VICTORIA – The University of Victoria Department of Athletics and Recreation celebrated a successful 2024-25 varsity season on March 26 with its annual Celebration of Champions event. Women's field hockey player Libby Hogg earned the prestigious President's Cup, while a pair of national champions in, Sam Maillet and Anni Kleinschmidt, were named Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

Hogg, a fifth-year women's field hockey standout, capped off her Vikes career as a two-time U SPORTS All-Canadian, two-time Canada West All-Star, and four-time national and conference champion. She was also named a 2024 U SPORTS Women's Field Hockey Tournament All-Star and represents Canada as a women's national field hockey team member. Beyond her success on the field, Hogg is a three-time academic All-Canadian who has continuously demonstrated leadership throughout her Vikes tenure.

Joining the Vikes for his final year of eligibility, Maillet earned Male Athlete of the Year honours following an impressive campaign on the court, helping the men's basketball team win its first U SPORTS title in 28 years. Maillet made history as the first UVic men's basketball player to win U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year, also earning Canada West Defensive Player of the Year honours. With a dominant performance at the Final 8, he was named U SPORTS Final 8 Tournament MVP. Prior to the evenings event, the Vancouver Bandits signed Maillet to a Standard Player Contract for its upcoming Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) season at Langley Events Centre.

The Female Athlete of the Year award went to Anni Kleinschmidt, who was instrumental in helping the women's field hockey team win its sixth-consecutive U SPORTS national championship scoring in all four games during the championship tournament, including three game-winning goals. She also netted the championship-winning goal against UBC in the Canada West final, earning UVic its sixth straight conference title. Recognized as a U SPORTS tournament All-Star and a two-time Canada West Player of the Week, Kleinschmidt was a game-changer at both ends of the field.

The Robert T. Wallace Shield Award for Female and Male Rookie of the Year went to Marisha Thompson of the cross country and track team and men's golfer Owen Croft.  

The Chancellors Award for outstanding team contributions went to fourth-year women's basketball player Meike Boerstra, while the Times Colonist Publisher's Award for Community Contributors went to women's rowing assistant coach and longtime program supporter, York Langerfeld.

 
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.



A fifth-year women's field hockey standout, Libby Hogg capped off her Vikes career as a two-time U SPORTS All-Canadian, two-time Canada West All-Star, and four-time national and conference champion. She was also named a 2024 U SPORTS Women's Field Hockey Tournament All-Star and represents Canada as a women's national field hockey team member. Beyond her success on the field, Hogg is a three-time academic All-Canadian who has continuously demonstrated leadership throughout her Vikes tenure.

A fierce competitor and natural leader, Hogg inspires those around her with confidence, compassion, and humility. Her positive energy and commitment to training, competition, and team values create a welcoming and motivating team environment.
Beyond her own achievements, Hogg gives back to the sport through coaching in the UVic Rising Stars field hockey program, the Victoria Junior Field Hockey League, and Field Hockey BC's Skills Development Program. She also volunteers with UVic's strength and conditioning pathway.

 
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.



Anni Kleinschmidt is an unwavering leader whose dedication, selflessness, and work ethic set the standard for excellence. Kleinschmidt was instrumental in helping the women's field hockey team win its sixth-consecutive U SPORTS national championship scoring in all four games during the championship tournament, including three game-winning goals. She also netted the championship-winning goal against UBC in the Canada West final, earning UVic its sixth straight conference title.

Recognized as a U SPORTS tournament All-Star and a two-time Canada West Player of the Week, Kleinschmidt delivered in crucial moments while remaining a defensive powerhouse, shutting down opposing attacks with key tackles and positioning. Widely regarded as one of the top left defenders in the U SPORTS league this season, she was a game-changer at both ends of the field.


 
Joining the men's basketball team in his final year of eligibility, Sam Maillet made an immediate impact, bringing an infectious energy and relentless drive to compete. His leadership and intensity elevated the team, pushing his teammates to match his level in every practice and game.

On the court, he made history as the first UVic men's basketball player to win U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year while also earning Canada West Defensive Player of the Year honours. He was named U SPORTS Tournament MVP after a standout Final 8 performance, contributing 40 points, 22 rebounds, and 13 assists to help the Vikes secure their ninth national title.

Maillet's competitive spirit and all-around excellence make him a deserving Male Athlete of the Year.


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.



During Meike Boerstra's five-year career with the Vikes, she has been a dedicated leader and team captain, embodying the values of Vikes athletics through her hard work, accountability, and support for her teammates. She transformed her role on the court through a full commitment to training, earning a starting spot and setting career highs during the 2024-25 season.

Off the court, she excels academically as a Vikes Honour Roll student, earning Academic All-Canadian all five years while balancing volunteer work with the Victoria Brain Injury Society and the Cridge Centre for Family. She also leads team outreach efforts, organizing food drives, community visits, Shoot for the Cure, and camps for Indigenous youth. Boerstra's leadership, dedication, and service make her a deserving recipient of the Chancellor's Award.

 
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.



Marisha Thompson had an outstanding rookie season as a Vike, overcoming past injuries to excel on and off the track. A Canada West gold medalist in the 3000-metre, she helped the Vikes to a U SPORTS cross country team bronze medal while earning Canada West First Team All-Star and U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian Honours. She also broke a 10-year-old school record in the mile and was named Under Armour U SPORTS Track Athlete of the Week. Beyond competition, Thompson demonstrates her leadership by coaching youth programs and volunteering with Vikes C.A.R.E.S. 





Owen Croft made an immediate impact in his rookie season, quickly becoming a key contributor and leader for the Vikes men's golf team. In his first year with the Vikes, Owen earned All-Canadian honours, won the Continental Athletic Conference individual and team titles, and was named CAC Golfer of the Year. Competing in 10 tournaments, he consistently finished as one of the top Vikes, including a historic nine-hole score of 29. His leadership and commitment to excellence make him a deserving Vikes Male Rookie of the Year.

 
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, Bed Seshadri, Hailey Abbot, Rhys Patterson 

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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.



For over a decade, York Langerfeld has been a pillar of the Vikes women's rowing program, generously volunteering his time to support novice and development athletes. Braving the dark and cold for 5:45 a.m. practices, he leads with dedication and passion, ensuring every athlete feels supported.

A tireless advocate for the sport, Langerfeld contributes in countless ways—umpiring, serving on multiple boards, and always making time to give back to the team. Beyond his technical support, he provides encouragement, stays for extra sessions to help athletes improve, and is always there to offer guidance.

And, of course, his well-timed treats never fail to lift spirits. Langerfeld's generosity, positivity, and commitment to the sport of rowing have left a lasting impact, making him a truly invaluable member of the Vikes rowing program and entire rowing community.

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

Basketball: Meike Boerstra, Aaron Tesfagiorgis 
Field Hockey:  Melanie Robertson
Golf: Brynne Davies, Maguire Lines
Rowing: Paige Letham, Louis Ferraro
Rugby: Kira Peary, Sully Curran
Swimming: Shanna Tierney, Keir Ogalvie
Soccer: Tess Vande Vegte, Jack Napier Ganley
XC/Track: Monika Arcadi, Jaxon Kuchar