Loyalist Lancers Celebrate Outstanding Achievements at 2024-2025 Athletic Banquet

March 21, 2025

The Loyalist Lancers gathered to celebrate the dedication, perseverance, and achievements of their student-athletes at the 2024-2025 Athletic Banquet. The event recognized outstanding performances on the field, in the gym, and in the classroom, showcasing the excellence and commitment of Loyalist College's athletes.

The banquet featured the presentation of team awards, recognizing the Most Valuable Players (MVPs), Coaches' Award recipients, and Leadership Award winners across all sports. Among the standout awardees were:

Cross Country

Coaches' Award: Soroush Danesh

MVPs: Cassandra Elliott (Women's), Robert Leybourne (Men's)

Golf

MVP: Spencer Cranley

Women's Rugby Sevens

Coaches' Award: Sarah Fielding

MVP: Hannah Bender

Leadership Award: Madi Reid

Women's Soccer

Leadership Award: Emily Mealing

MVP: Kellee Smith

Coaches' Award: Kaylee Wyngaarden

Men's Basketball

Coaches' Award: Tristan Wright

Bruce Collins MVP: Jayden Jack

Leadership Award: Francesco Pelusi

Women's Basketball

Coaches' Award: Gwen Forrester

MVP: Grace Callahan

Leadership Award: Jessyka Maliksi

Men's Volleyball

Coaches' Award: Carson Orser

MVP: Liam Hill

Leadership Award: Tobias Archibals

Women's Volleyball

Coaches' Award: Charles Cudmore

MVP: Georgi Williams

Leadership Award: Erika Roberston & Taylor Baker

Major Awards Highlight Leadership and Dedication

Several student-athletes were honored with prestigious major awards, recognizing their leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication to varsity athletics:

Athlete of the Year: Jessyka Maliksi (Women's basketball)

Rookies of the Year: Faith Ayres (women's rugby 7s), Kaylee Lemaire (women's basketball), Tobias Archibald (men's volleyball), Spencer Cranley (men's golf)

Bob Young Award (Academic & Athletic Excellence): Georgi Williams (women's volleyball) & Gwen Forrester (women's basketball)

Larry Cook Award (Fair Play & Commitment): Amber Verbruggen (women's volleyball)

Peter Williams Award (Dedication to Athletics & Community): Mustafa Alali (X-Country)

Jim Buck Award (Leadership & Integrity): Emily Mealing (women's soccer)
Dave Butler Award (Enthusiasm & love of sport): Jessie Shaw
Greg Gavin Award (Outstanding commitment and dedication to varsity athletics): Jenna-Mae Oickle

Andrée Mathurin-Scott Award (Lancer Pride & Tradition): Jatin Kumar

Academic Achievements in the Spotlight

The Lancers not only demonstrated excellence in competition but also in the classroom. A remarkable 63 student-athletes achieved an academic average of 80% or higher, with 22 earning over 90%.

Dave Templar, Student-Athlete Advisor, praised their efforts:
"We couldn't be prouder of your academic achievements, as well as your dedication, perseverance, and leadership both in the classroom and in training and competition."

Additionally, the Women's Cross Country team was awarded the Academic Award of Excellence, boasting the highest combined team average of 84.78%.

Director of Athletics & Recreation, Cristy Latham expressed sincere gratitude to not only the athletes but the entire Lancer community. "We are so thrilled to celebrate these outstanding athletes tonight. Their contributions and dedication to the Lancer program does not go unnoticed. We also want to extend our deepest appreciation for the entire athletic community, coaches, and staff, for their support this year."

The 2024-2025 Athletic Banquet was a true celebration of the Lancers' unwavering spirit, talent, and dedication. As another successful year concludes, Loyalist College looks forward to seeing its student-athletes continue to excel in both academics and athletics.

Banquet Photos (more photos coming soon!)