UBC Okanagan athletics to hand out annual awards Tuesday

On Tuesday, March 29 UBC Okanagan will once again honour its best and brightest student athletes at the annual athletics awards banquet at the Coast Capri Hotel.

Men's Finalists | Women's Finalists

The UBC Okanagan athletic department will recognize female and male members of the campus' vibrant student athlete community for their tremendous achievements in competition and in the classroom at the annual year end wrap up event.

Two awards, the Graduating Player of the Year, and the Student Athlete of the Year award will be given based on combined athletic and academic performances. Rookie of the Year, and to close the banquet the Most Outstanding Athlete of the Year, will bookend the group of awards, and focus solely on athletic achievement and value to team.

In addition to these awards based on nominations from the student athlete's respective coaches, the Heat will also handout two non-nominated awards that will be given out based solely on academic performance: For individual student athletes there is the Provost Award for Excellence (male and female and recipients in both a one and two semester category) and Team Excellence in Academics.

The award recipients will be decided by an external Athletics Awards Selection Committee (AASC). From each nomination pool the AASC will narrow the field to up to five finalists, of which more than one may come from the same team. The finalists, as well as the winner, will be introduced at the banquet.

Below are brief descriptions of the criteria of each of the awards as well as brief highlight points for each of the finalists.

Awards' Descriptions and Criteria

Provost Award for Excellence

This award will be presented to a returning varsity student athlete with the highest academic average over the past three terms fall/winter/fall.

Excellence in Academics | Team award

This recognition of academic achievement will be all varsity teams which have a cumulative collective GPA of 75% or higher based on the fall semester of the current year.

Rookie of the Year

The Rookie of the Year is awarded based on superior athletic achievement for a player in his or her first year of post-secondary competition with weighted preference given to those with conference or national recognition. Each team may nominate their maximum roster of rookie students. Rookie candidates must also demonstrate good academic standing.

Graduating Player of the Year

This award will be given to a student who has competed for the Heat for a minimum of three years, and is in his or her fourth or fifth year of athletics eligibility, and graduating. The winner will have demonstrated superior athletic achievements, leadership on and off the competitive surface and academic good-standing over the course of their career.

Student Athlete of the Year

This award’s criteria will focus on a combination of athletic and academic achievement. Candidates must have competed in a minimum of 75% of league competitions and demonstrated superior athletic achievement in the current season while maintaining a strong GPA. Preference will be given to those that displayed leadership qualities on and off the field/court.

Most Outstanding Athlete of the Year

The Most Outstanding Athlete of the Year is awarded to a student athlete who is an exceptional team player and/or team MVP. He or she will have superior athletic achievements, particularly those recognized by a respective athletics association (Canada West/CIS, Pacwest/CCAA, etc.). National recognition will be weighted more heavily than conference recognition. Leadership on and off the competitive surface and academic good-standing are also criteria. Coaches can nominate more than one student athlete for the award.

Finalists – Men’s Sports

Rookie of the Year

Devon Cote (Men’s Volleyball)

• Canada West All-Rookie Team member. Devon played in all 24 conference matches this season. He started in 12 of 24 matches. Most of any freshman outside hitters in the conference.
• 1st overall in total kills for rookie outside hitters (100), and 1st in total points (110).

Jeevin Kang (Men’s Soccer)

• As a rookie started all 12 of the Heat Canada West matches, playing the most demanding position in soccer, center midfield, even with the schedule consisting of mainly back to back matches. He did so with a second to none work rate.
• Notched a goal and a pair of assists with the goal being a game winning one over the season, in a position that is not noted for it offensive production.

Eli Risso (Men’s Volleyball)

• Started all but one of the 24 Canada West matches for the Heat. Voted to the Canada West All-Rookie team.
• Led UBCO in service reception percentage (2.5) as well as total digs (219) which was 3rd overall in Canada West in the CIS. Team high and career high 18 digs versus Brandon on Nov. 21 (tied for 3rd for program record). 2nd in program history for total digs (219) in season.

