Grace Box and 04-05 Women’s Basketball Team Inducted into the ACAC Hall of Fame

In the history of Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), there are players, coaches, teams, and builders whose accomplishments go beyond the game, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. These players are celebrated through the ACAC Hall of Fame.

Created in 2014, the ACAC Hall of Fame has become one of the highest honours in the league. In 2024, Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) is excited to honour Grace Box, who joins other legends of the ACAC in the player category, and the 2004-05 Concordia Women’s Basketball team, who will be inducted in the team category.

Grace Box’s outstanding badminton career at Concordia highlights her exceptional talent, commitment, and perseverance. Throughout five impressive seasons, Grace made a lasting impact on the court, securing numerous awards and championships. Box’s athletic achievements in badminton are impressive. She was named ACAC Women’s Badminton Player of the Year for the 2009-10 season and went on to win four ACAC Badminton Gold Medals, two ACAC Silver Medals, and one ACAC Bronze Medal throughout her career. Additionally, she was selected five times for the ACAC all-conference team, honored as a CCAA All-Canadian, and secured three CCAA National Championship Silver Medals along with two Bronze Medals. Box is the first Thunder athlete to be inducted into the ACAC Hall of Fame player category.

The 2004-05 Concordia Women’s Basketball team is still one of the greatest teams ever assembled at CUE. Led by Head Coach Scott Edwards and Assistant Coach Karla Karch, this team showed excellence both on and off the court. The Thunder squad had a strong lineup, including talented athletes like Amber Smart, Ashley Nealon, and Leanne Barrett. Their combined skills pushed the team to new heights, winning both the CCAA and ACAC Women’s Basketball Championships.

Their accomplishments are outstanding—from individual awards like CCAA All-Canadian honors for Amber Smart to team successes like their 22-2 regular season record and their impressive run in the national tournament. But beyond the awards, it was their determination and unwavering commitment to win that defined this team. This group will be the first Thunder team to be inducted into the ACAC Hall of Fame team category.

As Grace and the 2004-05 Women’s Basketball team rightfully enter the ACAC Hall of Fame, their legacies will remain a fixture in CUE athletic history. They join previous inductees Bernie Masterson (Builder) and Jim MacLean (Coach) to bring the total to four inductees representing the Thunder in the hall.