Mikasa Achievement Awards

Last Updated: 23 August 2025

The Mikasa Achievement Awards are presented to athletes, coaches, referees and leaders who have made an outstanding contribution to volleyball in Alberta for the indoor club season and beach season. 

The 2025 Volleyball Alberta Annual Awards Ceremony, presented by Mikasa, will be held on Saturday, June 21 in Calgary.

Question? Contact Julie Noel, Coordinator, Membership Services, at info@volleyballalberta.ca

Indoor Athlete

An athlete in the 15U/16U and 17U/18U category who has shown a combination of performance, positive attitude, and leadership for his/her team both on and off the court. A total of 4 Indoor Athlete Awards will be presented:

•  1 athlete in the 15U/16U women’s division
•  1 athlete in the 17U/18U women’s division
•  1 athlete in the 15U/16U men’s division
•  1 athlete in the 17U/18U men’s division

* The 18U Mikasa Achievement Award winners will be awarded $500.

Coach (Performance)

A coach in the 16U, 17U or 18U category who has led their team to a consistently high level of performance during the season while modelling the principles of fair play and sportsmanship. A total of 2 Coach Awards will be presented:

• 1 Coach in the 16U, 17U or 18U women’s division
• 1 Coach in the 16U, 17U or 18U men’s division

Coach (Development)

A coach in the 12U-18U category who demonstrates they are a great role model and leader who teaches character and life lessons in addition to volleyball skills and tactics.  They go beyond expectations to ensure every athlete, and the team, reaches their full potential.  A total of 2 Coach Awards will be presented:

•  2 coaches will be considered from all divisions

Referee

Two referees as selected by the Volleyball Alberta Referees Association criteria.

•  1 Referee (Development) Award will be presented
•  1 Referee (Performance) Award will be presented

Service Excellence (formerly Volunteer Award)

An individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to Volleyball Alberta and/or their club throughout the season. This award recognizes those (referee, club administrator, indoor/beach coach, manager, or other contributing leader) who have gone above and beyond their expected role, making a meaningful and lasting impact on the volleyball community. Nominees should exemplify leadership, commitment, and exceptional service during the previous VA beach season (2024) or current indoor season (2025).

•  One Service Excellence Award will be presented

To read the full announcement, including the background on renaming the Volunteer Award to the Service Excellence Award, click here.

Beach Athlete

Two beach athletes as selected by the Volleyball Alberta Beach Program based on performance and their commitment to beach throughout the summer. A total of 2 Beach Athlete Awards will be presented:

•  1 youth beach athlete from the women’s division
•  1 youth beach athlete from the men’s division

Beach award recipients from the previous beach season will be invited to the annual awards ceremony that is typically held in the middle of the current beach season; the ceremony is typically held on the third Saturday in June. 

Prepare, Collect & Submit

Get ready to submit a nomination! Use this guide to gather the key details and ensure your submission meets the selection criteria.

Time frame for the 2025 VA Mikasa Achievement Awards:

  • April 12, the nomination form will open at 9:00am. (Saturday of the first Provincials weekend)
  • For the Athlete & Coach Performance Categories, we would like to receive their nominations within 3 days after their Provincials.
    • Please submit by April 16 for 15UG, 16UB, 18UG
    • Please submit by April 30 for 17UG
    • Please submit by May 5 for 15UB, 16UG, 17/18UB
  • All other categories can be submitted between April 12 – May 5.
  • May 5, final deadline. The nomination form will close at 11:59 pm. (Wednesday after the last Provincials weekend)
  • May 9-27 Nationals, For the Athlete and Coach Performance categories, additional information can be added to their nomination package (such as results, awards & recognitions from Nationals) by emailing info@volleyballalberta.ca up to 2 days after their Nationals.
  • May 30, Announce award recipients.
  • June 1, RSVP deadline.
  • June 21, 2025, Awards Ceremony.

Award Recipients

Beach Athlete of the Year (2024) Sarah Thompson & Aimee Layzell
Beach Athlete of the Year (2024) Mason Doering
16U Athlete of the Year Sadie DeSchipper
16U Athlete of the Year Charlie Bernardin
18U Athlete of the Year Brooke Fermaniuk
18U Athlete of the Year Silas Schalk
Development Coach of the Year Alyssa Rab
Development Coach of the Year Sherwaine Arthurs
Performance Coach of the Year Lori Kube
Performance Coach of the Year Kyle Hazlehurst
Service Excellence Award of the Year Corey Cowper
Referee of the Year (Development) Marianna Kornylo
Referee of the Year (Performance) Greg Hawthorn
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