VANCOUVER – Under the lights at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Tuesday evening, the UBC Thunderbirds were truly glittering as the best of the past athletic year were celebrated at the annual Big Block Awards.
Following yet another stellar season of achievements including nine national championship titles and another nine conference banners, Big Block 2026 brought together all those who contributed to a most memorable year.
Du VIVIER TEAM OF THE YEAR
For the second time in the last four years, two incredible teams were honoured as co-winners of the Du Vivier Team of the Year Award – Men's Swimming and Women's Rugby.
Securing a second straight Canada West title, the Thunderbirds' Men's Swimming team managed to out-do themselves at the 2026 U SPORTS National Championship where they not only took home a second straight banner, but did so by a margin of more than 700 points. Breaking nine U SPORTS records with 12 gold medals and 29 total medals in 19 events, it was one of the most dominant championship performances in U SPORTS history.
Capturing their second consecutive U SPORTS National Championship title with an exhilarating game-winning try in the final minute over their arch-nemeses from Victoria, UBC Women's Rugby capped off an incredible season in storybook fashion, winning it all on home field. Following another remarkable regular season, the T-Birds got the last laugh over the Vikes, turning the tables from a closely fought Canada West Final. All three national championship T-Bird victories came against previously undefeated teams.
BUS PHILLIPS – BEST MALE ATHLETE
A key cog to the team's success since his rookie season, Mason Greves saved his best for last, earning U SPORTS Player of the Year, the first Thunderbird to secure the honour in UBC Men's Volleyball history. Second all-time in Canada West assists, the Calgary native led the conference with 10.68 assists per set in 2025-26 while sitting second in digs per set at 2.17. He orchestrated the best offence in all of U SPORTS and earned himself his second straight first team All-Canadian honour and a spot on this year's national championship tournament All-Star squad, helping the 'Birds to a silver medal.
Finalists: Eric Lajeunesse (Soccer), Sasha Mutala (Hockey)
MARILYN POMFRET – BEST FEMALE ATHLETE
Kayla Sanchez put together one of the most dominant seasons in U SPORTS Women's Swimming history. The Olympian won five gold medals at the 2025 Canada West Championships to capture female Swimmer of the Year. Kayla only managed to outdo herself on the biggest stage of the season, leading the T-Birds to a second straight U SPORTS Championship by capturing seven gold medals and setting two individual and three relay records. She won her second straight U SPORTS Swimmer of the Year award and her second straight Sprinter's Cup.
Finalists: Grace Bell (Golf), Olivia Weekes (Basketball)
BOBBY GAUL – GRADUATING MALE ATHLETE
Putting multiple exclamation marks at the end of an outstanding four-year career with UBC baseball, Jonny McGill helped lead the T-Birds to their first NAIA World Series in 19 years. A three-time Academic All-Canadian, McGill went on to sign a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Angels. He was twice named first team All-Conference and in 2025 led the Cascade Collegiate Conference in batting average, hits, runs, slugging percentage, on base percentage and stolen bases.
Finalists: Chris Douglas (Hockey), Relmu Wilson-Valdes (Rugby)
MAY BROWN – GRADUATING FEMALE ATHLETE
Becoming UBC's first ever U SPORTS Women's Hockey Player of the year, Grace Elliott has almost single-handedly rewritten the Thunderbirds' program record book. Leading the conference in points for a second straight season, Grace once again earned First Team All-Canadian status and closed out her five-year career as the program leader in goals, points, plus-minus and game winning goals, setting a new Canada West record eclipsing none other than Hayley Wickenheiser. She's a four-time Canada West Champion and a U SPORTS bronze medallist.
Finalists: Lucy Borowski (Volleyball), Olivia Lundman (Track & Field)
MALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
A Canada West and U SPORTS Men's Hockey All-Rookie team member, Jace Weir burst onto the scene finishing fourth in conference freshmen scoring and leading all first-year defencemen by an eight point margin. With four goals and 22 assists, Weir finished the regular season +16, tied for second among conference rookies, proving his value at both ends of the ice. He quarterbacked the country's best power play and a key piece of one of Canada's deepest and most talented programs.
Finalists: Edouard Gauthier (Basketball), Nicolas Nadeau (Soccer)
FEMALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
The Canada West Women's Soccer Rookie of the Year, Sophie Harrison came to the Thunderbirds as advertised. The English U17 national team member started all 14 of UBC's regular season games, handling many of the country's top players and was a key piece of the T-Birds' record-setting campaign which saw the team concede zero goals – a first in conference history. A U SPORTS All-Rookie, Harrison was rightly acknowledged for her stellar play at both ends of the pitch.
Finalists: Ruby Kehler (Swimming), Jillian Matsubara (Softball)
CAROLYN DOBIE-SMITH – ATHLETIC TRAINER
Completing his second year with Men's Hockey, Anson D'Anjou continues to show consistent eagerness for a most demanding job, along with professionalism and adaptability. Methodical and even-keeled under pressure, Anson's treatment of injuries and of athletes under his care is of the highest order. He has developed a strong trusting relationship with players and coaches alike and has been a key link between the team and medical staff.
Finalists: Sydney Cormack (Women's Volleyball), Angel Porras (Women's Basketball)
ARTHUR W. DELAMONT AWARD – SERVICE & SPIRIT TO UBC ATHLETICS
Coach Pat Tracey is recognized for his extraordinary dedication to preserving and celebrating the legacy of UBC Football. With meticulous care and an unwavering commitment to accuracy, Coach Tracey led the development of the Top 100 UBC Football Players of All Time and brought the UBC Football Wall of Honour to life — a landmark tribute to the rich history of the program.
Coach Tracey's attention to detail ensured that every statistic, every number, and every name was verified and rightfully honoured. He championed numerous alumni nominations to the UBC Sports Hall of Fame and went above and beyond to make the Wall of Honour event a deeply meaningful occasion — one that resonated with alumni and rekindled their pride and connection to the Thunderbirds.
His tireless efforts behind the scenes speak to a person who leads not for recognition, but out of genuine love for the program, its people, and its history. UBC Athletics is fortunate to have a coach who gives so much of himself to honour those who came before.
THUNDERBIRD ATHLETES COUNCIL BUZZ MOORE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Recognized for her outstanding qualities and achievements both as an athlete and an individual, Elysse Fleming from Women's Track & Field and Cross Country has been honoured with the TAC's Buzz Moore Leadership Award. This prestigious award acknowledges leadership, contributions, and overall excellence, highlighting impact within the UBC community.
Jv PATRY-SMITH MEMORIAL AWARD
UBC Women's Volleyball graduating senior Akash Grewal was honoured as the second ever recipient of the Jv Patry-Smith Memorial Award. Given to someone who 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, this award is named in honour of Jv Patry-Smith, a UBC alumna and a Track and Field athlete from 2018-2022. An Academic All-Canadian and a big part of two NAIA team championships, as impressive as Jv was athletically and academically, she will be remembered for much more - an incredible friend and passionate teammate.