Spencer Thomas (Men’s Basketball)

• First year player from Ontario. Started 11 of 20 games and averaged 24.2 minutes a contest (3rd on team), if he didn't start all games he was on the floor at the end of all close games. Averaged 3.9ppg 4.4rpg 1.9apg 1.1 steals/game.
• Spencer has the character and work ethic that UBCO can be proud of, time manages well enough to work on his game during the school year and works hard off the court with academics. Coaches appreciate his attitude and is a pleasure to coach with big upside both on both ends of the floor

Luke Warkentin (Men’s Soccer)

• Started all 12 Canada West matches contributing offensively and defensively.
• Led team in goals (4). Notched a game winner.

Graduating Player of the Year

Pete Alexander (Men’s Rugby)

• Played both Rugby 7s and 15s for the past four years for UBC Okanagan. Has been a team leader and featured back all four years suiting up for the Heat on the pitch.
• Top scorer at National 7s championships for UBCO. Has continually become more involved in Heat athletics throughout his years in Kelowna, increasing men's rugby's profile on campus.

Jeremy Fostvelt (Men’s Volleyball)

• Strongest defensive player in our programs history. Due to injury did not play much in his final year but choose to be a great role model and an excellent source of leadership for our younger players in his position.
• Still holds program record with number of digs in a match (20) vs Winnipeg on Nov 28, 2011 and is the program career digs record with 636 digs (103 more than next person).

Leo Schober (Men’s Volleyball)

• A stable leader and a student athlete who has consistently improved year after year.
• Finished his career with 211 kills, 95 blocks, 18 aces, 53 digs. Final season was his best with 99 kills (.360), 34 blocks, 7 kills, 30 digs. Tied for 6th in program history in number of blocks in a career (95), (4 seasons)

Harrison Shrimpton (Men’s Soccer)

• Team captain for three years and a four year starter on the Heat backline. Leader on field and off, very involved in the soccer community and coaching youth.
• Never missed a game in his five year career. Played in 64 matches for UBC Okanagan. 60 regular season and 4 in the post season. Started all 25 Canada West matches.

Mackenzie Wong (Men’s Cross Country)

• Was a leader to a young Heat men's cross country squad. Continued to improve and train as a runner every year competing for UBC Okanagan.
• Competed at the national championship three straight years.

   

   

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  Student Athlete of the Year

  • 

    Jim Bell

  • 

    Lars Bornemann

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    Cole Kingzett

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    Buzz Truss

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    Cael Warner

  Jim Bell (Men’s Volleyball)

  • Recorded First Class GPA as a fourth year engineering student. Led the Heat in blocks (37), blocks per set (.66), was third on the team in points (170) and fourth in kills (122).
  • Started the year on the outside but with team injuries played middle and on the outside. Was a member of the Canada Junior National team last summer.

  Lars Bornemann (Men’s Volleyball)

  • Recorded First Class GPA as a third year engineering student and team captain. Demands a great deal of commitment and performance from his teammates. Volunteers with the Kelowna Volleyball Club 15U program and events for Volleyball BC
  • Statistically a great season: 7th in the CIS in Total Attack Attempts, 10th in the Canada West in Kills and points. Team high of 327 points, 282 kills, and 17 aces.

  Cole Kingzett(Men’s Soccer)

  • Started all 12 of games and contributed with a goal and 2 assists. His overall development without the ball has allowed him to become a standout within the soccer program and Canada West division.
  • Top GPA as a second year science student. One of the hardest working players, leads more by example than words on the pitch, plays the game with the sportsmanship that represents our school in the highest light. Strong contributor to program in the public, one of the first to help out with any needs of the team in community, locker room, or field.

  Buzz Truss (Men’s Basketball)

  • Recorded First Class GPA as a second year science student who played nearly 20 minutes a game averaging 5.7 ppg and 2.7 rpg. Always working hard in the classroom and on the court Buzz led the team, by a wide margin, in charges taken.
  • Very positive and consistently encourages his teammates during the toughest of times, speaks up when necessary and says his opinion in a positive way. He time manages and sets a very good example with his approach to his academics. He always competes hard but has respect for his opponent.

  Cael Warner (Men’s Cross Country)

  • Recorded First Class GPA as a second year engineering student.
  • Has competed at the national championship both years as a member of the Heat. Both years was UBCO's top finisher.

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Most Outstanding Athlete of the Year

James Casorso (Men’s Golf)

• This third year golfer enjoyed his best season for the Heat. He finished as a Provincial All-Star, and won one of four tournaments played in the PACWEST.

