STU Athletics & Recreation Celebrates 2024-25 Season at Annual Banquet

STU Athletics & Recreation Celebrates 2024-25 Season at Annual Banquet

Fredericton, NB – St. Thomas University hosted its annual Athletics Banquet yesterday, celebrating the outstanding achievements of our student-athletes during the 2024-2025 academic year. The event, held at the Fredericton Inn, united athletes, coaches, and supporters to honor excellence and dedication within our athletic programs. It was a night filled with fun and great memories. 

At STU Athletics & Recreation we had a busy 2024-25 season of competition as well as great initiatives led by the St. Thomas Student-Athlete Council like the Tommie’s Food Drive, our Sport for All weekend, Think Pink initiatives in partnership with the Chalmers Foundation, our first ever STU International Football Night and more. We also hosted the CCAA Men’s Soccer National Championship and the CCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship, showcasing Fredericton and St. Thomas to universities and colleges from across Canada. 

During the banquet, STU Athletics & Recreation announced the major award winners and team award recipients, including the Coastal Graphics Athletes of the Year and the LeRoy Washburn Community Service Award.

Major Awards

Athlete of the Year for Women's Program: Kathleen Boyle (Women's Volleyball)

Kathleen was a standout offensive threat this season, ranking among the league's top players in several categories. Her versatility and leadership were instrumental in her team's notable victories.

Athlete of the Year for Men's Program: Chidubem Nkoloagu (Men's Soccer)

Chidubem consistently demonstrated excellence throughout his athletic career at STU. His contributions across all areas of the game and his ability to perform under pressure have been vital to his team's success. Chi helped his team bring the ACAA championship banner and had a great performance at Nationals. 

LeRoy Washburn Community Service Award: Women's Basketball

In the last couple of years, this team has made a concerted effort to be increasingly active in campus and Fredericton communities. Given the length of the season and the high demands on the athletes, it has been wonderful to watch this group's intentionality and desire to get involved and give back through the events and initiatives such as: Welcome Week - Move-in Day volunteers, Harvest Music Festival, ACAA Cross Country Race, Tommies Food Drive, Basketball Clinic at Chief Harold Sappier Memorial Elementary School and more.

John Frederick Walls Award: Raph Fiset (Men's Volleyball)

This athlete has been instrumental in his team’s success while maintaining the highest level of integrity and sportsmanship. His leadership, athletic excellence, community involvement and academic commitment make him a well-rounded student-athlete. A two-time ACAA All-star, this athlete represents St. Thomas with pride and is respected by his teammates and peers for his work ethic and leadership.  

Cathy Wadden Commitment Award: Ekaterina Pelowich (Women's Hockey).

This Tommie had another standout season for the green and gold, landing herself at the top of the standings while also balancing a rigorous course load. She represented St. Thomas on an international stage, a feat only a few Tommies in history can say they have done.

Team Awards

Cross Country

  • Most Improved: Rochelle Clutchey

  • Female MVP: Alexandra Nilsson

  • Male MVP: Warren Mcarthur

Women's Rugby

  • Rookie of the Year: Sharly Larose

  • Most Improved Player: Aurora Sutton

  • Heather Leonard Memorial Award: Kamylle Bonenfant

  • MVP: Madelyn Walsh

Women's Soccer

  • Rookie of the Year: Erika Swinamer

  • Unsung Hero: Avery Scott

  • Mary Cronin Memorial Leadership Award: Jasmin Atkinson

  • MVP: Caitlyn Steeves

Men's Soccer

  • Rookie of the Year: Nana Osei-Bonsu

  • Unsung Hero: Rhys Cooke McCormick & Adam Loewen

  • Leadership Award: Josh Oakes

  • MVP: Chidubem Nkoloagu 

Women's Hockey

  • Rookie of the Year: Katelin Moffatt

  • Most Improved Player: Chloe Marshall

  • Top Defensive Player: Laura Brown

  • MVP: Ekaterina Pelowich

Women's Volleyball

  • Rookie of the Year: Ava Slipp

  • Coach's Award: Megan Macdonald 

  • Most Valuable Player: Kathleen Boyle

  •  

Men's Volleyball

  • Rookie of the Year: Brayden Bruce

  • Most Improved Player: Jacob Chiasson

  • Most Valuable Player: Mason Brewster

Men's Basketball

  • Rookie of the Year: Zach Dool

  • Most Improved Player: River Lanz

  • Top Defensive Player: Evan Valanne 

  • MVPs: Noah McCarthy

Women's Basketball

  • Rookie of the Year: Claudia Steeves

  • Leadership Award: Katie Vidito

  • Defensive Player: Kylee Roi

  • MVP: Katie Vidito & Charlee Connors

Athletics Director Meaghan Donahue Wies reflected on the season, stating, "In closing, I just want to reiterate on behalf of the department and St. Thomas our pride in all of your exceptional accomplishments this season and our gratitude to you all for your hard work, dedication, and passion. We are a small but mighty team here at St. Thomas and greatly appreciate the support."

St. Thomas Athletics & Recreation extends heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients and expresses gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of these initiatives.

As we wrap up this incredible season, we look ahead with excitement to what the future holds. With a strong foundation, passionate athletes, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, we are ready to build on this success and continue making lasting memories.