2024 ACAC Women's Soccer Players of The Year
Grande Prairie, AB (October 24, 2024) –
North Female Player of the Year | VANESSA PIETRAMALA | Concordia Thunder:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Vanessa Pietramala of the Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder has been selected as the 2024 ACAC Women’s Soccer North Player of the Year. This accolade adds to her impressive resume, which includes being honored as the 2023 CCAA Player of the Year and the 2023 ACAC Women’s Soccer North Player of the Year for her remarkable performance last season.
Throughout the 2024 season, Vanessa has continued to be a standout performer for the Thunder, making a significant impact on the field. In 12 games, she has recorded an impressive 14 goals and 8 assists, totaling 36 points and leading the team's offense with a solid .560 shot percentage. Her contributions helped propel the Thunder to an overall record of 11-0-1, showcasing their dominance in the league.
Notably, during a mid-week match against the Portage Voyageurs, she achieved her first hat trick of the week and added two assists. Her remarkable form continued as she scored another hat trick on Saturday, including an incredible Olimpico goal scored directly from a corner kick. In a thrilling rivalry match against the NAIT Ooks, Vanessa assisted the first goal and secured the victory with a decisive penalty kick in the 75th minute. Her ability to deliver in high-pressure situations underscores her role as a leader on and off the field for the Thunder squad.
Hailing from Edmonton, AB, Vanessa is currently a fourth-year Bachelor of Education student. Over her career with the Thunder, she has played in 42 games, starting 41 of them, and has amassed 30 goals and 35 assists for a total of 95 points. Her accuracy is evident in her .306 shot percentage and .908 shots on-goal percentage. She has recorded 7 game-winning goals and has converted 2 out of 3 penalty kicks.
“Vanessa’s dedication and skill on the field have been incredible this season,” says Nate MacLellan, Athletic Director at Concordia University of Edmonton. “She has been an exceptional student-athlete whose leadership has been instrumental in our team’s success. Year after year she continues to raise the bar for our women’s soccer program and it will be bittersweet to watch her complete her final year as a student-athlete.”
This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2024 ACAC Women’s Soccer Championship hosted by the NWP Wolves in Grande Prairie, Alberta.
The Player of the Year award is proudly sponsored by Alberta Soccer.
South Female Player of the Year | MEAGAN WIEBE | SAIT Trojans:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce Meagan Wiebe of the SAIT Trojans has been selected as the 2024 ACAC South Female Soccer Player of the Year.
Meagan Wiebe has established herself as an extraordinary student-athlete for the SAIT Trojans Women's Soccer team, serving as both captain and the program’s all-time leading scorer. Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, this fourth-year standout is currently at the top of the ACAC regular season points leaderboard with an impressive 38 points, comprised of 14 goals and 10 assists in just 12 games. Her exceptional performance has been pivotal in guiding the Trojans to a flawless 12-0-0 record this season, showcasing her consistent ability to impact matches both offensively and defensively. Wiebe’s leadership on the field is evident, as she not only sets the pace for her teammates but also inspires them to elevate their game to new heights.
“Meagan Wiebe has become the face of the Trojans. A multi-sport athlete, captain and advocate for our Health & Public Safety program, her successes at SAIT have positioned her teammates to achieve podium finishes alongside her. Beyond the goals, assists and victories, Meagan leads by example, puts her teammates first and has elevated the reputation of the Trojans as a whole. A person that never takes a day off, Meagan really does live our motto of ‘courage, determination and spirit’ as she fills the net and leads the way!” – SAIT Athletic Director, Wade Kolmel
Throughout her four years with the Trojans, Wiebe has been a dominant force in the ACAC, amassing remarkable statistics that reflect her skill, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to the sport. In her freshman year, she made an immediate impact with 27 points, quickly establishing herself as a rising star in the league. This was followed by 21 points in her sophomore season, where she continued to refine her game and develop her leadership skills. Her breakout third year saw her achieve a stunning 46 points, solidifying her status among the elite players in collegiate soccer. This year’s 38 points further cements her legacy as one of the most prolific scorers the league has ever seen. Wiebe’s numerous accolades include being named the 2023-24 Women’s Soccer South Player of the Year, the 2021-22 ACAC Overall Rookie of the Year, and the South Player of the Year in her debut season. Additionally, her recognition on the All-Conference teams twice underscores her remarkable contributions and talent. As she leads the Trojans this season, Wiebe’s passion for the game and her dedication to her teammates continue to shine, making her a true ambassador for the program and a role model for aspiring student athletes.
The Player of the Year award is proudly sponsored by Alberta Soccer.
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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, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
markk@acac.ab.ca
Kayla Beers, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
kaylab@acac.ab.ca