Janelle Albert of the Fanshawe Falcons has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year.
She received the award at the 2019 CCAA Women’s Volleyball National Championship banquet, hosted by Niagara College in Welland, ON.
Albert led Fanshawe to a perfect 18-0 record and a first-place finish in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) West Division. The Falcons captured their first gold medal in 47 years at the OCAA Women’s Volleyball Provincial Championship, where Albert was named Player of the Match in the final as well as tournament Most Valuable Player.
“Janelle has had an exceptional season in the OCAA,” said Fred Batley, CCAA Women’s Volleyball Convenor. “She is a very talented, hardworking and focused individual who is an elite athlete and team player for Fanshawe.”
The Falcons captain led the OCAA with 4.8 points per set and 63 service aces. The second-year left side also ranked third in the conference with 3.38 kills per set.
Albert is a true servant leader who holds teammates accountable and helps to establish team norms that enhance cohesion and productivity. She pushes the team when needed and calms them when panic starts to set in.
She also challenges the coaching staff in a respectful manner and accepts and thrives on intellectual conversations about volleyball, both technically and tactically.
“Janelle is a truly elite teammate and student-athlete, she puts the team ahead of herself and leads by example when it comes to what is expected on the court,” said Sean Pellow, Fanshawe Falcons head coach. “She is talented, but she works extremely hard to improve her craft – the mental, physical, technical and tactical balance to her focus makes her one of the most focused, confident and talented players in our league.”
Albert volunteers as a coach with the Pakmen Volleyball Club, Woodstock Warriors Volleyball Club and Fanshawe Preseason Club Clinic. She is also a volunteer referee with local elementary schools.
CCAA Player of the Year recipients receive a customized ring provided by Jostens Canada, the Official Ring Supplier of the CCAA Championship Awards Banquet.
Other nominees for the CCAA Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year award were Karoline Tormena of the VIU Mariners (PACWEST), Rae Sigurdson of the Lakeland Rustlers (ACAC), Victoria Iannotti of the Cavaliers de Bois-de-Boulogne (RSEQ) and Madison Urquhart of the MSVU Mystics (ACAA).