Sparks recognized as ACAC Women’s Curling Rookie of the Year

Kaily Sparks of the Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) Queens has been selected as the 2026 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) Women's Curling Rookie of the Year.

In her debut season, Kaily Sparks has made an immediate impact on the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens and the broader ACAC Curling landscape.

"For Kaily to step into the skip position as a first-year student-athlete, lead her team to an ACAC silver medal and earn Rookie of the Year honours speaks volumes about her poise, competitiveness and leadership," says Randy Stewart, Manager, Athletics and Student Life, Red Deer Polytechnic. "We are incredibly proud of what she has accomplished and we look forward to following her progress at nationals."

Sparks helped lead the RDP Queens to a 6-6 combined record at both ACAC Tournament #1 and #2. Then at the ACAC Championships, Sparks, a Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies student, and her teammates elevated their play to earn silver. At the championships, the Queens earned hard-fought victories over the Portage College Voyageurs 7-6 and the SAIT Trojans 6-4 in the semi-final. In a tightly contested gold medal match, the Concordia University Thunder edged the Queens 4-3.

Hailing from Sexsmith, Alberta, Sparks has played a pivotal role in formulating the Queens' strategy throughout the season. Her calm presence, sharp decision-making and ability to deliver clutch shots under pressure were instrumental in securing ACAC hardware and punching the team's ticket to nationals.

Sparks and the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens will vie for a medal at the 2026 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Curling Canada College Championships held in Regina from February 17-21.