General 4/1/2026 6:45:00 PM

2025-26 Gryphons Athletics Award Ceremony

GUELPH, Ont. - The Guelph Gryphons celebrated the best and brightest from a memorable 2024-25 season by holding the annual Gryphons Athletics Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Highlighting the major award winners were men's rugby standout Kobe Faust and women's soccer standout, Olivia Rizakos, who were named the University of Guelph's men's and women's athletes of the year. The awards handed out on the evening were produced by Nothers the Award Store, the official awards sponsor of the Guelph Gryphons athletics awards. A complete list of award winners from the 2025-26 Gryphons Athletics Awards Ceremony can be found below.

2025-26 Major Award Winners

Men's Athlete of the Year: Kobe Faust (Men's Rugby)
Women's Athlete of the Year: Olivia Rizakos (Women's Soccer)
W.F. Mitchell Sportsman of the Year: Nathan Allensen (Men's Hockey)
W.F. Mitchell Sportswoman of the Year: Katherine Heard (Women's Hockey)
President's Trophy (Men's): Gianfranco Lopreiato (Men's Soccer)
President's Trophy (Women's): Jacqueline Giles (Women's Golf)
"Gryphie" Moment of the Year: "Triple OT Teghan" (Women's Hockey)
Fred Ramprashad Award: Ali Bertrim (Women's Swimming)
Don Cameron Award (3-year M.I.P.): Tyler Barry (Men's Wrestling)
Shirley Peterson Award (3-year M.I.P.): Sophie Helfenstein (Women's Hockey)
Scott Yanchus Men's Rookie of the Year: Andre Thompson (Football)
Dr. Mary Beverley-Burton Women's Rookie of the Year: Katrina Frlan (Women's Curling)
Dr. John T. Powell Award: Doug Cox (Wrestling)
Community Impact Award: Nate Slawter (Football)
Gunner Obrascovs Trainer of the Year: Sydney Nogard (Women's Hockey)
Cathy Rowe Manager of the Year: Shireen Ali (Basketball)
Student-Athlete Mentor Award: Rebecca Parker (Women's Track and Field)
Strength & Conditioning "CARED" Award: Sarah McNames

Men's Athlete of the Year – Kobe Faust (Men's Rugby)

Kobe Faust in his final season with the men's rugby team is the University of Guelph Men's Athlete of the Year for 2025-26. The Uxbridge, Ontario native provided plenty of versatility for the men's rugby team, playing the majority of his games at flyback and also seeing time at fullback and occasionally slot in on the inside or outside centre position. Kobe was named an OUA All-Star for the third time in his Gryphon career and he helped lead his team to their fifth consecutive OUA Championship, making it a perfect 5-for-5 in OUA gold medals for Faust. Where Kobe Faust shined the most this season for his team was at the 2025 Canadian University Men's Rugby Championship, carrying his team through the semifinals and finals. In their semifinal match against UBC, the management major scored a try and successfully making two penalty tries after not having kicked for the team in two years, leading the Gryphons to a 13-7 win. Kobe accounted for 11 of his team's 13 points to earn 'Man of the Match' honours. Faust made his presence felt in the championship game against the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) Piranhas as his kick out of bounds on the final play of the match, clinched Guelph's first national championship. Faust caps off his Gryphon career with another Man of the Match performance in the finals, earning player of the tournament honours and walking off as a national gold medalist.

Women's Athlete of the Year – Olivia Rizakos (Women's Soccer)

Olivia Rizakos is your 2025-26 Women's Athlete of the Year after a memorable season leading the Gryphons women's soccer team on the pitch. Olivia, a fourth-year forward put together one of the best seasons in program history, leading her Gryphons to a first-place finish in the OUA West Division standings during the regular season, followed by an OUA silver medal finish in the OUA playoffs and a berth to nationals. Rizakos had as prolific of a goal scoring season as you can have as she was the top scorer in the entire country with 20 points, leading the OUA with 9 assists and was second in the conference with 11 goals. The Toronto native has either scored or assisted in 12 of her team's 15 games (including postseason) as she's one of the main focal points on a Gryphons attack that scored 31 goals on the season. Olivia's special season saw earn plenty of accolades as she was named to the OUA All-Star team for the third time in her Gryphon career, an U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian, OUA West MVP and becoming the first Gryphon in women's soccer program history to take home the Chantal Navert Award as the U SPORTS Player of the Year. The most impressive part about Olivia is that she's driven by the pursuit of excellence and her unwavering desire to get better each day born out of her consistent work ethic. Rizakos is currently studying her masters in political science is in her second season as team captain.

