Loyalist Lancers Celebrate Outstanding Achievements at 2024-2025 Athletic Banquet 

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!)