The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association released their 2021-'22 National Scholar Award winners on Sept. 22, a list that represents student-athletes who excel in their academics. Upon the list, 27 Tommies were featured.

Michael Eagles, St. Thomas University Athletics Direcoter, said he was please to see so many STU athletes receive this honour.

"I am so pleased to see so many of our student-athletes receiving this CCAA National Scholar distinction. We are proud of them for their efforts and leadership amongst their teammates and in the community," Eagles said. "It also is a credit to the coaches for the excellent work they do in recruiting top level athletes that are focused on their education."

Women's basketball player Samantha Stordy, a fourth-year forward from Moncton, NB, said she is grateful to be named for the award. Stordy said she understands the challenege of balacing time for academics with athletics.

"Being honoured with this award as a Tommies really shows how it is possible for an athlete to succeed academically at STU," Stordy said. "There are many opportunities for athletes to connect with professors and other resources to help manage the extra work."

Stordy also credited her teammates, past and present, for their support for one another. She wants to be able to help continue the academic excellence for future Tommies, the same way she was supported.

"As a senior, I want to continue that support to other teammates and help in anyway I can, just like the ones who have helped me."

For Liam McCann, a third-year Men's soccer player, academics are a prioity and not to be taken lightly. He said it feels incredible to be recoignized as a National Scholar award winner after the time and effort he had put in to his academics, as well as balancing his athletic life. McCann knows the high standards of being a Tommie brings, on and off the field.

"I'm honoured to be able to continue that tradition of excellence," he said. "Soccer and academics are my two biggest passions, which makes blancing the two easier."