Chambers Named ACAA Coach of the Year, 3 Seawolves Named All-Conference
(Fredericton, NB) The University of New Brunswick Saint John Seawolves took home four awards during the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association’s year end volleyball awards banquet, led by head coach, Colin Chambers, who was named ACAA Coach of the Year.
The Seawolves, who finished the regular season 15-5, also brought home three ACAA All Conference awards. Emily Robichaud (Hanwell, NB) and Haley Wilson (Nackawic, NB) were named 1st Team All Conference, with Dom Gendron (Dieppe, NB) was named 2nd Team All Conference during an injury riddled season.
Robichaud finished the 2025-26 season 3rd in digs (1st for non liberos), 6th in total kills with 220 and 7th in service aces. This marks the fourth straight year Robichaud has been named to the All-Conference team.
“Emily's combination of powerful and accurate serve, acrobatic defense, and her versatile offensive profile have made her one of the players to watch in this league for her entire career,” said head coach, Colin Chambers. “This award is a testament to the hard work and competitive edge she brings to every game and training session.”
Wilson, on the other hand, has been named to an All-Conference team for the 1st time in her four year career as a Seawolf. Even though she missed a couple games this season, she still managed to finish 3rd in the league in total blocks and 2nd in hitting percentage (.341). She also emerged as a leader on the team this year, and played a big role in the Seawolves leading the league in team blocks.
“Haley has been a main contributor on this team for her entire four years,” added Chambers about his 4th year middle. “Settling into the middle position full time this season has allowed her to blossom into a potent offensive and defensive threat at the net. Her speed and explosiveness place her among the league leaders in hitting percentage, while also being one of the most effective blockers in the ACAA.”
Gendron, who missed 6 of her team’s 20 games with an ankle injury, still managed to finish top 5 in the ACAA in service aces with 39 over her 15 matches played. When you take her season statistics down to sets played is where you will truly see how great of a season Gendron had. She finished 3rd in points per set, 2nd in aces per set, and 6th in kills per set, and 7th digs per set (4th among non liberos).
“Despite missing a quarter of our games with a serious ankle injury to start the second semester, it is no surprise to see that Dom still found her way onto this list,” Chambers had to see about Gendron. “Her heavy hand instills fear in the competition and she delivers an equal impact on the game from the back row with her defense and ability to contribute to our offense from anywhere. Her spin serve has also become one of the most consistent in the league, while also being among the hardest.”
Following the All Conference awards the league handed out their major awards is where Chambers took centre stage for the Seawolves, much to his chagrin. As the slide for Coach of the Year came up on the screen and Chambers’ name called, the Seawolves erupted in jubilation for their head coach. Chambers, who is in his 6th year as head coach, has taken the team from a 6-8 record to an ACAA Silver Medal in 2024-25 and a 15-5 record, tied for 1st in the ACAA. Chambers, a former ACAA All Conference player and CCAA National Scholar when he played for the Seawolves, has built a program the Seawolves athletic department can be proud of. Seawolves Director of Athletics, Natasha Kelly had the following to say about Chambers.
“Colin embodies everything we look for when it comes to coaching the Seawolves. We have seen such growth in the program since he took over six years ago, and a big reason for that is the staff Colin has built around the team. They work together in such a cohesive way that brings the team together. I could not be happier for him to receive this recognition. The time he puts in to make sure his team is prepared not only on the court, but in the classroom and for life after university makes him so deserving of this award.”
Seawolves will face the host St. Thomas University Tommies Saturday at 11:00. You can watch the game live on acaa.tv.