The NAIT Women's Basketball team had a season to remember this year, finishing 5th overall in the ACAC after a hard-fought provincial playoff run. Their determination and teamwork were evident throughout the year, highlighted by standout performances from key players like Payton Neilson and Grace Culshaw.

Payton Neilson, a crucial player for the team, had an exceptional season, especially in the provincial games. Her performance in a game against Red Deer, where she scored an incredible 41 points, was a testament to her growth and hard work. Payton reflected on the work she put in to reach such a milestone, saying,

"Preparation was key for me this season. Over the summer, I worked hard to develop a more consistent three-point shot, making it a priority in my training. My main focus during the off-season was improving my shooting to build confidence, so I could knock down those shots for my team in big moments."

Her dedication paid off, and she became one of the ACAC's top players in 3-point shooting percentage, largely due to her teammates' efforts in setting her up for success.

"Another big reason for my success from beyond the arc was my teammates. They did a great job finding me for open shots, especially our posts. Their ability to recognize double teams and kick the ball out to shooters is a skill they've continued to improve, and it's made a huge impact on our offense."

The team faced challenges in the first semester, but Payton credited their growth to perseverance. "Our biggest challenges came in the first semester. We were still figuring out how to play together and, as Kiera always says, how to play basketball the 'right way'. We didn't win a lot of games early on, which made it tough to stay motivated and trust the process. However, the second semester felt completely different. We went into our first weekend against Augustana with a new mindset, and after sweeping them, we carried that momentum forward all the way to playoffs—something we haven't done in the past two years."

For Payton, the journey was deeply personal, too. "It feels good to see my hard work paying off. When I started my basketball career at NAIT, I wasn't getting the playing time I wanted, and my confidence took a hit. I even questioned whether I wanted to come back. But when I found out Kiera was taking over as head coach, I decided to give it one more shot. I used that feeling from my first year to push me forward."

Her bond with her coaches was integral to her growth. "I also owe a lot to my coaches. The bond I've built with Kiera and Wigg is something I'll always be grateful for. They've helped me grow so much as a player, and they're constantly finding ways to make me better."

On the court, Payton wasn't alone in her efforts. Grace Culshaw, who finished the season among the top players in rebounds per game, was a rock for the team.

"Being in the top five for rebounds was really cool all season," Grace said, reflecting on her individual success. "I'm glad I stayed on the leaderboard all season. It was fun—I just loved playing basketball, and it's amazing that my effort showed that."

However, the season wasn't without its hurdles. Grace, in only her second year, had to contend with stronger, more experienced opponents, as well as the physical toll of the season. "This season has been challenging as a second-year player when it came to facing bigger, stronger girls, who were older than me and more mature. Also dealing with the exhaustion of playing all year and pushing through injuries, even minor ones, was challenging," she explained.

As the season wrapped up, Grace reflected on how far she had come and the opportunities ahead. "It's going to be a lot of growth. I can see now what I can do in the ACAC. My effort and all that goes somewhere, and I can look to the future knowing I have lots of growth ahead of me for the next three years to come."

The support of her teammates played a huge role in Grace's success. "The team supported me so much. I love my team. They helped me stay at my standards and kept me going. We have so much fun together, and they helped me through the season." The camaraderie and trust within the team were palpable, and it was clear that their bond was a key factor in their success.

Additionally, Mikah Reed was recognized for her outstanding contributions, earning a spot on the ACAC Women's Basketball Second Team. She was a key player throughout the season, logging 486 minutes on the court and scoring 180 points. Her consistency and leadership were crucial in many of NAIT's hard-fought games.

Dior Sellars also made a significant impact in her debut season, earning the title of ACAC North Women's Basketball Rookie of the Year. Playing 477 minutes and securing 122 points, Dior quickly proved herself as a rising star in the league. Her energy, defensive efforts, and ability to step up in big moments added depth to the team and set the foundation for an exciting future.

With key players stepping up and a strong core of talent returning next season, NAIT Women's Basketball is poised for even greater success in the years to come.