KELOWNA, B.C. – The 10th annual Heat Athletics Awards Banquet took place at the Coast Capri Hotel on Tuesday night and six distinguished female athletes were the recipients of this year's headline awards in the streamlined ceremony format that was debuted at last year's banquet.
For a complete list of this year's nominees and detailed descriptions for each award, see the banquet preview. For a list of all award winners and those otherwise recognized at the banquet, see the recap of the big night.
Most Outstanding Athlete of the Year – Veronika Fagan (Cross Country)
Fagan becomes just the fourth athlete in the schools history to win the award in back-to-back years thanks to an individual national title at the CCAA Championship along with a team bronze medal. The CCAA All-Canadian won three of the four races on the season and was able to set a course record in all three of her wins this season. Fagan was also named the CCAA Women's Runner of the Week for November 8th and November 15th thanks to her strong finish to the season.
Student Athlete of the Year – Siobhan Fitzpatrick (Volleyball)
Graduating Player of the Year –
Michelle Jakszuk & Siobhan Fitzpatrick (Volleyball)
Both Jakszuk and Fitzpatrick have had nothing but success since joining the Heat volleyball program at the beginning of the 2013-14 season. The two have made the Canada West playoffs in every season they've been with the team including a national bronze medal during the 2015-16 season. Jakszuk finished her Heat career with 584 kills along with 502 digs and 200 total blocks and was named a second-team all-star in the Canada West this season. Fitzpatrick has been the definition of a student-athlete throughout her time with the Heat as she has been named an academic All-Canadian in every season and is a two-time Female Student Athlete of the Year. On the court the Kelowna product finished with over 500 kills in her career (548) along with just under 500 digs (472).
Rookie of the Year – Kate Johnson (Basketball)
Provost Award for Excellence (one semester) – Rachel Garrett (Cross Country)
Garrett put her work ethic on display throughout the year in the classroom as she thrived in the human kinetics program leading to one of the highest averages in the faculty. The third year student also was a member of the travelling team that captured a bronze medal at the CCAA National Championship in November.
Provost Award for Excellence (two semester) – Skye Thompson (Volleyball)
The 2016-17 academic All-Canadian continued her success in the science program this year as she finished with an average in the 90's. One of the hardest working students around, Thompson did a great job balancing her studies along with being apart of the Heat volleyball program that made the National Championship.