Mitch Goodwin (Men’s Basketball)

• Fourth year player, team captain, and only senior player on the team. He started in all 20 conference games averaging 27.2 minutes/game, 12.7 ppg. and 4.6 rpg. Led team to highest win total in Canada West.
• An amazing leader and teammate who is always available for his teammates, and works hard in every practice. Takes care of his off-court work (shooting, weight room) and takes care of his body, teaches others the importance of sleep and diet.

Manny Straith (Men’s Soccer)

• Manny started all 9 games before sustaining a knee injury late in the season. Playing a center midfield role he was one of the top players with tackles won, passes completed, and passes intercepted in the conference.
• A three year captain was a leader on and off the field, his respect for the opposition was second to none and he represented UBCO with the class and dignity. Manny was heavily involved with the UBCO athletic council and also worked as a gym staff.

Alex Swiatlowski (Men’s Volleyball)

• Fourth year Science student, who was having his best season and leading the Heat offense before missing final six matches. Set a career high with 23 kills in match in Kelowna versus UBC. 2nd on team in points (222), kills (181), kills/set (2.54), pts/set (3.1), 3rd on team in blocks (28).
• Chosen team leader for monitoring and organizing team travel dress and meal planning. Has been a member of the HAC for three years and is very active with that group. Vocal and positive leader during team meetings and practice sessions.

Trevor Yip (Men’s Rugby)

• Has been a devastating player on the men's rugby team in both years competing for UBC Okanagan. Playing both on the 15s squad and the 7s squad that compete at the University national championship.
• The second year student in Human Kinetics, has been exemplary with his GPA since entering UBC Okanagan.

Finalists – Women’s Sports

Rookie of the Year

Veronika Fagan (Women’s Cross Country)

• First year student joined a Heat women's cross country team that only two years ago had won a national championship
• Acclimatized strongly to Cross Country at a College level and was the top finisher for the Heat at the national championship, who finished with the National Silver medal. Veronika finished 19th in the country.

Joella Koblischke (Women’s Soccer)

• Earned starting keeper job in camp, this highly athletic student athlete consistently kept the team in matches throughout season and exceeded expectations in all areas of her game; played beyond her years.
• Highly coachable rookie, she led the team by example as well as by her presence, which is a rare quality in a young player. Started in 13 matches, playing nearly 1000 minutes and recorded 67 saves, with 1 shutout.

Jordan Korol (Women’s Basketball)

• First year post that started in 12 of 20 Canada West regular season games. Played in all 20 averaging 19.1 minutes per game.
• Jordan led team in rebounds per game (4.9) and showed great maturity for a first year player.

Lauren Siemers (Women’s Golf)

• Rookie golfer had exceptional first year with UBC Okanagan. As part of a 3-person team Siemers won a Provincial championship (PACWEST Gold Medal) and a National silver medal (CCAA).
• Individually Lauren was a PACWEST provincial All-Star and she finished 10th at National Championship. Lauren also hit her first ever hole-in-one (Sept. 27, 2015) at Victoria's Bear Mountain Resort, in a league tournament.

Graduating Player of the Year

Kate DeJong (Women’s Volleyball)

• Kate is the ultimate teammate. In an interview following her first year as a member of the Heat and just after Kate went on a mission to Jamaica helping out kids abroad Kate said "Whether I’m on or off the court I have a job. I’m a teammate and I have that responsibility so anything that I can do to help players on my team is great.” In her five seasons on the Heat any you will ask will say she did a great job of living up to her responsibility and being a great teammate.
• Finished 5 year career as a Canada West Silver Medallist, and National CIS Bronze Medallist. She closed out many matches with the serve as she embraced the role of serving specialist.

Alison Gill (Women’s Cross Country)

• Although first year on cross county squad, Ali transitioned from the women's volleyball team to be an invaluable member of the Heat cross country team. Immediately imparted the year-long mentality of volleyball to the cross country team.
• Led the Heat to a national silver medal and was one of the top finishers at the national race.

