VANCOUVER – Concluding another outstanding year of athletic achievements, UBC Thunderbirds student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and supporters gathered Wednesday night at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre for the annual Big Block Awards, recognizing the very best of the best from 2024-25.
Celebrating nine national championship titles and another ten conference banners over the past year, there was no shortage of amazing accomplishments to re-live as Canada's most successful university athletics department took centre stage.
Du VIVIER TEAM OF THE YEAR
Beginning the 2024 season as defending U SPORTS Champions, there wasn't much UBC Women's Soccer could do to impress even more, but somehow they managed to do just that. Going undefeated with a perfect 20-0 record, the T-Birds cruised through the regular season and secured their 17
th Canada West title.
Entering the national championship tournament in Halifax as the number one seed, the 'Birds didn't disappoint, posting three straight clean sheet wins to claim their second straight U SPORTS banner and their ninth in program history.
Setting a number of records along the way including becoming the first Canada West team in women's soccer history to post a perfect season, the squad truly played their best when it mattered most, not conceding a single goal against in their entire post-season run. Their perfection has led to Women's Soccer being honoured as the Du Vivier Team of the Year for the first time since 1994.
BUS PHILLIPS – BEST MALE ATHLETE
His eighth place finish in the 200 metre individual medley at the Paris Olympics were just a precursor of things to come for Finlay Knox in his first season with the T-Birds. Both the Canada West and U SPORTS Male Swimmer of the Year, he helped lead UBC to their first conference championship in three years and their third national banner in the last four.
The rookie Thunderbird finished his first national championship meet with an astounding six gold medals and a bronze. Knox was part of three gold medal relay teams, all of which set new U SPORTS records and he also set a new record in each of his three individual gold medal races.
Finalists: Mason Greves (Volleyball), Eric Lajeunesse (Soccer)
MARILYN POMFRET – BEST FEMALE ATHLETE
Grace Elliott capped off a record breaking season by becoming the first UBC Thunderbird to be named U SPORTS Women's Hockey Player of the Year. Leading the country with 22 goals and 42 points while setting new program records in a dominant offensive season, Elliott was also named a first team All-Canadian.
Finishing the 2024-25 campaign with a ten-point lead atop the conference scoring race, Elliott's remarkable season was also one of consistent production. She put up multiple points on 12 different occasions with a season-long point streak of 11 games. Elliott also led the conference in plus/minus with a +28 rating, power play points with 15, and tied for the lead with seven power play goals and six game winning tallies. The White Rock native was a major reason why the T-Birds finished atop the conference with a record setting 25 wins.
Finalists: Kayla Sanchez (Swimming), Shae Sever (Softball)
BOBBY GAUL – GRADUATING MALE ATHLETE
Set to go down as one of UBC Football's all-time greats, quarterback Garrett Rooker began his blue and gold career as a Canada West and Big Block Rookie of the Year and never looked back. Named Sport BC's Harry Jerome Comeback of the Year Winner, Rooker rallied from devastating injury to put up one of the best statistical performances in Canada West history, leading UBC to their first Vanier Cup appearance in eight years.
Last year's Bus Phillips Award winner, Rooker finished his T-Birds career fifth in all-time program passing and with the third highest completion percentage in Canada West history – all while earning Academic All-Canadian status in each season.
Finalists: Sean Heppner (Baseball), Chris Lee (Soccer)
MAY BROWN – GRADUATING FEMALE ATHLETE
The all-time points leader in UBC Women's Rugby history, there isn't much Savannah Bauder hasn't accomplished. Helping lead the T-Birds to four straight Canada West championships and the 2024 U SPORTS title, Bauder has changed the face of UBC Rugby and made an impact that will last well beyond her tenure with the blue and gold.
Twice named the Canada West Player of the Year, Bauder also earned 2023's U SPORTS Player of the Year. She recently earned her first appearance with the Canadian National Women's 7s team and scored her first try at the World Series.
