Player Highlight: Avery Bates, Women's Volleyball

Several factors make this upcoming ACAC season a special one for the Rustlers women's volleyball team, including the last hurrah for one of their most beloved student-athletes.

Avery Bates is set for her fifth and final season of collegiate competition at Lakeland College. The 2025 Female Athlete of the Year comes into her last campaign in the unique position of being the only remaining player from the 2021 roster who trained during the lost season of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Rustlers were unable to compete against other teams, had to spray down balls and weren't able to visit each other despite training together. Bates said she's glad she stuck it out after not knowing if they would be able to keep practicing or possibly be sent home.

That was such a tough and strange time and sometimes it almost feels like a blur," she said. "There was a lot of uncertainty, but looking back, I'm so glad I stayed because being able to compete at such an elite level since I've been in the program has been awesome."

What's stood out in her experience is the feeling of family she's had at Lakeland, something she noticed immediately when she arrived in Lloydminster.

"I could tell right away that it wasn't just about volleyball, it was about people caring for each other and pushing each other to be better. That is what brought me here, and what has kept me coming back year after year."

In her time at Lakeland, Bates has solidified the right-side position for the team each season, becoming one of the most feared offensive players in the country. She's routinely had one of the highest kills-per-set averages in the league, despite being set almost half as much as other top players and playing in significantly less sets during the season. Last year was a long due recognition of her skill, as she was recognized as the North Division Player of the Year, the ACAC Championship MVP and a tournament All-Star at the CCAA Championship.

Head coach Austin Dyer said having a player of her caliber has meant everything to the women's program, calling Bates their "X-Factor".

"[Avery's] growth and development as a player and as a person has been significant during her time at Lakeland," he said. "I am very proud of what she has accomplished during her time here but most importantly how good of a person she has become."

The team has now won 46 straight matches, dating back to November 2023. However, Bates said she hasn't given the significance of the group's accomplishment that much thought, aside from wanting to win a fourth straight national title.

"For me it is more about showing up every day and doing the work with my team," she said. "The streak is a reflection of that, but the small moments, the practices, and the battles we have gone through together mean more."

Bates had had several opportunities to transfer to a university program and compete at the U-Sports level, but opted to stay in the Border City. She credits the coaching staff and her teammates for helping make it an easy decision to stay.

"It is not just volleyball here, it is family," she said. "And that is hard to walk away from.

"I know U-Sports is an incredible opportunity, but I would not trade the experiences I have had here and the connections I have made for anything.

Bates added that the community support from the Border City and beyond has also played a role in the decision to stay.

The kids who support our team and look up to us make it feel even more special," she said. "On top of that, Lakeland has given me opportunities for my future endeavors and allowed me to meet so many amazing people."

While she has started throughout her collegiate career, Bates has never been one of the two-three most experienced players on the roster. In her fifth and final season, she comes in as one of the definitive veterans of the program and will be relied upon even more in tight situations, while also taking on a much bigger chunk of the leadership responsibilities.

"When I was younger, I looked up to the vets and relied on them a lot," she said. "Now that I am in that role, it feels like a full-circle moment."

"It's not just about being a leader on the court, it's about being there for my teammates, making sure they feel seen and supported, and showing them what it means to be part of this program. It is a lot of responsibility, but it is also one of the most rewarding parts of being here."

During her preparation for the season, the fifth-year right-side said she focused on staying grounded, continuing to grow and enjoying the moment.

"I want to leave knowing I gave everything I had, on and off the court."

Avery Bates is the University Transfer program. The Rustlers play the Keyano Huskies on Sept. 18 at the Lloyd Campus Gymnasium, kicking off their annual home tournament. Regular season play and their title defense begins Oct. 24-25 against the Concordia Thunder. 

Lakeland will host the ACAC Women's Volleyball Conference Championship Feb. 26 - 28 at the Lloydminster campus gymnasium.