VICTORIA—
Avery Geddes wasted no time proving she belongs at the U SPORTS level. The former B.C. AA Highschool Provincial MVP has been named the 2026 Canada West Rookie of the Year, while teammate
Natalie Allison earned the conference's Student-Athlete Community Service Award.
Geddes makes big impact in first season
A first-year point guard out of St. Michaels University School (SMUS) in Victoria, Geddes arrived at UVic fresh off a provincial championship title in her Grade 12 season and immediately carried that leadership into her debut with the Vikes, leading the offence with 73 assists, seventh most in the conference.
Geddes started all 20 games and led the team in minutes (35 mins) while averaging 10.1 points per contest in her first campaign. Nationally, Geddes made her mark among rookies—finishing sixth in the country in total points (202), seventh in points per game, seventh in assist-to-turnover ratio and third in both three-point field goals and assists. Her season high came against the University of British Columbia, where she dropped 24 points to power a statement upset.
"Avery is the ultimate floor general on the court and an undisputed leader for our team," said head coach
Carrie Watts. "She brings so much to the team, with the high standards she sets for herself in all aspects of training, the way she raises the bar for her teammates and her ability to bring a high compete-level without losing the joy and the love for the game and the process. She has had a tremendous impact on our team this past season and will be an integral part of our success in the future."
Geddes sets the tempo, directs traffic, and creates for others with the poise of a veteran, becoming just the fourth UVic women's basketball player to earn Canada West Rookie of the Year honours (since records in 1992)—the most recent being former SMUS teammate turned Vikes teammate,
Makena Anderson, in 2023–24.
The honour also adds another chapter to a family legacy. Geddes' mother, Lindsay Brooke, earned Canada West All-Rookie Team honours in 1996–97 before going on to become an All-Canadian and helping lead the Vikes to two national championships. Nearly three decades later, the next chapter is just getting started, and the future of the women's basketball program looks bright.
Allison earns nod for community service
A second-year student-athlete from Calgary, Alberta, Allison is the 2026 recipient of the Canada West Student-Athlete Community Service Award. As an Academic All-Canadian in her rookie season, Allison proved that her commitment to excellence extends well beyond competition.
Allison channels that same energy into her community. As director of charity events with the UVic Commerce Students' Society, she leads fundraising initiatives that support local charities while building meaningful connections between students and the broader community.
"Natalie is such a well-rounded student-athlete, and this award recognizes the value she places on having a positive impact on those around her. She is very thoughtful and empathetic, and she creates opportunities to give back to her community. What makes Natalie so deserving of this award is that it highlights the many different communities that she has engaged with," said Watts.
Allison also volunteers her time as a coach with the Wsáneć Qelaxen girls' basketball team, a program founded by a Vikes women's basketball alumna that creates opportunities for Indigenous girls to develop confidence and life skills through sport. Training weekly and competing throughout the school year, the team benefits from Allison's leadership and mentorship.
Additionally, she works with our Junior Vikes program throughout the season and provides 1v1 coaching to local youth.
2026 CANADA WEST MAJOR AWARDS :
Rookie of the Year –
Avery Geddes
Student-Athlete Community Service Award –
Natalie Allison
2026 CANADA WEST ALL-STARS:
Second All-Star Team:
Mimi Sigue
Third All-Star Team:
Abigail Becker
All-Rookie Team:
Avery Geddes
