CALGARY, AB – History was made on Wednesday night in Calgary, as University of Alberta student-athletes Abby Guezen and Ryder Rattee were selected as the 2026 Lois and Doug Mitchell Award winners as U SPORTS Athletes of the Year.
It is the second time in U SPORTS history that both winners are from the same institution, joining McGill University, who had both winners in 2012. Guezen becomes the second Panda to be named U SPORTS Athlete of the Year, alongside fellow Pandas Volleyball star Jenny Cartmell in 2000. Rattee is the second Golden Bear to be selected, joining Golden Bears Volleyball Alumni Joel Schmuland, who won in 2009.
“Abby and Ryder represent the very best of what it means to be a Golden Bear and Panda. Their success is the result of tremendous work, humility, and leadership they have displayed, both in competition and within our campus community,” said U of A Director of Athletics, Leah Pezer. “To see two homegrown student-athletes from the Edmonton area reach the highest level of recognition in Canadian university sport is incredibly special, and a proud moment for the University of Alberta. Abby and Ryder have earned this honour through their commitment to excellence, their teammates, and the values that define our programs.”
Simply put, there was nothing else Guezen could have earned or achieved in her final season as a Panda.
A Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation student from Sherwood Park, Alta., Guezen led Alberta to an 18-2 regular-season record, and helped the Pandas capture the Canada West championship on their home court before winning the U SPORTS national title in Langley, B.C.
“I am incredibly honoured to receive the U SPORTS Athlete of the Year Award. Thinking of all of the incredible athletes across the country makes the award so much more special to me. This award is a reflection of not only my individual efforts but also the support system surrounding me from my teammates, coaches, medical staff, and the volleyball community,” said Guezen. “This honor serves as a reminder to me to continue to strive for excellence, and that my hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. More importantly it reinforces my responsibility to continue setting a positive example and making the most out of every opportunity that lies ahead of me.”
Guezen’s championship-winning campaign capped a remarkable three-year university career. As a rookie in 2023-24, she earned both Canada West and U SPORTS rookie of the year honours while helping the Pandas claim conference bronze and national silver. One season later, Alberta captured Canada West gold and U SPORTS bronze, with Guezen being named a conference second-team all-star.
In 2025-26, Guezen served as one of Alberta’s team captains and emerged as one of the top players in Canadian university volleyball. Guezen ranked among the Canada West elite across the board, finishing top three in Canada West with 277 kills, 3.90 kills per set, 344.5 points, and 44 aces, while adding 173 digs and 39 blocks. Her .304 attack percentage led all conference outside hitters, while the 44 aces were the second most in a single season in Pandas history.
“I am extremely proud of the work that Abby has put in to get to the level she played at this season. She came into the year with clear goals of where she wanted to be, and what it would take to get there and has not wavered from pursuing those goals,” said Pandas head coach Carolyn O’Dwyer. “What has been most impressive about Abby this season is her contributions in multiple aspects of the game. She is an extremely valuable part of our offence but is also an excellent passer and is one of the best servers in the conference. I am very happy to have had Abby playing for our team!”
Internationally, Guezen made her senior Team Canada debut at just 19 years old during the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League. She later represented Canada at the Women’s Volleyball World Championship, helping the national team advance to the round of 16.
This summer, Guezen will again suit up for Canada in the 2026 Women’s Volleyball Nations League before beginning her professional career in Italy’s Serie A1, widely regarded as one of the top women’s volleyball leagues in the world.
Ryder Rattee, Golden Bears Track & Field
A sophomore sprinter from Edmonton, Rattee enjoyed one of the most dominant seasons in recent Canada West track and field history, going undefeated across all individual races in 2026, culminating in winning three gold medals at the 2026 U SPORTS Track and Field Championships in Winnipeg.
“Winning the U SPORTS Athlete of the Year Award means the world to me, because it isn’t just reflection on me, but on the people surrounding me. Even in an individual sport, sport has taught me the importance of teamwork and discipline, and how the two intertwine to produce the best version of myself,” said Rattee. “While this award and nomination is a reflection of past work, this is just the start. LA 2028 is at the forefront of my mind even now, but continuous growth as an athlete and person is what I’m seeking until the end of my career.”
Rattee captured national titles in the men’s 300 metres, 600 metres and 4×400-metre relay, becoming part of an exclusive group of athletes to win triple gold at a single national championship meet.
All three performances established new Golden Bears program records, while his 300-metre winning time of 32.75 seconds also broke the U SPORTS championship record. Rattee was subsequently named championship athlete of the meet after helping Alberta finish three and a half points shy of the national team title.
Rattee went undefeated in individual races during the 2026 season despite competing through a lingering back injury. In addition to his national success, he won two conference gold medals and was named Canada West male track athlete of the year and Alberta’s male athlete of the year.
“Ryder is a great person and someone all of Edmonton should be proud of! To be exemplary it’s not just about being extraordinary in ordinary conditions, but being extraordinary in difficult conditions. This is Ryder,” said head coach Wes Moerman. “He has the passion, humility and perspective to do this. Ryder’s season, and especially his performance at the U SPORTS championship in Winnipeg was truly remarkable with extraordinary results. He is a pleasure to work with and an inspiration for us all.”
Earlier this month, Rattee was part of the Canadian 4×400-metre mixed relay team that qualified for the World Championships and set a national record (3:12.43) at the World Athletics Relays in Botswana. He also plans to compete at the Canadian Track and Field Championships in Ottawa this summer.
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