ACAC Hall of Fame Athlete Inductee: Samantha Zacharias
HONOURED ATHLETE INDUCTEE
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Samantha Zacharias of the Briercrest Clippers as a 2024 inductee into the ACAC Hall of Fame in the Athlete category.
Sam Zacharias, a standout athlete from Briercrest College, left a lasting mark on the court during her four-year tenure in women’s volleyball. Her journey was not just about statistics, but about leadership, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.
In the competitive realm of collegiate volleyball, Sam's achievements speak volumes. Twice named the CCAA Player of the Year and a four-time CCAA All-Canadian, she consistently showcased her exceptional talent and skill. Her talents extended to the ACAC, where she earned the title of Female Athlete of the Year and Player of the Year for four consecutive seasons.
Sam's impact reverberated beyond individual accolades. She led her team to victory as an ACAC Champion and contributed to their historic achievement of securing the first-ever CCAA #1 national ranking. Her leadership was further highlighted by her role as team captain for three of her five seasons at Briercrest.
Awards/Distinctions/Records/Accomplishments:
CCAA:
- 2-time CCAA Player of the Year: (2014-15 & 2017-18)
- 4-time CCAA All-Canadian (2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18)
- All-star at CCAA Nationals (2016)
ACAC:
- ACAC Female Athlete of the Year (2016-17)
- 4-time ACAC Player of the Year (2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18)
- 4 seasons as ACAC All-Conference (2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18)
Records:
- All-time Career Leader Records in ACAC Kills (1385) and ACAC Aces (347)
- Set and still holds the single-season record for ACAC aces: 88 in the 2014-15 season
Accomplishments:
- ACAC Champion in 2015-16 (Sam was ACAC Championship Tournament MVP)
- ACAC Silver Medalist in 2017-18 (Sam was ACAC Championship Tournament All-Star)
- Contributed to Briercrest Women's Volleyball earning their first-ever CCAA #1 in Canada National Ranking in 2015-16
- Briercrest Female Athlete of the Year (2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18)
- ACAC & CCAA Athlete of the Week multiple times
Beyond the court, Sam's dedication to service and mentorship set her apart. She dedicated her summers to coaching at volleyball camps, investing in the development of young athletes. Her generous spirit extended internationally as she participated in cross-cultural trips to Costa Rica, using volleyball as a tool to uplift underprivileged communities.
Despite her numerous accomplishments, Sam remained grounded and humble, always prioritizing the well-being of her teammates. Her confidence was infectious, bringing out the best in those around her and fostering a sense of belonging within the team.
Sam Zacharias' legacy transcends statistics; it's a testament to the transformative power of leadership, selflessness, and unwavering dedication. Her impact continues to resonate, inspiring others to strive for greatness both on and off the court.
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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, ACAC
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
markk@acac.ab.ca
Kayla Blacquiere, ACAC
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
403-550-4466
kaylab@acac.ab.ca