W.F. Mitchell Sportsman of the Year – Nathan Allensen (Men's Hockey)

Nathan Allensen is the recipient of the W.F. Mitchell Sportsman of the Year award, establishing himself as one of the top blueliners in the conference. Nathan is the team captain of the men's hockey team as a valuable leader on and off the ice. The fourth-year defenceman had a breakout season for the Gryphons, playing in all 28 regular season games where he finished with the second most points among blueliners in the OUA with 28 points, scored the third most goals with 8 and was tied with second most helpers among defenceman with 20 assists. One of the highlights for Nathan this season was on January 10 at Brock where he scored the game winning goal in overtime and in Game 3 against Laurier, he had three points including scoring in his team's 4-0 win to advance to the OUA Quarterfinals. The former Barrie Colt's marvelous season saw him become the second Gryphon in program history to earn OUA Defenceman of the Year honours and he was named an OUA West First Team All-Star. Off the ice, Allensen spends his time coaching minor hockey in Guelph and his hometown of Waterloo and runs his own minor hockey program during the spring. He was one of the leaders who helped organize support for Jacob Winterton's Hockey Fights Cancer Night on November 1, creating a fundraiser for Jacob who recently passed away at the age of 25 after his battle with cancer.

W.F. Mitchell Sportswoman of the Year – Katherine Heard (Women's Hockey)

Katherine Heard of the Gryphons women's hockey team is this year's recipient of the W.F. Mitchell Sportswoman of the Year award for her leadership on and off the ice. Katherine off the ice is a valuable member of the Gryphon community as member of the Gryphon Student-Athlete-Mentor Program, a graduate of the Gryphon Leadership Academy and she's a student lead for Athletes in Action. The sociology major is also a coach for the Junior Gryphons development program. On the ice, Katherine is the team captain of the women's hockey team as she has an ability to lead by example and motivate those around her through her discipline and dedication. Heard stepped up like she's done all season, scoring the crucial go-ahead goal in the third period to lead the Gryphons to their 8th conference championship. The Arva, Ontario native was named McCaw Cup Player of the game after she led her side to their first McCaw Cup and national championship appearance since the 2018-19 season. The fifth-year forward had a memorable season, leading the team with 24 points earning her OUA West MVP and First Team All-Star honours. Katherine was outstanding in the postseason, scoring 5 times in 9 games, leading the Gryphons to a 4th place finish at nationals.

President's Trophy – Gianfranco Lopreiato (Men's Soccer)

Gianfranco Lopreiato of the Gryphons men's soccer team is this year's President's Trophy recipient. The fourth-year fullback and team captain was an important player in the Gryphon backline this season. Gianfranco started in all 13 games for his team and had two assists on the season as he was the team's primary corner taker. Lopreiato was part of a Gryphon defence that finished the season with 5 clean sheets while only conceding 16 goals. Off the pitch, Gianfranco shows his value in the classroom. The human kinetics major recorded a 96.5 percent average in the fall semester of 2025.

President's Trophy – Jacqueline Giles (Women's Golf)

In her final season with the Gryphons women's golf team, Jacqueline Giles takes home the President's Trophy. The Georgetown native has had an illustrious five seasons on the golf team and 2025 was no different. Jacqui finished on the podium in 6 of the 7 women's events with wins at the Fall Kickoff and Gryphon Invitational. She was in contention at the OUA Golf Championships, finishing in a tie for 9th, after posting an impressive opening round 76 to find herself two strokes behind he leader. Jacqui has been named an OUA All-Star in all five seasons at Guelph and she was the OUA individual champion in the 2021 season, becoming the first Gryphon golfer to do so. The molecular biology and genetics major also excelled in the classroom earning a 96.6 percent average during the winter '25 semester and a 94.2 percent average in the 25' fall semester as an OUA Academic All-Star.

