Abby Guezen, a standout student-athlete from the University of Alberta, has solidified her status in Canadian university sports by winning the prestigious 2026 Lois and Doug Mitchell U SPORTS Athlete of the Year Award. This recognition caps off a remarkable 2025-26 season where she led her team to both Canada West and U SPORTS championships and earned Player of the Year honors at both the conference and national levels. Guezen, who will soon embark on a professional volleyball career in Italy, reflects on her journey from a casual player in Grade 7 to an international competitor with Team Canada.

By the Numbers
  • Guezen was named the 2026 U SPORTS Women's Volleyball Player of the Year.
  • This is only the second time in 33 years that athletes from the same institution have won both national honors.
State of Play
  • Guezen led the Alberta Pandas to a national championship, marking a significant achievement in her final collegiate season.
  • She is currently in training with the Canadian national volleyball team, preparing for her upcoming professional career in Italy.
What's Next

As she heads to Italy to begin her professional volleyball career, Guezen aims to continue representing Canada on the international stage, signaling a bright future for her athletic pursuits.

Bottom Line

Abby Guezen's ascent in volleyball exemplifies the dedication and support within her community and her university program. Her journey underscores the potential pathways for aspiring athletes in Canadian sports, highlighting the importance of family and teamwork in achieving greatness.