Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.
School: University of Alberta
Faculty: Physical Education and Recreation
Program: BSc. Kinesiology
Sports: Women’s volleyball
Eligibility in 2016-17: Fifth Year
Having already established herself as one of the best players in University of Alberta Pandas volleyball program history, fifth-year outside hitter Meg Casault had a final season for the record books. Over the first four years over her varsity career, Casault proved she was one of the best outside hitters in Canada, earning three Canada West first team all-star spots, and three U SPORTS All-Canadian honours. However, Casault reached an entirely new level in 2016-17. The Edmonton, Alta., product torched the Alberta Pandas and Canada West record books, finishing her fifth season with 327 kills, 193 digs, and 378.5 points. That production earned Casault her fourth Canada West all-star and U SPORTS All-Canadian honour, as well as both the Canada West women’s volleyball MVP, and U SPORTS MVP.
Because of her outstanding final season, Casault also set new Alberta Pandas, and Canada West records for career kills (1,321) and points (1513.0), while becoming the first ever Panda to accumulate 1,000 kills, 900 digs, and 100 aces.
Her play was a large reason the Pandas led Canada West with a 22-2 conference record, before earning the program’s 11th Canada West championship in March. The Pandas would carry that success into the U SPORTS Championship, earning a national silver medal.
While her athletic achievements are noteworthy, what really set Casault apart was her work ethic not only on the court, but also in the classroom and in the community. She earned four U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian awards during her time at the University of Alberta, and was awarded the 2016-17 Kathlene Yetman Award, presented to the University of Alberta's top female Academic All-Canadian. She earned a 3.8 GPA in a very demanding BSc. kinesiology program at the U of A, graduating with a Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology degree with distinction.
Meg was also a tremendous ambassador for University of Alberta student-athletes, spending countless hours in her community as an elementary school student-mentor at Richard Secord School. She was also active on campus, spending time as stimulation tester/gym monitor at the Steadward Centre for Personal and Physical Achievement.
“Meg is an extremely deserving recipient of the Top 8 Academic All-Canadian Award. Since her first year with the team she has shown a remarkable improvement in every aspect of the game due to her humility and commitment to continuous improvement, both on the court and in the classroom,” said Pandas head coach Laurie Eisler. “She is not only a leader on the court, but served as one of our team captains, and is an inspiration to all of us who have had the pleasure and honour to work with her.”
