VICTORIA – Four hundred student-athletes, coaches, and staff members from the University of Victoria's Department of Athletics and Recreation filled the Farquhar Auditorium on Wednesday, April 10th, as the Vikes celebrated its best and brightest accomplishments from a memorable year at it's annual Celebration of Champions. 

Fifth-year men's track and cross-country standout Ben Seshadri, U SPORTS Player of the Year Diego Maffia, and women's rugby star Maggie MacKinnon were among the major award winners recognized at the annual event.

Seshadri took home the evening's top honours, winning the prestigious President's Cup, awarded to a student-athlete in their fourth or fifth year who best combines scholastic achievement and athletic ability.

On the men's side, fourth-year men's basketball player and sharpshooting point guard Maffia snagged Male Athlete of the Year honours for the second straight year. A prolific shooter, Maffia had a nearly flawless 2023-24 season, repeating as the country's leading scorer, garnering him Canada West Player of the Year and U SPORTS Player of the Year accolades. 

A U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian, MacKinnon of the women's rugby team received the Female Athlete of the Year award. After missing the 2022-23 season recovering from an ACL tear, MacKinnon returned to the pitch in dynamic fashion, helping the women's ruby program earn silver medals at the U SPORTS Women's Rugby 15s National Championship and the Canadian University Rugby Sevens National Championship.
 
PRESIDENT'S CUP
The President's Cup is given annually to the outstanding student-athlete in fourth or fifth year who best combines scholastic achievement and athletic ability.



Ben Seshadri

A standout student-athlete, Ben Seshadri boasts an impressive GPA of 9.0, having earned academic All-Canadian honours each year as a Vike.

A 2022 Canada West track gold medalist and U SPORTS All-Canadian, Ben's achievements extend beyond the track to academic excellence as he awaits acceptance to medical school following his last round of interviews. In his four years with the track and cross country program, Seshadri has left an indelible mark on the team, serving as a role model characterized by his unwavering commitment, reliability, and professionalism. He consistently demonstrates dedication to his training and racing by improving each year while excelling academically and advocating for himself and others. Ben's leadership extends to guiding teammates to success, volunteering for team events, and assuming leadership roles when needed—significantly impacting the team's culture.

Notably, Seshadri has been instrumental in the team's success as a significant contributor to the four by 800 m relay team and qualifying for the U SPORTS national championship in every year he's been a Vike. He's also an individual U SPORTS qualifier in the 1000m, highlighting his indispensable role in the team's achievements.

 
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
This award is given annually to one male and female student-athlete based upon their outstanding achievements in university competition only over the past 12 months.



Maggie MacKinnon

Second-year women's rugby player Maggie Mackinnon had a standout season, excelling in rugby fifteens and sevens while serving as a pivotal leader on and off the field. As the women's rugby team's primary drop kicker, goal kicker, and out-of-hand kicker, Mackinnon's precise execution garnered numerous points, propelling the team's success this year and earning her the distinction of having the most consistent and effective kicking game in all of U SPORTS. Her outstanding performances have been duly recognized, with an impressive array of accolades, including Canada West All-Star, Canada West Player of the Week, and various top points scorer titles.

Furthermore, she earned national honours as a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian and the Canada West Sevens Dream Team First Team All-Star. Her exceptional achievements extend beyond the field, as she has also been recognized as an honour roll recipient, underscoring her dedication to athletics and academics. Her remarkable kicking prowess was instrumental in the women's rugby team achieving two national silver medals and its highest-ever placement at the U SPORTS National Championship.


 
Diego Maffia 

Fourth-year student-athlete Diego Maffia's impact on the men's basketball program has been nothing short of extraordinary. Notably, Maffia's exceptional scoring ability led both the conference and the nation for two consecutive seasons, averaging 26.7 points per game across 17 matchups in 2023-24. Beyond scoring, he showcased his playmaking prowess by leading the team and ranking fourth in the conference with an average of 5.2 assists per game.

His legacy extends to the record books, as he holds the UVic record for the most career three-pointers, totalling 258. In 2023, he garnered an impressive list of accolades, including U SPORTS Player of the Year, Canada West Player of the Year, U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian, Canada West First Team All-Star, and Canada West Champion, showcasing his dominance on the national stage.

Moreover, his impact transcends collegiate basketball, as evidenced by his successful summer playing in the Canadian professional basketball league with the Vancouver Bandits.