Finalists: Chanreet Bassi (Hockey), Jacqueline Tyrer (Soccer)
MALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Named the Canada West Men's Soccer Rookie of the Year, Henri Godbout completed the regular season just one off the conference lead with seven goals, tied for third in Canada West assists with five and finished fourth in total scoring with 12 points.
Five of his eight goals were game winners, the most by any UBC player in 30 years. Godbout scored twice and added two assists at the U SPORTS National championship, helping lead his team to its first title in 11 years and was named to the tournament All-Star squad.
Finalists: Nylan Roberts (Basketball), Deacon Sterna (Football)
FEMALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Putting up one of the most dominant first-year performances in program history, guard Keira Daly was named U SPORTS Women's Basketball Rookie of the Year. The Hamilton, Ontario native finished second in team scoring with 269 points in the regular season, seventh in conference points-per-game with 15.8 and second in points-per-40 minutes played with 26, all on the strength of an impressive 44.2 percent from the field.
She elevated her game even further in the playoffs, leading all players on the court with 22 points in UBC's semifinal win over the Alberta Pandas, pushing the T-Birds to their first Canada West Final appearance in 10 years.
Finalists: Sienna Gibson (Soccer), Sydney Le (Field Hockey)
CAROLYN DOBIE-SMITH – ATHLETIC TRAINER
A true team leader of women's hockey for the past four seasons, Cristina Capitanio is far more than a student trainer. Beyond her incredibly demanding athletic therapy roles, Cristina ensures the team's demanding training, practice, travel and game demands are prepared for relentlessly and executed flawlessly. A key part of the support staff for three Canada West championships and four trips to the U SPORTS National championships, Cristina is simply on top of it all.
Finalists: Isla Loo (Swimming), Nathan Wang (Men's Soccer)
KAY BREARLEY AWARD – SERVICE TO WOMEN'S ATHLETICS
As a former UBC Thunderbird, Julie Smulders knows firsthand the profound impact sport can have on shaping confidence, resilience, and leadership. Basketball was more than just a game for her; it was the foundation for a lifelong commitment to empowering the next generation of female athletes. Her passion for growing the game and elevating women's sports led her to co-found She's Got Next, a professional women's network dedicated to increasing visibility, support, and opportunities for female athletes in Canada.
As one of UBC Athletics' most engaged alumni, Julie is a constant presence in the stands of UBC games supporting the Thunderbird women's teams. Most recently, she worked hard to spread the word about the U SPORTS Final 8 National Championship at UBC, and galvanize support among other alumni.
For her unwavering commitment to mentorship, her drive to bridge the gap for female athletes, and her belief in the power of community, Julie Smulders has been honoured with the Kay Brearley Award for service to women's athletics.
JV PATRY-SMITH MEMORIAL AWARD
A newly established award for 2024-25, the JV Patry-Smith Memorial Award is given to someone that goes out of their way to check in on their teammates, who supports those around them and helps end the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
Named in honour JV Patry-Smith, a UBC alumna and a Track and Field athlete from 2018-2022, she took home two NAIA team championships, and was an Academic All-Canadian. As impressive as JV was athletically and academically, she will be remembered for much more - an incredible friend and passionate teammate.
The inaugural recipient, Olivia Lundman, has helped people across the globe. Olivia has created her own mental health initiative, Beneath the Surface, providing a space for people all around the world to share their stories and help normalize discussions around mental health. She is also the president of the UBC chapter of Jack.org - a non-profit organization that advocates for youth mental health needs while spreading awareness across the country.
THUNDERBIRD ATHLETES COUNCIL BUZZ MOORE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Recognized for their outstanding qualities and achievements both as athletes and as individuals, women's rowing's Claire Hallett and baseball's Trent Lenihan were both honoured with the TAC's Buzz Moore Leadership Award. This prestigious award acknowledges their leadership, contributions, and overall excellence, highlighting their impact within the UBC community.
