(RDP Athletics/Supplied)

By RDP Athletics

Season outlook

Experienced lineup powers RDP Queens volleyball team in 2025-26

Oct 15, 2025 | 10:46 AM

With 13 returning student-athletes, the Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Queens volleyball team enters the 2025-26 season with a wealth of experience and a clear goal of building upon last year’s Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) bronze medal.

“The goal is to always put ourselves in a position to compete for a championship,” said Talbot Walton, head coach of the RDP Queens volleyball team. “While some key leaders graduated the past couple of years, we have student-athletes who are ready to step into leadership roles. The team’s overall leadership will come from a committee of Queens.”

Despite the departure of student-athletes such as Abby Lowe, All-Conference outside hitter Lauren Junck, and All-Conference libero Francesca Sandini, the Queens remain a formidable force. Their returning roster boasts depth and versatility across all positions.

Among the returning outside hitters are Sarah Mistol, Rhyen Hannett, Nadia McKeage, Riley Dand, Rachel Perry, Marin Walton and Julia Pedersen.

On the defensive end, libero Maddy DeZutter brings back her steady presence, while setters Reid Adams and Maria Brouwer return to orchestrate the offence.

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The middle blocker position is anchored by Raya Roesler, Jailyn Stouffer and Autumn Letwin (Roos), who earned All-Conference honours last season.

Coach Walton emphasized that success goes beyond the court.

“Besides winning as many games as possible, we want the student-athletes to be successful in their academics and experience continuous growth,” he explained.

To complement the returning talent, Walton has recruited three promising additions: libero Corey Hannett (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology), outside hitter Brooke Bergstrom (Open Studies) and six-foot middle blocker Lyla McKeage (Bachelor of Kinesiology).

These newcomers are already making their mark.

“We recruit with our thoughts about the future. These recruits will be important contributors to the success of the Queens moving forward,” said Walton. “We also recruit who will be an ideal fit on the team, not necessarily the best volleyball players. This year’s recruiting class is comprised of great human beings who play hard, have fun and care about the team.”

The integration of new players has been seamless, as evidenced by the team’s strong pre-season performance. The Queens won four out of five non-conference matches, showcasing early signs of cohesion.

“We have done a good job of serving and defending,” Walton noted. “Our offence is starting to find its identity of scoring from different zones.”

That momentum builds on last season’s success, when the Queens posted a 13–6 record, finishing second in the ACAC Women’s Volleyball South Division during the regular season and capturing bronze in the playoffs.

The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens will open the 2025-26 season against the NAIT Ooks in Edmonton on Friday, October 17.

“Our schedule starts out tough. NAIT has done a good job of recruiting. They have some key players back from last year,” Walton said. “Our success will be dependent on our serving, finding our offensive rhythm and being able to stay focused on what we need to do to earn our points.”

For more information about RDP Queens Volleyball, please visit: rdpolytechathletics.ca.