Six-tacular

NANAIMO - Congratulations to our six VIU Mariners who were recognized with PACWEST conference women's volleyball awards on February 25 and 26!

PACWEST Media Releases: All-Stars and Major Award Winners

Photos: Mary Kessenich

Grace Brisebois: First Team All-Star

Grace, the VIU captain, is a top right-side who gets the same volume as most left-sides. An offensive force all season and the first 2025-26 PACWEST women's volleyball athlete of the week, Grace is the only player who appears in the top ten of all major stats: fifth in kills, eighth in blocks, third in aces, fourth in total offence, and ninth in digs. Her character, academics (2025 Academic All-Canadian), and leadership have been impeccable as she led VIU to another strong season in her fifth year of varsity play.

Lauren Hoard: Second Team All-Star

Lauren came into her own in her first season as a full-time starter. A two-time conference athlete of the week, she demonstrated the ability to end rallies and is eighth in kills and total offense and 12th in digs. She is VIU's strongest passer, sitting at a 2.35 for the season, and one of out best students, having earned honours GPA every semester. Her reliable defense and powerful offense have made her an essential part of VIU's success.

Regan Ingram: Second Team All-Star

Regan paired blocking with the ability to end rallies to make her one of the top players in the PACWEST. Her fifth-year experience and ability show up in all stats: sixth in kills, fifth in aces, sixth in total offence, and top-20 in blocks. Her kindness and dedication to academics makes her an incredible example for the younger Mariners and her big-game play is a vital piece of the team's DNA.

Jordy Exner: Top Libero

This is the second season in a row Jordy has been recognized as the top libero in the conference. This season, she led the PACWEST with an average of 3.45 digs per set—one of only two players to average over three digs per set. Her quality serve reception regularly sets the offense up for success and her athleticism and quickness have kept the Mariners alive during intense rallies. As the backbone of the VIU defense, Jordy gives her teammates confidence that a point is never out of reach and the Mariners have been rewarded with another excellent season.

Elisabeth Sim: All-Rookie Team

Elisabeth stepped into the starting setter role at VIU and handled the pressure very well, leading the Mariners to an 8-2 record and a top-five CCAA ranking throughout the fall semester. She continued to play well in the spring and sits fifth in team blocks and seventh in team digs per set and aces per set, demonstrating her ability to excel at the varsity level.

Sara Hughes: All-Rookie Team

Sara stepped up in the spring semester to claim a starting role as a middle--a tough position for any first-year player. She earned five aces and her height and presence in the middle have been strong additions to the VIU game plan. Sara's off-court energy has endeared her to teammates while her on court play helped VIU earn a seven-match winning stream heading into the playoffs.