Defensive 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 DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR, AVA KEARL:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Ava Kearl of the SAIT Trojans has been selected as the 2026 ACAC South Women’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Year.
After delivering an outstanding season defined by relentless effort, toughness, and heart, this award couldn’t be more well-deserved. Despite being a small guard, Kearl has proven to be a powerful defensive presence, consistently impacting games through her intensity and willingness to compete on every possession. Her energy and determination have set the tone for her team each time she steps on the floor.
Kearl’s defensive impact is reflected clearly in the numbers, finishing the regular season with 75 steals, demonstrating her anticipation, quick hands, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. She also recorded 47 total rebounds, including 30 defensive rebounds, showing her commitment to doing the hard work on both ends of the court. Whether pressuring the ball, jumping passing lanes, or battling for rebounds, Kearl has given her full effort every minute she has played.
Beyond the statistics, Kearl’s influence has been felt through her leadership, competitiveness, and willingness to sacrifice for her team. She plays with visible passion and resilience, embodying a “small but mighty” mentality that has inspired teammates and frustrated opponents throughout the season. Her Defensive Player of the Year recognition is a well‑earned reflection of the heart, grit, and consistency she brings to the game.
“She has established herself as one of the premier defensive forces in the ACAC. Known for her relentless on-ball pressure, quick hands, and basketball IQ, Kearl’s defensive impact goes well beyond the stat sheet.” - Coach Steve Shoults
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2026 ACAC Women’s Basketball Championship hosted by SAIT in Caronport, SK.
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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