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. Explore the Award criteria and Submission Guide, below – and be sure to submit your nominations!
Nominations open April 11, 2026 at 9:00 AM MT.
The 2026 edition of the Awards Banquet is scheduled to be held in Edmonton on Saturday, June 27, 2026
Questions? Please email: info@volleyballalberta.ca
Award Criteria
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 girl’s division
• 1 athlete in the 17U/18U girl’s division
• 1 athlete in the 15U/16U boy’s division
• 1 athlete in the 17U/18U boy’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 girl’s division
• 1 Coach in the 16U, 17U or 18U boy’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
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 (2025) or current indoor season (2026).
• One Service Excellence Award will be presented
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 girl’s division
• 1 youth beach athlete from the boy’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.
Submit a Nomination
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 2026 VA Mikasa Achievement Awards:
- April 11: Nomination form will open at 9:00 AM MT
- For the Athlete & Coach Performance Categories, we would like to receive their nominations within three (3) days after their Provincials.
- 17UG – please submit by April 29
- 15UB, 16UG, 17UB, 18UB – please submit by May 6
- 15UG, 16UB, 17UG, 18UG – please submit by May 13*
- All other categories may be submitted between April 11 – May 13.
- *May 13: final deadline – Nomination form will close at 11:59 PM MT
- May 1 – 31 Volleyball Canada 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 two (2) days after the nominee’s Nationals.
- June 3: VA Announces award recipients.
- June 10: Banquet RSVP deadline
- June 27: Awards Ceremony & Banquet – Edmonton, AB
Past Award Recipients
2025 Mikasa 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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