VICTORIA - The University of Victoria Department of Athletics and Recreation closed out a remarkable 2025–26 varsity season on March 31, at UVic's Farquar Auditorium, bringing its community together for the annual Celebration of Champions.

Among the night's top honourees, women's field hockey standout Libby Hogg claimed the prestigious President's Cup award for a second consecutive year, while middle-distance runner Madelyn Eybergen and rower Giancarlo DiPompeo were recognized as Female and Male Athletes of the Year.

Few athletes have left a mark on the women's field hockey team quite like Hogg. The sixth-year field hockey standout capped her career with a hall-of-fame-worthy resume that includes U SPORTS Women's Field Hockey Co-Player of the Year, three-time All-Canadian, three-time Canada West All-Star, and a driving force behind four national gold medals, one silver, and five conference titles. She continues to represent Canada on the senior national team—earning her first senior national cap at the Pan American Cup last summer in Montevideo. Just as impressive off the field, Hogg is a four-time Academic All-Canadian whose leadership has been a constant throughout her time in Victoria.

The Robert T. Wallace Shield Award for Female and Male Rookie of the Year went to women's basketball player Avery Geddes and Henry Bristol of the men's cross country and track team, each delivering standout debut seasons.

The Chancellor's Award for outstanding team contributions went to fifth-year women's soccer player Taiya Scorey, while the Times Colonist Publisher's Award for Community Contributors honoured Elena Mairs, who spent the last four years of her undergraduate degree as the Vikes' treasured mascot, Thunder.

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 two-time recipient of the President's Cup, Libby Hogg continues to set the standard for excellence as a student-athlete, leader, and community ambassador within the Vikes field hockey program. Over six seasons, she has demonstrated dedication by consistently putting her teammates first while leading with kindness, positivity, and an exceptional work ethic.

Her 2025–26 season was nothing short of extraordinary. Hogg was named Canada West Player of the Year and Canada West All-Star, while also earning U SPORTS Co-Player of the Year honours and a place on the U SPORTS tournament all-star team. She led the Vikes to a Canada West championship and a U SPORTS silver medal, further cementing her legacy as one of the program's all-time greats.

Beyond competition, Hogg has made a profound impact in the community, dedicating her time to coaching and mentoring young athletes through initiatives such as the UVic Rising Stars program, local school sessions, and provincial development pathways. Internationally, she continues to represent Canada at the highest level, making her senior national team debut at the Pan Am Cup and competing in a World Cup qualifier. A four-time Academic All-Canadian with an outstanding GPA, Hogg exemplifies the complete student-athlete and a truly deserving back-to-back President's Cup recipient.

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.



In a remarkable debut season with the Vikes, Madelyn Eybergen established herself as one of the most dominant distance runners in the country. She captured the U SPORTS individual cross country title and was named U SPORTS Female Athlete of the Year, leading the Vikes to their first national team championship since 2001 and a Canada West team title. Her performance also earned her selection to represent Canada at the FISU World University Cross Country Championships.

She carried that momentum onto the track, setting both a UVic and U SPORTS record in the 3000 metres (9:01.64)—the fastest time in the country by six seconds and a mark that ranked her 47th in the world.

Beyond her results, Eybergen's confidence and belief helped elevate the Vikes women's program to its most successful season in over a decade. A Master of Science in Kinesiology student, she is committed to advancing athlete performance while also giving back as a coach with Junior Vikes Track and Field.



Giancarlo DiPompeo, a fifth-year engineering student and leader of the UVic men's rowing team, caps his varsity career by capturing national gold in the men's lightweight single at the Canadian University Rowing Championships. A cornerstone of the Vikes program, DiPompeo has spent the past three years shaping team culture from within—setting standards, mentoring teammates, and helping reimagine a lightweight program.

In the 2025–26 season, he delivered across an extraordinary racing load, competing in three events at both the Western and Canadian University Championships—an uncommon and demanding feat. His results speak to both versatility and resilience having won gold medals in the lightweight single at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, Western Canadians, and the Canadian University Rowing Championship, alongside podium finishes in multiple boats. Internationally experienced, DiPompeo has represented Canada at the U23 and FISU World University Championships, consistently bringing that elite perspective back to elevate the UVic training environment.

