The University of Lethbridge honoured its top-performing student-athletes on Thursday, Dec. 4, as Pronghorn Athletics hosted the annual Academic All-Canadian Dinner in the Science Commons Atrium. The event brought together student-athletes, coaches, university leadership, and supporters for an evening dedicated to academic achievement and the values that define the Pronghorns community.
The night opened with a land acknowledgement from Jessy McArthur, Manager of Health and Performance, who also introduced the evening's Master of Ceremonies, Natasha Buis-Deering, Executive Director of Strategic Enrolment Management and Registrar. A proud University of Lethbridge alumna, Buis-Deering spoke about the transformative impact of post-secondary education and the importance of supporting student success.
Jessy McArthur, Manager of Health and Performance
Guests included several members of the University's senior leadership team, recognized for their ongoing commitment to Pronghorn Athletics: "Super Booster" Knud Peterson; Pronghorn Basketball Title Sponsors Darren and Anthea Boras of Ward Brothers; Chancellor Terry Whitehead; Vice-President (Research) Dr. Dena McMartin; Vice-President (Finance & Administration) Deborah Lucas; Deputy Provost Dr. Rebecca Schiff; Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Dr. Michelle Helstein; and University President Dr. Digvir Jayas.
Natasha Buis-Deering, Executive Director of Strategic Enrolment Management and Registrar.
Dr. Helstein also addressed the audience, reflecting on her own experience as a student-athlete and acknowledging the dedication and balance required to excel both academically and athletically.
Honouring Academic All-Canadians
To earn Academic All-Canadian status, student-athletes must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.4 during their competitive season. This year, 69 Pronghorns reached this milestone—representing 38% of all eligible student-athletes, one of the strongest academic performances among university sport programs nationwide.
Among them were nine student-athletes who achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA.
The Women's Basketball program was once again recognized for academic excellence, posting the highest team GPA in Pronghorn Athletics with an impressive 3.6. The team continues to set the academic standard within the department year after year.
Certificates were presented by team, with each coach joining the stage to honour their athletes.
Team Photos
Men's Basketball
Women's BasketballÂ
Women's Rugby
Swimming
Track and FieldÂ
Men's Soccer
Women's Soccer
Â
President's Award Recipient Announced
The evening concluded with the presentation of the prestigious President's Award, given to the Pronghorn student-athlete who achieves the highest GPA while completing the greatest number of credit hours between the fall and spring semesters.
For the 2024–25 season, the award was presented to Kai Sakaguchi of Pronghorn Men's Soccer, who completed 30 credit hours while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA—a remarkable accomplishment.
Kai Sakaguchi (MSOC) and President Dr. Digvir Jayas
Pronghorn Athletics congratulates all Academic All-Canadians on their outstanding achievements and wishes every student-athlete success as they head into final exams.
List of Award Winners:Â
- Abby Stonehocker
- Janessa Doctor
- Kamryn Deklerk
- Mhari Mattuli
- Paisley Sillito
- Piper Dobbelsteyn
- Charli Helland
- Elizabeth LePage
- Ellie De La Mare
- Holly Nelson
- Jayda Morrison
- Jorja Salmon
- Mackenzie Hutten
- Molly Aellen
- Payton Viney
- Teagan Viney
- Heidi Andres
- Bailee Selent
- Cassandra Pasveer
- Chiara Duenser
- Chloe Wilson
- Jorja Herle
- Nicola Hutton
- Viktoria Birglechner
- Amelie Gouttin
- Delaney Lehman
- Makena Wood
- Jade Cullen
- Avery Sluik
- Kate Johnson
- Jinaye Shomachuk
- Kimoya Edwards
- Laura Pizarro
- Benjamin Adserballe
- Parker Brown
- Tanner Sanders
- Tristan Bennett
- Kameron Brill
- Brannon Sumner
- Alejandro Figueroa
- Kavindu Sumanasena
- Orion Legg
- Andrew Primeau
- Ben Gingras
- Kai Sakaguchi
- Simon Rolfson
- Soren Hendricks
- Thomas Denness
- Bryce Solis
- Karter Fry
- Josh Francis
