Esther Allison has been named the 2026 recipient of the Canada West Courage Overcoming Adversity Award, as the conference unveiled their major award winners in basketball on Thursday.

The full list of major award winners from Canada West can be found here.

Allison's path through Canada West basketball has been defined by quiet perseverance and unwavering belief. Recruited out of a small program at Credo Christian, Allison's journey is a testament to sustained effort, resilience, and faith. Though setbacks could have ended her career on multiple occasions, she inspired teammates and coaches alike by continuing to find a way forward. 

Her first two seasons were a grind, as she worked to prove she belonged at the Canada West level. She wasn't outspoken, but her commitment was unmistakable, steadily improving behind the scenes without complaint. By her third season, Allison had earned a role on the team. By her fourth, she became indispensable. Her growth culminated in a breakout year that helped carry her team to the Canada West Final Four, with her impact so significant that she was widely credited with helping save the Cascades season. 

Her own expectations were high heading into her final season of eligibility this year, following a strong offseason. Those plans were nearly derailed in early October, when Allison tore her ACL with just seconds remaining in the final exhibition game. For most athletes, it would have ended the season. Instead, Allison immediately set her sights on returning. 

She attacked her rehabilitation with the same determination that had defined her career, working relentlessly on the sideline and pushing herself back into game readiness under the supervision of her medical team. By mid-November she had returned to the lineup, and by January she was back in a starting role, a remarkable accomplishment. 

Her final season became not just the conclusion to an inspiring basketball journey, but a powerful example of perseverance, leadership, and belief in oneself, making Esther a fitting recipient of the Canada West Courage Overcoming Adversity Award.

Allison's award comes as UFV basketball players Julia Tuchscherer and Dario Lopez were each named as first-team all-stars for their play across 2026 last week. 

About UFV
Located in the beautiful Fraser Valley just east of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university that enrolls approximately 15,000 students per year. UFV has campuses and locations in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission, and Hope, and a growing presence in Chandigarh, India.