2024-25 Volleyball Season Recap
2024-25 was a year of growth and success for both Lions Volleyball teams. With two all-conference selections and an ACAC Rookie of the Year title, the future is bright.
Women's Volleyball
The Ambrose Lions Women’s Volleyball continued their tradition of success this year, after making it to their eighth consecutive ACAC championship. It was truly a grit and determination under Jarvis Karchewski in his first year as the Lions head coach.
"I felt this season truly embodied a growth mindset. The girl's buckled down and bought in fully to our new systems, trusting in the process,” said Karchewski. “That will and drive showed the strength of their character, which allowed us to find the success we did to earn our spot into Provincials."
Despite their success, the journey to provincials was not an easy one. The tried-and-true women’s volleyball team started with a slow start, ending the first semester 3-6. Their final 
weekend in November saw battles against TKU Eagles (a 5-set success) and the NWP Wolves. These two games would catapult the squad forward into an incredible 10 game win-streak, including sweeps against rivals Briercrest and SAIT.
From there, the team climbed their way to a National Ranking, peaking at #7 in Canada. The success continued with four career milestones by team members: Gracee Fehr with 100 blocks, Elise Wagner with 500 kills, Brooklyn Deol with 100 blocks and Christina Bett with 500 digs.
Bett split time with Emilie Pregal this season, as the duo was unstoppable as liberos. Both athletes excelled in the roles they had this year, with Bett commanding and driving success on the serve receive and Pregal with her tenacious defense.
To cap off the year, Deol and Wagner were both honoured at the 2025 ACAC Women’s Volleyball Championship banquet with All-Conference team selections! Deol was named to the Middle Blocker All-Conference team while Wagner made her second consecutive Outside Hitter All-Conference team.
Wagner’s all-around stability is something that could not be understated. She performed consistently day in and out on passing, defense and offense to help be a rock for the team this season. Deol led with her adaptability on offense and her ability to seal blocks that funneled an easier ball for the Lions to transition to offense.
"What I'm looking forward to in the 2025-26 season is just how much more we can evolve our gameplay. Being able to build off the foundation we made last year to see just how much further we as a team can go and can accomplish," said Karchewski.
Season Summary
Record: 12-7
Sets Won: 40
Sets Lost: 28
Kills leader: Elise Wagner (187)
Digs leader: Elise Wagner (160)
Assists leader: Jillian Bieraugle (318)
Blocks leader: Brooklyn Deol (35)
Ace leader: Elise Wagner (27)
Points leader: Elise Wagner (223)
Men's Volleyball
“It was amazing to watch the team’s growth, especially with the emergence of key players who are starting to step up, filling important roles and contributing to both our offensive and defensive,” said Head Coach, Jose Caceres.
Despite the challenges thrown at the Lions, the team was able to progress as individuals and learn the importance of team cohesion.
Stepping into the second semester, Ambrose was able to claim a victory against the Briercrest College Clippers with a 3-0 sweep. Aside from starting 2025 on a high note, this was a chance to showcase the talent that resides on the Lion squad and the team play they are capable of moving forward.
Ben Farley, a first year recruit out of Perth, Australia, came to Calgary and made an incredible and immediate impact on the team. His versatility on the court earned him a prestigious award, the ACAC South Athlete of the Year.
Originally, the first year joined Ambrose as a libero, but he stepped up as an outside hitter when needed and excelled in both positions. His work ethic, selflessness, and team-first attitude kept this team competitive and motivated through all 19 games.
Cole Giesbrecht stepped in to play outside hitter and Eamon Broe filled a role as middle blocker. Farley’s growth in empowering his role as libero and becoming a leader of our defense.
Alongside Farley, Noah Verhoef’s veteran leadership and consistency throughout the entirety of the season was key for any successes coming from the lineup. He excelled on both reception and attack, leading him to a sixth-place rank in the ACAC for kills in 2024-25 season. Verhoef never faltered from demonstrating excellent offence and defence for the Lions.
Giesbrecht also stood out as a versatile, reliable player this year. The third year was able to make strides as a middle blocker, right-side hitter and outside hitter, always leaving everything on the floor and leading by example with determination and athleticism.
“This season was a crucial learning step for our team, and while it was tough, it gave us the foundation to build a more resilient and unified squad,” said Caceres. “We are looking forward to coming back stronger in the 2025-26 season with a solid core and renewed focus on team play.”
Season Summary
Record: 6-13
Sets Won: 28
Sets Lost: 41
Kills leader: Noah Verhoef (204)
Digs leader: Ben Farley (87)
Assists leader: Ty Baskin (465)
Blocks leader: Dane Slater (26)
Ace leader: Cole Giesbrecht (25)
Points leader: Noah Verhoef (241)