VICTORIA - Building on more than a decade of support for University of Victoria varsity athletics, the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to recognize first-year student-athletes Justin Hinrichsen, Marin O'Regan, Avery Geddes, and Tyler Felt as this year's award recipients.

The Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame (GVSHOF) was founded in 1991 to recognize and celebrate the outstanding performances and contributions of athletes, builders, officials, and teams from Greater Victoria who have brought distinction to themselves, their sport, community, and country. Since giving out its first award to Julia Schmidt in 2010-11, the GVSHOF continues to grow its support of UVic student-athletes, this year increasing the value of its awards to $3,000 and expanding to four recipients, including two Bate Family Award winners for the first time—helping to keep local talent in Victoria.

Bate Family Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Award

First-year men's basketball player, Justin Hinrichsen, has quickly made his mark on and off the court. A graduate of Spectrum Community School, Hinrichsen joined the men's basketball program this fall after an outstanding high school career that combined academic excellence with elite athletic performance. He completed grade 12 with a 94 per cent GPA while serving as a team captain and leading Spectrum to back-to-back Quad A provincial championships. Beyond basketball, he remains connected to his community through coaching with Bay Nation, Vikes Nation, scorekeeping, and volunteering at local events, demonstrating leadership, commitment, and a desire to give back. Now balancing the demands of varsity athletics and university studies, Hinrichsen continues to show the drive, discipline, and character that make him a deserving recipient of the Bate Family Award.

"Justin's dad is a legacy athlete from UVic and he's really embraced that; staying local to represent his community and coming to UVic. He works all our youth programs, he's a great student, and he is the epitome of what it means to be a Vike and a role model for the next generation of young athletes," said Murphy Burnatowski, men's basketball head coach.

Claremont Secondary School graduate and first-year UVic women's rugby player Marin O'Regan has quickly distinguished herself as a well-rounded student-athlete, combining high-level athletic performance with strong academic achievement and leadership. A proven leader, she captained both high school and provincial teams and earned multiple awards recognizing her excellence in academics, athletics, and community service. Beyond athletics, O'Regan was involved in Claremont's Leadership Program, contributing to initiatives such as the Kindness Campaign and serving as a scorekeeper for school athletics. Now competing at the senior club level with the Castaway Wanderers and beginning her first season with the Vikes, she continues to bring discipline, humility, and a strong team-first mindset, making her a deserving recipient of the Bate Family Award.

"Marin has shown long-term dedication to both athletics and academics and has consistently taken on leadership roles and contributed to team culture. She is an exemplary young leader whose achievements and character make her highly deserving of this recognition," said women's rugby head coach, Brittany Waters.
 
Sybil Verch Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Award

Avery Geddes is a first-year women's basketball player from St. Michael's University School (SMUS) and has made an immediate impression in her first season with the team. Geddes brings a strong combination of leadership, ambition, and competitive drive to the court and inside the classroom where she excels. A committed point guard, Geddes is focused on building a culture of resilience, inclusivity, and excellence, setting high standards for herself and her teammates both on and off the court. As a rookie, she is already developing her voice within the program, aiming to elevate team performance while continuing to grow her own game. While at SMUS, Geddes led her team to a provincial championship title while demonstrating exceptional leadership off the court through roles as school prefect, athletic council member, school ambassador, referee, and coach. Her dedication to teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth reflects the values of the Sybil Verch Award and signals a promising future in a Vikes uniform.

"Avery sets the bar for work ethic while also bringing a fun and enjoyable attitude. Even as a rookie, she pushes the team to preform at the highest level, all while balancing a demanding course load in the sciences," said Carrie Watts, women's basketball head coach.
 
Simon Keith Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Award

Tyler Felt has quickly established himself as an exceptional first-year student-athlete with the UVic Vikes men's basketball program, excelling on the court, in the classroom, and within his community. A standout at Spectrum High School, Felt was a driving force behind two provincial championships and earned multiple MVP honours, leadership that has translated seamlessly to the university level as a key contributor on the nation's top-ranked team. Off the court, he has maintained a strong academic standing, demonstrating discipline and resilience as he balances the demands of varsity athletics and university studies. A proud Victoria product, Felt chose to remain in his hometown to represent the Vikes, giving back through volunteer work with youth basketball programs such as Bay Nation and initiatives at UVic. Although Felt has not been personally affected by organ donation, he displays all the other attributes outlined in this award, making him a deserving recipient of the Simon Keith Award.

"Making an impact as a rookie on a top-ranked team in the country is a tall order, but Tyler has stepped up to the task. His accomplishments in athletics and academics, combined with his loyalty to his community, make him an outstanding representative of the values this scholarship celebrates," said Burnatowski.
 
Sybil Verch Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Award:
Awarded to an undergraduate woman student entering UVic from a secondary school in the Greater Victoria region who competes on a Vikes varsity team.
 
Bate Family Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Award:
Awarded to an undergraduate student entering the University of Victoria directly from a secondary school in the Greater Victoria region who competes on a Vikes varsity team.
 
Simon Keith Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Award:
Awarded to an undergraduate student whose life has been directly impacted by organ donation entering the University of Victoria directly from secondary school in the Greater Victoria region who competes are a Vikes varsity team.
 
Eligible students are required to submit an application by the specified date to the senior director of Athletics & Recreation. Award recipients must meet all U SPORTS and/or NAIA eligibility requirements and are selected on the basis of work ethic, commitment and performance criteria.

Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame award winners – past recipients:
2024-25: Melia Phelan, women's soccer, Kate Watson, women's rowing, Quinn McCoy, men's rowing
2023-24: Anais Chace, women's field hockey, Sadie Schneider, women's rugby, Adriana Hilton, women's soccer
2022-23: Tion McLeish, men's track and cross country, Katie Bentley, women's field hockey, Grant Barkway, men's rowing
2021-22: Marina Skakun, women's rugby, Charisse Faubert, women's rowing, Brooke Taylor, women's field hockey
2020-21: Jack DesBrisay, men's rowing, Mareya Valeva, women's swimming
2019-20: Janet Dawson, women's field hockey
2018-19: Lockie Kratz, men's rugby
2017-18: Shaye Tudor, men's rugby
2016-17: Brayden Tate, men's rugby
2015-16: Harbir Sidhu, men's field hockey
2014-15: Michael Baart, men's soccer
2013-14: Stephanie Polomark, women's rowing
2012-13: Sarah Douglas, women's soccer
2011-12: Patrick Psotka, men's track
2010-11: Julia Schmidt: women's swimming