Human kinetics student Lindsey Berthelsen is congratulated by Associate Vice-President, Students Ian Cull at a special breakfast event last week.
National recognition for those who excel in the classroom and on varsity teams
Student-athletes who literally go the extra mile were recognized at a special event on campus last week.
In what is now becoming a tradition as UBC’s Okanagan campus, the academically- accomplished student-athletes were invited to a breakfast with the director of athletics, who also invited university leaders and dignitaries for the early morning celebration.
A total of 44 UBC Okanagan student-athletes were honoured for their outstanding achievements in the classroom while also competing for Heat varsity teams during the 2017-18 season.
Director of Athletics and Recreation Tom Huisman explained that the national organization U SPORTS recognizes highly-accomplished student-athletes as Academic All-Canadians. To deserve this recognition, students must achieve an academic average of 80 per cent or better while playing on a varsity sports team. UBC Okanagan’s male and female basketball, volleyball and soccer teams participated within U SPORTS last year.
The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) also recognizes the same level of academic accomplishment by honouring student-athletes with the distinction of its National Scholar Award. Last year, that included UBC Okanagan’s golf and cross-country teams.
“These student-athletes are incredible leaders today by virtue of the example that they set in the classroom and in their sport,” said Huisman. “And they are our future leaders in the community and their soon to be established careers.”
Huisman noted that more than a quarter (29 per cent) of all Heat student-athletes were recipients of the academic achievement awards last year. To be recognized student-athletes need to continue with their high academic achievement while also practicing, playing or travelling with their varsity teams up to 40 hours a week.
Academic All-Canadians and National Scholars by sport
Cross Country: Alex Beswick*, Veronika Fagan, Camille Galloway, Rachel Garrett, Alexis Gee*, Owen Harris, Mike Mitchell, Julianna Neudorf*, Alex Spice
Basketball: Lindsey Bott*, Vanessa Botteselle, Carly Corrado*, Claire Feasby, Emma Johnson*, Kate Johnson*, Emma Jonas*, Jordan Korol, Jacob Stokker
Golf: Derek Graham
Soccer: Maya Bandy, Corbin Beauchemin, Lindsey Berthelsen, Lauren Candelario*, Bret Depner, Ally Ferronato, Liam Foulger*, Wyatt Gilbert*, Ryan Jerry*, Cole Kingzett*, Sam McDonald*, Aaron Mulama, Andrea Stinson*, Susan Traynor*, Brittany Wheeler*
Volleyball: Keeley Bell, Lars Bornemann*, Erin Drew*, Siobhan Fitzpatrick*, Sophia Furlan, Sara McCreary, Ann Richards, Sadie Taylor-Parks, Skye Thompson*, Shawn Zhao
*Not in attendance (graduated, unable to attend, or no longer on one of the U SPORTS or CCAA varsity teams)
More than 44 student-athletes were recognized last week for maintaining a high academic average, while also competing on their Heat varsity teams.