Fred Ramprashad Scholarship – Ali Bertrim (Women's Swimming)

Fourth-year human kinetics major, Ali Bertrim is the 2025-26 Fred Ramprashad Award as she excelled both academically and in the pool. The Lively, Ontario native is one of the team captains for the women's team, tallying the second highest points total for the team at OUA Championships. Ali was an integral member of 3 school record breaking relays this season (4x50 medley, 4x100 medley, 4x100 freestyle) and she won three OUA bronze medals at the provincial championships, including individual bronze in the women's 100m butterfly. Ali is equally as impressive academically, finishing the winter 25' semester with a 96.6 percent average and increasing that average in the fall 25' semester to 97.7% earning U SPORTS All-Academic status.

Don Cameron 3-Year Most Improved – Tyler Barry (Men's Wrestling)

Tyler Barry of the Gryphons men's wrestling team takes home the Don Cameron 3-Year Most Improved award for 2025-26. The Milton native moved up a weight class from 68kg to 72kg this season and has excelled this season. Tyler at the 2026 Wrestling Canada Lutte U SPORTS Invitational Championships had an unblemished 4-0 record in pool play over the course of two days of competition to earn a shot at a national gold medal. The arts major in the finals in the men's 72kg weight class, held on late to defeat Western's Chayton Valleau to earn his first U SPORTS gold medal. The top of the podium finish capped off an impressive season for Tyler, who already has a provincial silver medal to his name. Tyler is a dedicated leader on the wrestling team, always setting the standard with an exceptional work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Shirley Peterson 3-Year Most Improved – Sophie Helfenstein (Women's Hockey)

Sophie Helfenstein was a valuable member of the Gryphons women's hockey team, taking over as the team's primary starter in net as Sophie is the recipient of the 2025-26 Shirley Peterson 3-Year Most Improved Award. The molecular biology and genetics major was splendid in the Guelph net during the regular season, starting in 20 of her team's games and winning 15 games, the second-best total in the OUA. Sophie was third in the conference with a 1.20 goals-against average and .944 save percentage and led the province with 8 shutouts. One of best stretches this season for the Ajax, Ontario native came in the beginning of January where she earned back-to-back shutouts, making 24 saves against Queen's and followed it up a 23 save performance against York. Sophie's play in the Gryphon net allowed her team to earn home-ice advantage throughout the postseason where her the Gryphons defeated the Ottawa Gee-Gees for their 8th McCaw Cup in program history.

Scott Yanchus Rookie of the Year – Andre Thompson (Football)

First-year defensive lineman Andre Thompson made an immediate impact on the football team as he takes home the Scott Yanchus Men's Rookie of the Year Award. The sociology major at the University of Guelph appeared in all of his team's games during the 2025 football season, cementing himself as a starter on the defensive line in the third game of the season. Andre finished his first season with 18 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. For the London native, he had one of the best plays of football season in the Gryphons final regular season against York when he perfectly anticipated the shovel pass and picked it off with one hand for his first career interception as he ran it back 21 yards before being tackled. Andre's fantastic rookie season saw him earn a spot on the OUA All-Rookie Team, making it the 9th consecutive season a Gryphon has earned that distinction.

Dr. Mary Beverley-Burton Rookie of the Year – Katrina Frlan (Women's Curling)

Katrina Frlan is the 2025-26 Dr. Mary Beverley-Burton Women's Rookie of the Year after leading her rink to new heights for the Gryphons women's curling team. The first-year curler took over the leadership position as skip right away, leading the Gryphons to their first Ontario championship in 46 years alongside vice Erica Wainwright, second Aila Thompson, lead Kelsea Marcolini and alternate Liana Flanagan. Guelph defeated the reigning OUA champions, McMaster Marauders 6-4 in the gold medal match which was punctuated in the 7th end as Katrina's side was able to score four to clinch the Guelph's first women's curling banner since 1980. The Ottawa native was named the OUA Rookie of Year and MVP after guiding her side to their third provincial title. The Gryphons posted a 3-1 record in pool play to advance to the knockout round as the No. 2-seed where they defeated TMU in the quarters, Queen's in the semis before defeating the defending champions McMaster for the gold medal. The psychology major led her Gryphons to the 2026 U SPORTS/Curling Canada Curling Championships where they finished in 5th place with a pool play record of 3-4. Katrina is a hard worker who leads with quiet confidence and despite being a rookie, she was the right person to lead the Gryphons.

