The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns announced their major award nominees on social media this afternoon, three weeks ahead of the annual Blue and Gold Awards Banquet on April 9, highlighting not only top performances but the individual stories that shaped the season across all seven programs. This year's nominees reflect athletes who consistently contributed to their teams while reaching significant personal milestones, from record-breaking performances to leadership roles developed over the course of the year.
In the Female Athlete of the Year category, fourth-year swimmer Delaney Lehman capped her Pronghorn career with a season defined by consistency and progression, reaching four finals at both the Canada West Championships and U SPORTS Nationals while setting multiple program records and leading both teams in points. Track and field athlete Jinaye Shomacuk delivered one of the most notable performances in program history, setting a U SPORTS record in the women's weight throw and remaining undefeated in the event, a result of steady dominance throughout the season that earned her national and conference recognition. For women's soccer, graduating player Lisa Popp's impact extended beyond the scoresheet, as she appeared in all 14 matches, leading the team in offensive production while maintaining a strong defensive presence in tightly contested games.
On the men's side, basketball player Kymani Pollard emerged as one of the top offensive players in the country, leading Canada West in total points (436) and finishing third nationally in scoring while providing a consistent presence throughout the season. Men's soccer player Kai Sakaguchi not only led his team in scoring (7G, 2A) but also took on an increased leadership role, supporting a younger roster while continuing to drive the team's attacking play. In the pool, Tristan Bennett balanced academic and athletic demands with a 3.90 GPA alongside strong championship performances, leading the men's team in points at both the conference and national level. Track and field athlete Lauchlan Irish added to the program's success in the field events, earning a U SPORTS bronze medal in the triple jump while setting a new school record and recording one of the top performances in program history.
The Female Rookie of the Year nominees reflect a group of athletes who quickly established themselves within their programs. Basketball player Rae Wedman saw her role expand steadily throughout the season, finishing with 91 points while contributing in shooting and defensive categories. Swimmer Grace Hitchcock made an immediate impact by breaking multiple long-standing program records and leading all Pronghorn rookies in points at the Canada West Championships. In women's soccer, Valentina Migliaccio combined consistent on-field contributions with leadership development, starting 11 matches and earning a place within the team's leadership group while maintaining a 3.75 GPA. Track and field athlete Brooke Bentley qualified for the U SPORTS Championships and earned podium finishes across several meets, positioning herself among the top competitors nationally in shot put, while rugby player Lucy Finnson competed against high-level opposition at just 17, including a bronze medal performance as captain of Alberta's U18 sevens team at the Canada Summer Games.
In the Male Rookie of the Year category, basketball player Cole Steele provided efficient scoring and rebounding while emerging as the team's most effective three-point shooter. Swimmer Jake Odorski stood out as the only first-year athlete to reach the final of the men's 50 freestyle at the Canada West Championships and contributed to a program record in the 200 freestyle relay. Men's soccer player Xander McIntyre appeared in nearly every match, contributing to the team's assist lead while providing reliable performances in key moments, and track and field athlete Reise Dolan recorded multiple top-eight finishes in the men's weight throw, including a fifth-place result at the conference championships.
Winners will be announced to the public in the following days after the Blue and Gold Awards Banquet.
Nominees:
