CAMROSE, AB- The 2025 season has officially come to a close, and we’re wrapping up the year by highlighting our final Vikings Athlete of the Week: Joel Smith. Joel capped off the first half with an exceptional weekend on home court, showcasing exactly why he’s been such a crucial piece of the Vikings lineup.

In Friday’s matchup against the Lethbridge Kodiaks, Smith delivered a standout defensive performance, racking up 23 digs in just four sets—a testament to his anticipation, athleticism, and relentless effort. He followed it up the next day with another strong showing, helping lead the Vikings to a 3–1 win over the SAIT Trojans, where he anchored the back row with 14 more digs.

All season long, Smith has been a steady backbone for the Vikings, setting the tone with his consistency and composure. As one of the team’s seasoned veterans, he’s played a key leadership role, guiding younger players and elevating the group’s overall performance.

The Vikings now head into a well-deserved holiday break before returning to action on January 10th, when they host the King’s Eagles to kick off the second half of the season.

For additional information, contact:

David Ritz, University of Alberta-Augustana
Vikings Business and Operations Coordinator 
dritz@ualberta.ca

Emily Peterson, University of Alberta-Augustana
Game Day/Marketing & Communications Coordinator
pe1@ualberta.ca

Instagram: @uofa_augvikings

Facebook: University of Alberta Augustana Vikings 

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