2024-2025 ACAC Overall Coaching Excellence Award
Edmonton, AB (April 9, 2025) –
ACAC OVERALL COACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD, AUSTIN DYER:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is proud to announce that Austin Dyer of the Lakeland Rustlers has been named the recipient of the 2024-2025 ACAC Overall Coaching Excellence Award.
“Austin has dedicated countless hours to building the women’s volleyball program into what it is today,” said Rogan, ACAC Executive Director. “It’s rewarding to see his efforts being recognized on this stage.”
Under Coach Dyer’s leadership, the Rustlers have had one of the most dominant seasons in ACAC history. Over the past eight months, they’ve been as impressive as any women’s program in ACAC history. The team went undefeated in exhibition play, defeating multiple U-Sports schools, and followed that with a perfect 19-0 regular season — losing just one set along the way. They then went on to win all six of their playoff matches, securing Lakeland’s first-ever undefeated season and the second in school history. In total, the Rustlers finished with a 25-0 record, including an impressive 75-4 in sets.
Jenay Varga, one of three graduating seniors and the last remaining member of the pre-COVID era of the program, reflected on the impact Coach Dyer has had on the team.
“The amount of time and effort Austin puts into our program has led us to being as successful as we are,” Varga said.
Coach Dyer’s influence extends far beyond the court. His teams have raised hundreds of pounds in food bank donations, provided coaching for youth volleyball programs, and many of his players serve as coaches within the Rustlers Volleyball Club. His teams are also top academic achievers, consistently maintaining a team GPA above 3.4.
“Austin is the type of coach who doesn’t just develop you as an athlete but cares about you as a person and actively helps you grow in all areas of your life,” Varga added. “This is just a small part of what he’s done for me.”
As the longest-standing head coach at Lakeland, Coach Dyer is a fully certified NCCP Level 3 Performance and Advanced Developmental coach. He holds degrees in Kinesiology and Education, as well as a Master of Education in Coaching Studies. This marks his 17th year leading the Rustlers Women’s Volleyball Program, during which time his teams have qualified for the ACAC Championship every season.
Congratulations, Coach Dyer, on this well-deserved recognition for your exceptional leadership and dedication to your athletes and the Lakeland community!
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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