Kailin Jones (Women’s Volleyball)

• A six year player that helped the Heat to a BCCAA Provincial Title in last college season, a team leader, has played in every match for the past two seasons, and has played in all but 3 matches in the 4 years that she competed in the CIS. Red shirted in 2013-14 to do her student trainer practicum with the Heat.
• Finished 2nd in CW for digs per set and 3rd in total digs won a Canada West Silver Medal. Narrowly missed being a Canada West All Star (the 2 liberos selected were Jessie Niles – National Team and Donata Hueberts – 3 time CIS libero of the year. 2nd all time at UBC Okanagan (inc OUC) for career digs (943 total). Player of the Match – CIS Bronze Medal win, at the National Championships.

Chandler Proch (Women’s Volleyball)

• Team leader and co-captain, a Capri Insurance Award Recipient, 2014-15 UBC Okanagan Student Athlete of the Year. Played in every match this year sharing the starting setter role throughout her career after sitting out the 2012-13 season while she rehabilitated from major back surgery.
• Captain intangibles, Chandler’s value to the team can not be shown with stats or personal accomplishments, she leads with her actions and her demeanour with great leadership qualities and energy to the court. Finished career on high note with Canada West Silver Medal and CIS National Bronze Medal, she was an Academic All Canadian (3 time winner) and is currently working on her Masters.

Michelle Smith (Women’s Soccer)

• Veteran on the field since year one, was part of core group that transitioned UBCO into the CIS and was the most consistent player the coaching staff has ever had also intelligent and physical. Quiet leader; leads by example and fully supportive of her team and coaches and is a role model, always active in community involvement projects.
• Always part of the opposing teams scouting report who in her final season finished with 3 goals - one being a game winner.

Student Athlete of the Year

Megan Festival (Women’s Volleyball)

• First Class GPA, honours student in intense UBC Management program. Fourth year player, key offensive cog and full-time starter for the Heat. An extremely competitive athlete, plays well above her size and athletic ability, scoring points equally as well from the service line as at the net. Megan brings a competitive demeanour to UBCO, and is the most competitive player and therefore leads in a very different manner by inspiration and never say die attitude. Plays as hard as she can no matter the situation, in practice and during matches.
• Possibly the most well-rounded player on the national bronze medal squad, 2nd in total digs, 2nd in digs per set, 1st in aces per set, 2nd in total aces, 2nd in total digs, 2nd in digs per set, 2nd in total kills, 2nd in kills per set, 2nd in total points, 2nd in points per set, 11th in CIS for total aces, twice a Canada West athlete of the Week. Player of the Match in the Canada West Championship Semifinal-the match that qualified UBC Okanagan for Nationals. Canada West Silver Medal and CIS National Bronze Medal.

Olivia Johnson (Women’s Basketball)

• Third year guard has started all 20 games for the women’s basketball team this season. First class GPA as a management student. A top defensive player who was always assigned the other teams best player as a matchup, and successfully shut down top CIS players week-in and week-out.
• Team captain is known for work ethic on court and in classroom, and in study and in training. Raised the overall competition of practices and games through her work ethic, communication skills with both coaches and teammates, and consistently led by example. Is an incredible ambassador for UBCO and the women’s basketball program and continuously went out of her way to promote basketball, UBC  women's basketball, UBC Okanagan, and Heat athletics in the community and beyond.

Katy Klomps (Women’s Volleyball)

• Top GPA as a Nursing student competing at the highest level of CIS Volleyball season that goes from the end of August until the middle of March and includes 40+ matches, over 130 team training sessions, individual workouts, while being away for approximately 9-10 school days in the second semester alone. Five year starter. Led the CIS in blocks per set at 1.32, and career average of 1.35 blocks per set will be the highest ever in Canada West. Canada West All Star (3rd consecutive season), team won a Canada West Silver Medal and a National Bronze medal (CIS). CIS Player of the Match in quarter-finals of the CIS Championship.
• Spent the summer of 2015 in Romania volunteering with an organization that works in the Children's hospital caring for orphans. Excellent character, selfless teammate and an outstanding ambassador to UBC Okanagan. Katy is also one of the first to step up and volunteer for outreach or team commitments.