CHANCELLOR'S AWARD
The Chancellor's Award is presented to a student-athlete, who is an outstanding contributor to his or her team, both in and out of the competition venue. They provide leadership and vision exemplifying the goals of the team.



Soleil Brooks

Third-year Vike, Soleil Brooks is an outstanding leader, not only for the women's rugby team but for the Department of Athletics and Recreation as a whole. She has been pivotal in delivering education during Black History Month and initiating the UVic Collective for BIPOC Student-Athletes. Brooks' dedication to her athletic pursuits is unwavering as she aspires to play for the senior national women's rugby 15s team. After representing Canada at the U20 level last summer, she hopes to join the Canadian under-23 team this coming summer.

Beyond her athletic prowess, Brooks brings an infectious energy to her team, consistently demonstrating a positive attitude and strong work ethic. Her contributions extend beyond the field, earning her recognition as the U SPORTS Community Service Athlete of the Year for outstanding community involvement. Brooks' community dedication shines through her involvement with BC Grassroots Rugby and Thunder Rugby, non-profits dedicated to expanding the sport and connecting Indigenous youth with their culture through rugby. Additionally, she generously gives back to the sport by coaching the Westshore RFC Minis, exemplifying her commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes.

 
ROBERT T. WALLACE SHIELD AWARD
The Robert T. Wallace Shield recognizes the outstanding female and male student-athletes in his or her first year of competition in intercollegiate sports.



Rebecca Stone

A first-year student-athlete from Victoria, BC, Rebecca Stone is a generational talent, demonstrating remarkable versatility across multiple positions on the pitch. Her exceptional abilities were evident as she started every game as the women's field hockey team's central midfielder, a feat uncommon for a first-year athlete. Her achievements this season speak volumes, receiving both Canada West Rookie of the Year and U SPORTS Rookie of the Year honours.
Recognized as a U21 NextGen athlete, Stone is poised to compete for a coveted spot on the under-21 Canadian women's national team at the Junior PanAm Games in May. Additionally, she significantly contributed the Vikes success this season, playing an instrumental role in securing both the Canada West and U SPORTS titles.




Morgan Di Nardo

A first-year student-athlete from Toronto, ON, Morgan Di Nardo embodies leadership through his consistent actions both on and off the field. Beyond his exemplary commitment, Di Nardo boasts an impressive list of athletic achievements. After representing Canada's U18 men's rugby team in the summer of 2023, Di Nardo made an immediate impact upon joining the Vikes, earning a starting position as a rookie. As the team's most prolific try scorer, he earned recognition as a First Team All-Star at the Canadian University Men's Rugby National Championship. Recently, Di Nardo achieved another milestone by being selected to Canada's senior men's national sevens team, an extraordinary feat for an 18-year-old. His remarkable talent and impact on the men's rugby team this year cannot be overstated, as he is consistently the most dangerous player with the ball in hand, always posing a threat to score from any position on the field.

 
PROVOST AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE
The Provost Award is presented to a returning student-athlete with the highest academic average in the previous year.  


 
Alex Gamage 

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TIMES COLONIST PUBLISHER'S AWARD FOR COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
The Times Colonist Publisher's Award for Community Contributors is awarded to those individuals within the community who have made an outstanding volunteer contribution to a varsity program.



Drew Snider

Since 2016 Drew Snider has been the voice of the Vikes for all home basketball games, soccer games and national championships. Drew's career as a PA announcer has stretched over 30 years, and his legendary voice has led him to work at major international events, including the 2015 Women's World Cup, 2019 IIHF World Juniors, Rugby Canada women's sevens tournaments and countless U SPORTS National Championships. Snider's passion, dedication, energy and attention to detail behind the mic separates him from the rest. You'll always know when there's a big goal or a clutch three when Snider is behind the mic. He's also a dedicated community member and pastor at the Mustard Seed Church.

VARSITY HIGHLIGHT AWARDS
Recognizes the unsung hero on each squad, peer selected for leadership, dedication, community involvement and positive attitude.

Basketball: Meike Boerstra, Ethan Boag
Field Hockey:  Libby Hogg
Golf: Fiona McCombe, Aiden Craig-Steele
Rowing: Paige Letham, Nicholas Murray-Coplen
Rugby: Justine Blatt-Janmaat, Merlin M'Cloud
Swimming: Lauren Crisp, Ricky Millns
Soccer: Tess Vande Vegte, Fin Tugwell
XC/Track: Elissa Frielink, Gabe Van Hezewijk