The Dalhousie Tigers celebrated their 150 student-athletes who earned Academic All-Canadian status on Thursday, January 25 at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium.
To earn this award, student-athletes had to maintain at least a 3.50 grade point average over the course of the 2022-23 academic year while competitive in a varsity sport. These student-athletes worked hard both on the court and in the classroom with dedication and sacrifice.
Tim Maloney, Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation, opened the celebration highlighting the accomplishment of the Tigers student-athletes.
“One in two student-athletes that you see walking around campus have a GPA of at least 3.5, which is likely one of the best ratios in the country,” said Maloney. He went on to highlight the interesting coincidence that the Tigers also won half of the conference titles they competed for last year.
Joining Maloney in celebrating the student-athletes was Dalhousie president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Kim Brooks who reminded the athletes to not only celebrate these big wins, but the small ones too.
“We are so incredibly proud of you and how you represent the university as a student-athletes,” said Brooks.
Co-MCs Hannah Firstbrook and Sartaj Sidhu had the large task of announcing all the award winners in the auditorium. Firstbrook is a member of the women’s soccer team and is studying psychology. Sidhu is a kinesiology student and a member of the men’s volleyball team. Both are Academic All-Canadians.
“By the end of today’s program, we’re confident that all present will agree that the excellence achieved by these very special Dalhousie students can be termed as nothing less than exceptional,” said Firstbrook. “Being named a U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian is a very special recognition, in fact it is one of the highest recognitions that a university student-athlete can receive.”
Following the presentation of the awards, women’s soccer alumna Reika Santilli spoke to the student-athletes about embracing different versions of themselves.
“Over my life I have been many different versions of myself; a wife, a mother, a student, an alumna. But they are all me. Many of you will graduate soon and become different versions of yourself. You will become alumni. But you are still you.”
Student-athlete and member of the Tigers cross country and track & field teams Aidan Goslett thanked the supporters of the student-athletes for their mentorship and care on behalf of the Academic All-Canadians.
“Speaking from experience, there are a lot of long days,” said Goslett. “I find there is a lot that can be learned from sport and it’s important to reflect on how you’re able to do what you do. Of course, there’s the love and passion for the sport but it’s important to remember the support network that has helped you along the way.”
The average GPA this year among the Tigers Academic All-Canadians was 3.98. In addition to the 8 conference titles, the Tigers also won two national medals, had 56 athletes named to all-conference teams, and won 12 major AUS wards and 2 major U SPORTS awards.