Carolyn Lee  (Women’s Golf)

• In her third year on the UBCO women's golf team Carolyn won every award possible this year: National Gold medal – top individual female golfer. National tournament All-Star (2nd straight year). Team won the National Silver Medal. CCAA Academic All-Canadian (2nd straight year). CCAA All-Canadian (2nd straight year). PACWEST Silver medal - individual female golfer, PACWEST Team Gold medal (Provincial champions), PACWEST provincial All-Star, Won three of five tournaments as an individual golfer.
• PACWEST provincial Academic Excellence and CCAA National Scholar and Academic All-Canadian, has been awarded every academic award possible as a student athlete at UBC Okanagan while in pre-med sciences.

Julianna Neudorf (Women’s Cross Country)

• First Class GPA as an engineering student, Julianna was a leader in the UBC Okanagan Heat's run to a national silver medal. The veteran racer came across the finish line in just over 20 minutes. (36th overall).
• Julianna was the only holdover from the national champions squad from two years ago, and one of just two from last fall. Her leadership was invaluable to the team who also had a first year coach this fall.

Most Outstanding Athlete of the Year

Brianna Beamish (Women’s Volleyball)

• Generally the focus of the team's offense in the Heat's most successful season. (22 wins - 1st place regular season finish , CW silver medal, national bronze medal). Finished 4th in CIS for Hitting Percentage among outside hitters this season an 5th in Total Aces. Was a Canada West Athlete of the Week and All-Star.
• Co-Captain and finished 2nd for All-time in kills and points for our program (847 kills and 980 points). A role model for young volleyball players, well liked and respected by her teammates, coaches, and the volleyball community.

Danielle Fearns (Women’s Rugby)

• Has been a key member of the women's rugby team for the past three seasons. Feature back on both the 15s squad and the 7s team that represents UBCO at the national championship.
• Extremely hard working student athlete who is in the weight room as much as on the field. Leader by example with time management balancing training, fitness and Applied Science program.

Carolyn Lee (Women’s Golf)

• In her third year on the UBCO women's golf team Carolyn won every award possible this year: National Gold medal – top individual female golfer. National tournament All-Star (2nd straight year). Team won the National Silver Medal. CCAA Academic All-Canadian (2nd straight year). CCAA All-Canadian (2nd straight year). PACWEST Silver medal - individual female golfer, PACWEST Team Gold medal (Provincial champions), PACWEST provincial All-Star, Won three of five tournaments as an individual golfer.
• PACWEST provincial Academic Excellence and CCAA National Scholar and Academic All-Canadian, has been awarded every academic award possible as a student athlete at UBC Okanagan while in pre-med sciences.

Emily Oxland (Women’s Volleyball)

• Starting setter and led the team to a 22-2 regular season title, Canada West Silver medallist, and CIS National Bronze medallist. Has been a solid performer at the highest level again this season. With a team full of high achievers, Emily’s contribution often goes unnoticed as she is not getting the big kill or the spectacular block. Has previously been recognized as a: CW 2nd Team All-Star, CIS All-Rookie Team, set a Canada West record for service aces in her rookie year with 46 Aces.
• As the quarterback of the offence, was 13th in CIS for assists per set, even though she shares the setting role. The UBCO system sees 2 setters in every game that we play, the double sub has proven to be very effective but it certainly hurts everyone’s individual statistics, and it highlights another quality of Emily’s team first attitude and selflessness. As she embraces a system that sees our setter coming out of every set to allow another front row hitter to go trough the front row and have a new back row setter.

Katie Wuttunee (Women’s Volleyball)

• Put together the most decorated season by any student athlete in UBC Okanagan in the CIS. Was a Canada West 1st Team All-Star (voted #1 middle in Canada West), a finalist for Player of the Year (won by Pakhomenko who also won CIS player of the Year). Was a Player of the Match in the Canada West Finals, and team won Canada West Silver Medal. Nationally was a CIS 1st Team All-Canadian, and the Player of the Match, CIS Semifinals, won the CIS Bronze Medal and named to the CIS National tournament All-Star team.
• A starter her entire career at UBC Okanagan (4 years since transferring from Capilano) and a 2014-15 CW 2nd Team All-Star. Outstanding Character, excellent ambassador, leads by example, with a great personality, one of the best the coaching staff have ever dealt with. Always rises to the moment, her best matches have been against the toughest competition. Her best match this season was vs TWU, then she was perfect with 20 kills on 26 attempts (0 errors) in the National Semi Final vs Toronto.