Sara Fagnan is not only an incredible athlete, but a strong, independent and ambitious individual amidst the Lakeland community. Born and raised in Bonnyville, Alberta, Sara has competed in sports for as long as she can remember. Growing up as the only female in her family, Sara followed in the footsteps of her five brothers, competing in every sport she could get her hands on. Her journey began in Grade 5, through Iron River. She was homeschooled at the time, but chomping at the bit to meet new friends and compete in some of the sports her brothers taught her to play at a young age. 

Volleyball and basketball were her first loves. She played for Iron River, picking up the technique with ease and building her competitive foundation along the way. The basketball team was co-ed and Sara had the opportunity to compete alongside one of her brothers, Titus Fagnan. Playing beside her brother gave her added confidence and comfortability at a young age, further motivating her to continue improving at the sports she found interest in. Sara mentioned, “It was always tougher and harder to win with them [the boys], but in a way it was a lot more rewarding.” 

As her competitive foundation began to flourish, Sara wanted to enter the football arena. She recalled begging her dad to let her join saying, “Dad, I want to play football. I want to go out there. I want to be just as good as the boys…I’ve grown up watching them play. I know the game better than half of them. Please, let me play.” Watching all of her brothers grow up playing the sport, Sara wanted to see what it was all about. Knowing the sport was traditionally male-dominated only made Sara more determined to compete. 

By the age of nine, Sara joined the Bonnyville Renegades. During her Pee Wee years, their quarterback got injured and Sara mentioned, “I stepped into the quarterback role at probably 10 years old in a boys league.” After one game in the position, it became her permanent role and she never looked back. She earned several awards, including Rookie of the Year and Offensive MVP throughout her career. This critical position taught Sara about leadership, determination and discipline. As a quarterback, you wear a lot of hats. You run the offense, doing your best to set the defensive line up for success. Under pressure, you are forced to make quick and effective decisions. All of these skills have carried over into her life and current athletic passion. 

While Sara put her football helmet on the shelf in 2023, she recently transitioned into a leadership role, joining the Alberta U18 Women’s Program coaching staff as a mentee. This new position has widened her leadership toolbox and assisted her efforts in striving for collegiate recruitment in the indoor volleyball arena. Any volleyball recruitment journey is tough. You spend countless hours researching university programs, calling different coaching staffs, editing game film and fighting for your position on a team. Sara’s journey was no different. After attending multiple Briercriest volleyball camps and invitationals, alongside consistent communication and expressing extensive interest in the program, Sara landed her spot as a Libero for the team. In the fall of 2026, Sara will begin this new journey and we are excited to see where it takes her. During our interview, Sara shared, “I am super excited because Briercrest is where my prior coach, Tyson, played and previous teammate, Hunter, is currently playing.” 

You might be asking, “Well, how did Sara become good enough in her sport to compete at the collegiate level?” After playing competitive club volleyball for the Rhinos from U13-U18, Sara is now finishing her final club season with Park Girls Volleyball out of Sherwood Park, Alberta. She shared, “I tried out for the U15 Rhinos team under Coach Tyson Watters and that kind of set my journey off.” Sara had several successful years under the guidance of Coach Tyson through her club and high school volleyball experiences. During those seasons, she fine-tuned her craft and learned all she could about the sport she was born to play. Season after season, Sara improved, leading her team towards higher intensity play and consistent success. 

As a previous collegiate volleyball athlete myself, Sara has what it takes and more. Her volleyball IQ and passion for the sport is something that cannot be taught. Only built from relentless preparation, consistent discipline, and a huge heart for the sport she fell in love with at a young age. Beginning her journey in football, after watching her brothers compete for years, gave Sara the drive to reach high goals in her own passions. Sara shared that, “Originally when I was younger, obviously growing up watching my brothers on and off the court or field was inspiring because you want to be just like them…seeing their determination and what it gave them following football…what you learn in the sport goes far beyond just what the sport means to you.” 

Having the honor to coach Sara for a few months during her U17 club season really opened my eyes to the incredible athlete and human she is. While this life has thrown some curveballs at her, she has found a way to triumph time and time again. When asked about who her support system entails, Sara explained, “For sure, my number one obviously goes to my mom…and second, is my brother, Isaac.” Her mom, Cindy Fagnan, has been with her through every step of her sports’ journey, cheering her on in the stands and helping with the commute. Cindy selflessly works to support all of her children and Sara has noticed the positive impact it’s had on her life. 

While volleyball is the sport Sara chose to continue in, her future in athletics has an opportunity to go far past the university level. Sara, you have the ability to do anything you put your mind to and we are all excited to see where that takes you. Enjoy these next four years at Briarcrest Christian Academy, College and Seminary!