The University of Guelph recently showcased its commitment to attracting and recognizing top-tier international athletes during its Athletic Department’s Awards Ceremony, held in the university’s event facility/main gym.
Martina Fedel and Harvey Marchant Shine as Top Athletes
Two standout performers from the varsity teams’ 2023-24 season stood out at the awards. Martina Fedel, a hockey goaltender from Italy, earned the prestigious title of Female Athlete of the Year, while Harvey Marchant, a soccer player and human kinetics student from England, received the esteemed President’s Trophy as Male Student-Athlete of the Year. Notably, the President’s Trophy recognizes exceptional achievements in both academics and athletics.
Fedel, a third-year Gryphon and animal biology student hailing from Trento, Italy, was unable to attend the ceremony due to her commitments as the No. 1 goalie for the Italian national team competing in the women’s world championship Division 1-group B tournament. Her remarkable win marks a departure from the six consecutive victories in the award by track athletes, showcasing the growing diversity of talent at U of G.
Max Davies and Trinity Papamandjaris Elevate Gryphon Athletics
Max Davies, a track and field athlete from Toronto, claimed the Male Athlete of the Year title, continuing the university’s trend of track and field excellence. Davies’ outstanding performance included three gold medals at the U Sports championship meet, where he set records in the men’s 1,000 meters and 1,500 meters and anchored the Gryphons’ winning men’s 4x800m relay team.
On the women’s side, Trinity Papamandjaris, a bio-medical science student and member of the women’s basketball team, was awarded the President’s Trophy for female student/athlete of the year. Her transfer to U of G from NCAA play brought a new level of skill and dedication to the court, culminating in career highs and valuable contributions to her team’s success.
Celebrating Excellence Across Sports and Contributions
The awards ceremony also recognized Kobe Faust as the W.F. Mitchell Sportsman of the Year for his achievements in men’s rugby, and Hannah Tait as the W.F. Mitchell Sportswoman of the Year for her contributions to women’s hockey. Other notable awardees included Jacqueline Giles (Fred Ramprashad Award), Josh Glasbergen (Don Cameron Award), Christina Gomes (Shirley Peterson Award), Jacob Cabral (Scott Yanchus Male Rookie of the Year), Reese Coffey (Dr. Mary Beverley-Burton Female Rookie of the Year), and many others who have demonstrated excellence, dedication, and leadership in their respective sports and roles within Gryphon athletics.
The University of Guelph’s commitment to nurturing both academic and athletic excellence shines through these awards, celebrating the outstanding achievements of its student-athletes and their significant contributions to the university’s sports legacy.
