With 13 returning players, the Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Queens Volleyball team is entering the 2025–26 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) season with confidence and experience.
“The goal is to always put ourselves in a position to compete for a championship,” said Head Coach Talbot Walton. “While some key leaders graduated, we have student-athletes ready to step into leadership roles.”
The Queens are looking to build on last season’s success, where they finished second in the ACAC South Division with a 13–6 record and earned the bronze medal in the playoffs.
Despite graduating standout players like Lauren Junck, Francesca Sandini, and Abby Lowe, the Queens return a deep lineup. Key returnees include outside hitters Sarah Mistol, Rhyen Hannett, and Nadia McKeage, along with libero Maddy DeZutter, setters Reid Adams and Maria Brouwer, and middle blocker Autumn Letwin (Roos), who earned All-Conference honours last season.
Walton has also added three new faces: libero Corey Hannett, outside hitter Brooke Bergstrom, and six-foot middle blocker Lyla McKeage.
“These recruits will be important contributors moving forward,” said Walton. “We also recruit for character — people who play hard, have fun, and care about the team.”
The Queens’ pre-season results suggest they’re ready to compete, winning four of five non-conference matches while showcasing strong defence and balanced scoring.
“We’ve done a good job of serving and defending,” Walton said. “Our offence is starting to find its identity.”
The RDP Queens open their regular season Friday, October 17, against the NAIT Ooks in Edmonton.
**With information from RDP Athletics
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