UTM Athletic Award Recipients

Golden Eagle Award 
Yulina Zhao

Yulina accumulated 43 points in her participation with the Department of Recreation Athletics and Wellness sport programs as Yulina was involved in a variety of UTM Intramural events as well as the Tri-Campus Coed Ultimate team in the 2022-2023 season

UTM Intramurals Referee of the Year
Olivia Tarka

Olivia has not only led with fairness and exemplary commitment throughout each basketball game she officiated but also had a level of professionalism that was respected amongst participants. Olivia has the ability to make tough calls while remaining impartial and professional. Olivia’s dedication to uphold UTM's Fair Play Code is inspiring, and she has had a positive impact on the Intramurals program. 

UTM Intramurals Game Manager of the Year
Aileen Curtamet

Described by multiple nominators as one who is committed and shows a positive attitude during each shift, Aileen has gone above and beyond the role as a game manager. She ensures everyone is welcomed each time they come to play. Aileen’s exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail have been critical in ensuring the smooth operation of UTM's leagues and tournaments.  

Alice H. Pearson – Intramural Athlete of the Year
Yulina Zhao

Yulina has been participating in the UTM Intramurals program in a variety of sports since starting her post-secondary studies here at UTM. She has made significant contributions to the experience of other participants by being a leader amongst her peers regardless of what team or sport. Mentioned by nominators, Yulina has a very positive mindset and encourages people to participate. No matter the outcome of the game, Yulina always appreciate the efforts of all teammates and provides support when needed. 

Alice H. Pearson – Intramural Athlete of the Year
Ahmad Kubbar

Ahmad has participated in multiple sport leagues and tournaments in the Intramurals Programs since 2019. Ahmad has not only been a leader amongst his peers and demonstrated good sportsmanship but also as teammate and leader who is welcoming and always wanting to have fun through sports. Ahmad has also contributed to the UTM Intramurals program by officiating both soccer and basketball for numerous semesters and is described by his peers as a well-rounded and caring individual.

Tri-Campus Most Valuable Players – MVP’s

Congratulations to all recipients on your achievements
 

Women’s Basketball – Jordan Oh 
Men’s Basketball - Andreas Jankovic  
Women’s Flag Football - Emma Miller 
Men’s Flag Football - Anadil Shamsi  
Men’s Ice Hockey - Husam Abdulnabi 
Women’s Ice Hockey - Emily Brunet  
Women’s Indoor Soccer - Amelia Caron  
Men’s Indoor Soccer - Talal Khamis  
Men’s Outdoor Soccer - Aidan Gideon  
Women’s Outdoor Soccer - Isabela Charum Galindo 
Coed Ultimate - Outdoor - Clara Narimatsu  
Coed Ultimate Indoor - Rosario Wong 
Men’s Volleyball - Taaha Butt 
Women’s Volleyball - Payton Bouvier  

Tri-Campus Athlete of the Year Award
Taaha Butt
 

Taaha's outstanding performance as a student-athlete in volleyball has been exceptional, but it's his contributions to the team outside the court that truly makes Taaha stand out. Taaha’s commitment to the team, supportiveness, and ability to be a team player have not gone unnoticed. He is described by his peers as someone who extremely good at mediating issues that arise and understands everyone's thoughts, feelings and emotions. Not only does Taaha have the most set assist this past year for the Men’s Tri-Campus Volleyball team but he shows up with a positive attitude and tries to make everyone feel at home  

Tri-Campus Athlete of the Year Award

Mackenzie Kieswetter

Mackenzie is described as not only a hard-working individual but also one with an extremely positive attitude and has the ability to lift up teammates’ spirits in the perfect moment. It’s Mackenzie’s performance as a goalie for the Women’s Tri-Campus Soccer team that has been truly remarkable this season in addition to the ability not to crack under pressure that sets Mackenzie apart. The dedication to the team and leadership has made Mack a remarkable role model to all 

UTM Eagles Heart & Spirit award
Laura Neira

Laura Neira is described as not only an individual who never passes up the opportunity to learn but one who will come to every practice and game no matter the circumstances. Lau, as her teammates call her, is one of those people that you know will stand up for you and can cheer you on no matter what. Never complaining, she is always making people feel heard and supported

UTM Eagles Heart & Spirit award
Armaan Hayer

Armaan is the embodiment of what it means to be an Eagle. Through numerous contributions not only to the department but to the UTM campus and local community, Armaan organized numerous initiatives in addition to balancing his commitment to the Tri-Campus Men’s Flag Football team. His peers describe him as a leader who works tirelessly to educate and teach the sport of football. His caring attitude and willingness to listen is what has gained the respect of those around him 

Cynthia E. Haddow Memorial Award
Fatima Khalid

Fatima is an leader both on and off the field, with her presence felt throughout the department. Win or lose, she keeps a positive mindset and encourages everyone to participate and do their best. She appreciates the efforts of both her teammates and opponents while demonstrating true sportsmanship. Regardless of the outcome of the game, Fatima strives to improve and succeed as an individual and empower those around her to achieve greatness.  

UTM Fair Play Award
Keshan Jerome Mahendra
 

Jerome has participated in a number of games and tournaments throughout the academic year. Jerome has been described by his peers as someone who truly cares for those around him. Jerome always maintains a positive attitude and goes above and beyond to make those around him have a memorable experience. 

UTM Fair Play Award
Emily Brunet

A member of the Tri-Campus Women’s Hockey team, Emily contributed to the team every single game and demonstrated team sportsmanship on and off the ice. Emily always kept a positive attitude and resilience no matter the outcome of the game. Emily really showed what a team player and a great leader should look like as Emily always had a smile on and is the first to encourage teammates.  

UTM Fair Play Award
Alexander Chen

Alex demonstrates leadership on & off the playing surface, through his participation and positive impact to each team he plays on. Alex embodies and exemplifies the Fair Play Code while participating. You often spot Alex on the sideline capturing our student-athletes in action as a Sport Photographer for the department. 

UTM Fair Play Award
Alyssa Maxwell

Alyssa has continually demonstrated strong commitment and inclusion to the UTM community. Alyssa’s passion for volleyball is definite and is an advocate for her peers looking to play at any level. Alyssa has served as a good example to her teammates and peers of what it means to be honest and empowering. 

Tri-Campus Coach of the Year
Krista Pantin & Howard Nanes 

Both coaches have been described by multiple nominators as not only knowledgeable and experienced in each of their sports but truly care about each individual involved with their respective teams. Coach Krista and Coach Howard are always striving for their student-athletes to excel both on the playing surface and in the classroom. The immense passion, dedication and commitment that both Coach Howard & Coach Krista display is impressive and therefore, well-deserving of this award.  

James J. Rae – Women’s Athlete of the Year
Fathema Shaikh

Fathema is described by many as an extremely driven, respectful and constantly striving for excellence. Fathema involvement goes beyond her sport team and participation within sport programs here at UTM, as she has held numerous positions within the department during her time as a student in addition to her involvement across the UTM campus. She has always been an advocate and welcomes all UTM students to get involved in the variety of sport programs. Fathema was recently awarded the Principal's Award of Excellence in Student Leadership. 

J. Tuzo Wilson – Men’s Athlete of the Year
Andreas Jankovic

Andreas is described by multiple peers as an individual who strives to become a better person every day. He has been invaluable to the basketball team’s success this past season and has been a dependable leader on and off the court. His involvement within the Department as a student trainer goes above and beyond the role. Andreas is one to help ensure his peers feel included and supported which embodies what it means to be an eagle.  Andreas consistently encourages students to get involved and is seen spreading positive vibes to all those who come to the RAWC.