A proven competitor and respected leader, DiPompeo leaves a lasting legacy as one of the driving forces of the men's rowing program.

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.



In her first season with the Vikes, Avery Geddes quickly established herself as one of the top rookies in the country and a foundational leader for the women's basketball program. Voted onto the leadership group by her teammates, Geddes brings poise, competitiveness, and a high standard of excellence to every aspect of the game.

A true floor general, she started all 20 games and led the team in minutes played, averaging 35 per contest. She finished third on the team in scoring with 10.1 points per game—ranking sixth nationally among rookies—while leading the Vikes with 73 assists, the third-highest total among first-year players in U SPORTS.

For her outstanding debut campaign, Geddes was named Canada West Rookie of the Year and earned a spot on the U SPORTS All-Rookie Team, cementing her status as one of the brightest young talents in the country.



In his first season with the Vikes, Henry Bristol made an immediate and impressive impact, emerging as one of the top distance athletes in the country. A multi-sport standout whose primary focus is triathlon, Bristol arrived in Victoria fresh off a 19th-place finish at the World Triathlon U20 Championships in Australia before helping lead the Vikes men's cross country team to a Canada West title.

He placed seventh overall at the conference championships, earning First Team All-Star honours and Canada West Rookie of the Year, and carried that momentum to the national stage where he was named U SPORTS Rookie of the Year. His rapid rise in cross country, alongside his international triathlon success, highlight his exceptional talent and competitive drive.

A dedicated and team-first athlete, Bristol leads by example through his commitment to training and constant pursuit of excellence.

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.



Taiya Scorey has been a driving force for the Vikes women's soccer program, exemplifying what it means to be an outstanding contributor both on and off the field. A natural leader, Scorey has played an active role in shaping team culture and contributes to the program's community engagement and culture committees.

On the field, she has been a model of consistency and versatility, starting every match since joining the Vikes in 2023. Beyond competition, Scorey has made a significant impact in the community. She serves as head coach of the Gorge U-17 girls' soccer team, volunteers with Indigenous youth through Hope and Health, and has supported the Canadian Red Cross as a volunteer since 2022. She is also involved in Paramount Coastal's philanthropy initiatives supporting women and families, all while maintaining a high academic standard as a two-time Academic All-Canadian.

A leader, mentor, and role model, Taiya's impact on the Vikes program and the community is profound, making her a truly deserving recipient of the Chancellor's Award.

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



The Provost Award is presented to the student-athlete(s) with the highest overall GPA, and for the second year in a row, it resulted in a remarkable four-way tie. This year's honourees are Jaden Dawson of women's field hockey, Rhys Patterson of men's rugby, Monika Arcadi of women's cross country and track, and Ben Seshadri of men's cross country and track. Each of these standout student-athletes earned an extraordinary 9.0 GPA while managing rigorous academic demands alongside the training and competition schedules of their respective sports.

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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.

Elena Mairs has been a dedicated and energetic member of the Vikes Nation team since joining as a first-year student at UVic. Taking on the unique and demanding role of mascot, she quickly distinguished herself through her enthusiasm, athleticism, and commitment to enhancing school spirit.

Throughout her time with Vikes Nation, Mairs played a key role in creating an engaging and entertaining atmosphere at varsity sporting events. Known for her dynamic performances and crowd interaction, she consistently brought energy to the sidelines and connected with fans in memorable ways. In addition to her contributions at games, Mairs represented the Vikes at numerous campus and community events, fostering a strong sense of connection and pride within the university community. Her creativity, initiative, and willingness to go above and beyond have made her an invaluable ambassador for Vikes Athletics.

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

Basketball: Natalie Allison, Cam Slaymaker
Field Hockey: Molly Harris
Golf: Brynne Davies, Owen Croft
Rowing: Kate Watson, Louis Ferraro
Rugby: Sierra Gillis, Alex Gamage
Swimming: Luella Faulkner, Matthew Macdonald
Soccer: Sarah Vos, Fin Tugwell
XC/Track: Christina Peet-Williams, Mitchell Klassen

The annual Celebration of Champions is supported by the UVic Alumni Association, Team Sales Vancouver Island, the Times Colonist,  Rogers Sports and Media, and the Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza Hotel.