ANCASTER, ON — Familiar faces, friendly rivalries and lasting friendships made this year's Alumni and Family Week a celebration of what it means to be a Royal. Across five alumni games, Redeemer welcomed close to 100 former student-athletes back to reconnect with teammates, encourage today's Royals and compete once again in the colours they proudly wore.

The action began Friday, September 18, at Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena, where the hockey alumni faced the President's Select team ahead of the Royals' home opener against SUNY Niagara. With 18 alumni registered, the evening brought generations of Royals hockey together to celebrate the program's history and support its next chapter.

"We get to come together as past student-athletes who have been formed by our time at Redeemer and catch up on where we have landed since graduating," said former Royals hockey player David Scholman. "Most importantly, we get to hear testimonies of how the school and hockey program have impacted the current student-athletes. We get to see the difference that excellence in hockey, rooted in a Vertical Purpose, can make in their lives—both on the ice and in preparing them for life beyond it."

On Saturday, September 19, more than 15 men's basketball alumni returned to the court for an exhibition against the current Royals. For a revamped roster, the game offered an opportunity to compete against and learn from players who helped build the program. For the alumni, it was another chance to wear the jersey and reconnect with old friends.

"Returning to the place that provided you with so many fond memories, along with the chance to live out your varsity athletic dreams, is always a blessing," said former Royals men's basketball player Adam Pavlik. "It is always an honour to suit up one more time as a Royal and reunite with old friends and teammates. Our time as Royals athletes has come to a close, but being given the chance to return and build relationships, provide mentorship and cheer on our current Royals is an opportunity I am very thankful for."

The excitement returned to the gym Friday, September 25, as more than 30 volleyball alumni gathered for the men's and women's matches.

The current women's team earned a 3–0 sweep, while the men's contest delivered a five-set thriller. Three sets extended into extra points, including a dramatic fifth set that the current Royals ultimately claimed. The alumni made them earn every point, turning a friendly reunion into one of the week's most memorable contests.

"The alumni game is a great opportunity to reconnect with the people who helped shape the trajectory of my life and made my years as a Royal so meaningful," said former Royals volleyball player Alena Sloots. "Life gets busy after graduation, but coming back keeps those friendships strong and keeps us connected to the program. You get the competition, the laughs and the chance to create new memories with former teammates. That's why it's worth not just showing up, but playing and being fully engaged in the whole weekend."

The celebrations concluded Saturday, September 26, with a coed soccer game featuring 25 alumni. A high-scoring afternoon brought plenty of highlights, laughter and opportunities to reconnect on the field. For some, the game also offered the special experience of playing alongside family.

"Coming back to Redeemer and sharing the field with former teammates and alumni reminds me how closely connected a team, a sport and a community can become," said former Royals soccer player Gavyn Pols. "The friendships made and faith strengthened through sport are what make a place like Redeemer so special."

For Pols, that sense of connection extended across generations.

"The alumni game gives us a chance to reconnect and play alongside a greater family, even someone like your mother who is also also an alum," he added. "It is pretty amazing to still be connected and have the chance to give back and take part in something that has moulded your life."

Throughout the week, the impact of these gatherings reached beyond the scoreboard. Alumni shared stories, offered encouragement and reminded current student-athletes that belonging to the Royals continues long after the final game of a university career.

That lasting connection helps carry Redeemer Athletics' Vertical Purpose forward: developing student-athletes who pursue excellence as an act of worship, lead with Christian character, serve others and reflect the love of Jesus Christ in every career and calling.

Alumni, families and friends can also help build the Royals' future through scholarships, sponsorships and program support. Whether personally or through a business, supporters have opportunities to invest in the student-athlete experience and help future Royals build their own lasting connections.

To explore these opportunities, contact Isaac Stell in Redeemer's External Relations department at istell@redeemer.ca.

Once a Royal, always a Royal.