York University Athletics & Recreation hosted its 54th annual Varsity Athletics Banquet on April 6. The event marked the return of the in-person banquet following the live-streamed iteration of the 53rd award ceremony in 2021.
Women's soccer player Jotam Chouhan and men's soccer player Soji Olatoye were named the Lions female and male athletes of the year, respectively. Chouhan also earned the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) West MVP award in 2022 and was named an OUA first-team. Olatoye likewise won the OUA West MVP and was an OUA first-team all-star along with being named a U SPORTS first-team all-Canadian.
A full list of award winners and MVPs named at the ceremony is included below.
Female Athlete of the Year
Awarded to one female who has exhibited outstanding athletic skill, character and fair play in their sport, and, as a result, contributed to the success of their team. Chouhan was named the female athlete of the year.
Male Athlete of the Year
Awarded to one male who has exhibited outstanding athletic skill, character and fair play in their sport, and, as a result, contributed to the success of their team. Olatoye was named the male athlete of the year.
Female Rookie of the Year
The recipient of this award must be compliant with U SPORTS and OUA rookie of the year sport-specific regulations, and be in their first year of eligibility in university competition. The award is presented to a female member of a York varsity team who exhibited outstanding athletic skill in their rookie season. Women's soccer player Nia Fleming-Thompson was the female rookie of the year.
Male Rookie of the Year
The recipient of this award must be compliant with U SPORTS and OUA rookie of the year sport-specific regulations, and be in their first year of eligibility in university competition. The award is presented to a male member of a York varsity team who exhibited outstanding athletic skill in their rookie season. Badminton player Victor Lai was the male rookie of the year.
Bryce M. Taylor Award [Outstanding Female Graduate]:
Presented to a graduating female athlete, who has, throughout their undergraduate years, made outstanding contributions to Varsity Athletics at York University. Leadership, dedication, enthusiasm and participation in all aspects of Varsity Athletics will be considered qualifications for this award. Field hockey player Frankie St. Louis won this year's Bryce M. Taylor Award.
Outstanding Male Graduate Award
Presented to a graduating male athlete, who has, throughout their undergraduate years, made outstanding contributions to Varsity Athletics at York University. Leadership, dedication, enthusiasm and participation in all aspects of Varsity Athletics will be considered qualifications for this award. Men's hockey player Xavier Pouliot was this year's outstanding male graduate.
Coach of the Year
Presented to a coach who has demonstrated leadership and earned the respect of both athletes and coaches in setting high expectations which have led to significant improvements and/or accomplishments over the past season for their program. Coach of the Year was presented to field hockey Coach Zeeshan Minhas.
Charles Saundercook Memorial Trophy
Presented to a student-athlete who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, enthusiasm for life and consideration of others. This trophy is open to male and female student-athletes. The Charles Saundercook Memorial Trophy was awarded to basketball player Prince Kamunga.
Most Valuable Players
Women's Basketball: Lauren Golding
Men's Basketball: Somto Dimanochie
Women's Cross Country: Laura Peters
Men's Cross Country: Abdullahi Abdullahi
Field Hockey: Frankie St. Louis
Football: Matt Dean
Women's Hockey: Brooke Anderson
Men's Hockey: Xavier Pouliot
Women's Rugby: Erin Preston
Women's Soccer: Jotam Chouhan
Men's Soccer: Joe Mac
Women's Tennis: Tamara Janev
Men's Tennis: Max Tokarev
Women's Track & Field: Ella Foster
Men's Track & Field: Jeremy Elliott
Women's Volleyball: Christina Piccinin
Men's Volleyball: Andrew Tauhid
Women's Wrestling: Willow Morton
Men's Wrestling: Sabit Bin Mahir