All photos by Mary Kessenich
12 VIU Mariners made the Academic All-Canadians list this year – the most ever
Congratulations to our 2024-25 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Academic All-Canadians!
With 12 recipients, this marks the largest Academic All-Canadian cohort in the VIU Mariners varsity program's history, topping the 10 Academic All-Canadians we celebrated in 2001.
Danielle Hyde, Director of Athletics & Recreation at Vancouver Island University, offered her congratulations to this year's Academic All-Canadians from VIU. "We're so proud to see the Mariners excelling and ranking among the top student-athletes in the country and demonstrating the twin benefits of athletics and academics."
To win this award, a student-athlete must earn an honours-standing GPA and receive a conference CCAA all-star or MVP award for their season or at a postseason tournament.
Grace Brisebois - Volleyball - Bachelor of Kinesiology
"Balancing training sessions and competitions with academic responsibilities has helped me become more organized and efficient with my time. Through sport, I've learned to set goals, stay committed, and push through challenges which are skills that directly translate to the classroom. Being part of a team has also strengthened my communication and leadership abilities, which have been valuable in group projects and school leadership roles."
Mya Creed - Soccer - Bachelor of Science
"Being a college athlete has taught me many skills that support me in classroom, such as discipline, time management, and a strong work ethic. Additionally, attending university while also playing the sport I love has kept me motivated and offered an outlet during stressful times."
Jade Dillabough - Soccer - Bachelor of Arts
"Playing college soccer has motivated me to work hard in my studies so I can keep competing for my school, and to be a role model for younger teammates in my academic program. The community and dedication I have found from college sports has truly helped me to strive to be the best version of myself in all aspects, especially in school."
Owen Dyck - Volleyball - Bachelor of Science
"Sport and the classroom are two very different but both challenging things to succeed in. I find that although these two things are dissimilar, success in the classroom can be found by applying the same focus and energy needed to achieve success on the court."
Olivia Guild - Soccer - Bachelor of Kinesiology
"Playing college soccer has allowed me to develop many close relationships with teammates who not only support my academics but many who help me with them. The hard work and dedication they show both on and off the field inspire me to do the same."
Tori Hauptman - Soccer - Bachelor of Kinesiology
"My involvement as a student-athlete has significantly contributed to my academic success by teaching me essential life skills, including teamwork, resilience, time management, and adaptability. Balancing the demands of training and competition with academic responsibilities has strengthened my work ethic and enhanced my leadership and communication skills within a team environment."
Michael Heppelle - Soccer - Bachelor of Business Administration
"College sports taught me discipline and time management to do well as a student athlete."
Kai Leighton - Basketball - Bachelor of Arts
"Being a student athlete gives me purpose and the feeling of being apart of something bigger than myself. It has allowed me to build a strong support system which helps me on and off the floor."
Harriette Mackenzie - Basketball - Practical Nursing
"My involvement in college sport contributed to my success in school by surrounding me with network of friendships who support and uplift each other on and off the court."
Aimee Skinner - Volleyball - Bachelor of Kinesiology
"Sport keeps me scheduled and keeps me accountable for all things in my life, especially school."
Kaiden Thorpe - Soccer - Bachelor of Kinesiology
"Playing sport has really fostered a strong work ethic for me; I am always looking to improve and do my best. My dedication to excelling in college sport has directly translated to my academic pursuits."
Rylan Van Kooten - Volleyball - Bachelor of Kinesiology
"My involvement in college sport has improved my time management and work ethic that has contributed to my academic success and improved my overall athletic performance."
Background
VIU Mariners - Academic All-Canadian Award Winners - History
CCAA - 2024-25 Academic All-Canadians
For more information, please contact Matt Carter, VIU Mariners Communications & Sports Information Coordinator
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