2025 ACAC Curling Rookies of The Year
Edmonton, AB (February 9, 2025) –
FEMALE CURLING ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, ANNAKA MIETTINEN:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce that Annaka Miettinen of the Lakeland College Rustlers has been selected as the 2025 ACAC Curling Female Rookie of the Year.
In her first season, Annaka served as the skip for the women’s team, leading them to their first playoff berth in years and a fourth-place finish at the ACAC Championship. The Lakeland coaching staff was most impressed by her positive demeanor and cheerful nature, which she complemented with strong shot-calling and playmaking.
Coach Lindsay Bertsch highlighted a pivotal moment in the season—Annaka’s performance in the team’s tiebreaker against Augustana at the second regional, which secured their postseason spot. The rookie skip delivered with an impressive 91 percent shooting accuracy.
“Her confidence was unmatched, and it filtered down to the rest of the team,” Bertsch said.
Hailing from Watrous, Saskatchewan, Annaka is in her first year at Lakeland College, studying Environmental Sciences.
This prestigious award was presented at the 2025 ACAC Curling Championship, hosted by the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings and Queens in Red Deer, Alberta.
MALE CURLING ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, BODIE DUKE:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is pleased to announce that Bodie Duke of the Lakeland College Rustlers has been selected as the 2025 ACAC Curling Male Rookie of the Year.
Hailing from Eastend, Saskatchewan, Duke quickly became a key contributor to the men’s team’s success, helping secure their second straight playoff berth and a fourth-place finish at the ACAC Championship. He also played a pivotal role as the skip for the mixed team, leading them to their first playoff appearance in years and another fourth-place finish.
Coach Lindsay Bertsch highlighted Duke’s dedication to the team, even as his position in the lineup shifted from third to second.
“In either position at either Regional, Bodie’s skill was a turning point for the team as a whole,” she said. “He’s also well-liked by all his teammates and kept the on-ice atmosphere light.”
Duke is in his first year at Lakeland College, studying Animal Science Technology.
This prestigious award was presented at the 2025 ACAC Curling Championship, hosted by the RDP Kings and Queens in Red Deer, Alberta.
– 30 –
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