ANCASTER, ON - The Redeemer University women's volleyball team is excited to welcome Arabella Albanese to the RU Royal family. The dynamic outside hitter from Kelowna, British Columbia, brings high-level indoor and beach experience along with a deep commitment to her faith.

A soon-to-be graduate of Kelowna Christian School, Albanese has built an impressive athletic résumé. She earned a silver medal at the 2025 BC Christian Schools Tournament, where she was also named a First Team All-Star.  She was also a member of the U17 BC Summer Games Beach Volleyball Team, showcasing her versatility, athleticism, and competitive drive.

Albanese's success across both indoor and beach volleyball highlights her well-rounded skillset as an outside hitter. Her ability to perform on big stages, combined with her strong court presence and leadership qualities, makes her an exciting addition to the Royals lineup.

"What pulled me most to the Royal Family is the sense of community, I truly felt like I belonged," Albanese shared. "I'm also excited for the opportunity to grow deeper in my faith and further my Christian education. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me throughout this journey and how He will use this experience to help me grow both personally and spiritually."

For Albanese, faith and sport go hand in hand. She sees volleyball as more than competition, it is an opportunity to reflect Christ in the way she plays and leads.

"I want to use my faith to impact my time at Redeemer by showing others that athletics can be an act of worship," she said. "The way I train, compete, and treat my teammates can reflect my relationship with Christ. Giving my best effort, encouraging others, and competing with integrity are all ways I can honour the Lord through sport."

With her championship experience, competitive mindset, and Christ-centred approach, Albanese is poised to make an immediate impact on and off the court. The Royals community looks forward to seeing her thrive in Ancaster as she begins this next chapter.