"Gryphie Moment of the Year" – 'Triple OT Teghan' (Women's Hockey)

One of the most memorable playoff goals in University of Guelph women's hockey history was scored by Gryphons fifth-year defender, Teghan MacRae. In a thrilling Game 3 of Guelph's OUA quarterfinal series versus the Waterloo Warriors, three overtime periods would be needed to find a winner. Teghan MacRae's point shot would find the top corner, giving the Gryphons an unforgettable series win. The team would go on to win the 8th OUA title in program history, with Tegan's overtime heroics helping spark a memorable postseason run for the Gryphons women's hockey team.

2025-26 Team Award Winners

Badminton (W): M.V.P. – Cheney Wang
Badminton (M): M.V.P. – Jacqueline Dao
Baseball: R.O.Y. – Landon Hutar
Baseball: M.V.P. – Ryan Cooper
Basketball (W): R.O.Y. – Stephanie Galikowski
Basketball (W): M.V.P. – Hannah Bourdon
Basketball (M): Jack Tanner R.O.Y. – Vito Albanese
Basketball (M): Bill Dimson Memorial M.V.P. – Jack Tunstill
Cross Country (W): M.V.P. (Vic Matthews Award) – Alexandra McDougall
Cross Country (M): R.O.Y. (Al Claremont Freshman Harrier Trophy) – Nolan Buie
Cross Country (M): M.V.P. (Art Hackett Trophy) – Jack Lehto
Curling (W): M.V.P. – Erika Wainwright
Curling (M): M.V.P. – Colsen Flemington
Fencing: M.V.P. (W) – Julia Penton
Fencing: M.V.P. (M) – Cameron Halliday
Field Hockey: R.O.Y. – Liv Straus
Field Hockey: Laura Sharp M.V.P. – Abby Warriner
Figure Skating: R.O.Y. – Adrianna James-Parker
Figure Skating: M.V.P. – Logan Baker
Football: R.O.Y. – Andre Thompson
Football: M.V.P. (Donald Forster Trophy) – Miles La Foucade
Golf (W): Grace Glofcheskie M.V.P. – Jacqueline Giles
Golf (M): David Fell M.V.P. – Will Drewery
Hockey (W): M.V.P. – Katherine Heard
Hockey (M): R.O.Y. (Walter Rickard Memorial Award) – Olivier Ciarlo
Hockey (M): M.V.P. (Jack Pos Trophy) – Nolan Dann
Lacrosse (W): R.O.Y. – Sarah Chapman
Lacrosse (W): M.V.P. – Kassi Hogan
Lacrosse (M): R.O.Y. – Zack Poirier
Lacrosse (M): M.V.P. – Liam Aston
Nordic Skiing (W): M.V.P. – Abbygale Davidson
Nordic Skiing (M): M.V.P. – Akshaye Goela
Rowing (W): M.V.P. – Ceilidh Aho
Rowing (M): M.V.P. – Franklin Goodfellow
Rugby (W): R.O.Y. – Amanda Sarabura
Rugby (W): M.V.P. – Imogen Barnard
Rugby (M): R.O.Y. (Robin Best Award) – Logan Hatfield
Rugby (M): M.V.P. (Leuan Evans Rugger Award) – Kobe Faust
Soccer (W): R.O.Y. – Ava Hunyady
Soccer (W): M.V.P. – Olivia Rizakos
Soccer (M). R.O.Y. – Julian Boscariol
Soccer (M): M.V.P. (Bill McAnuff Memorial) – Peter Bandula
Squash (W): M.V.P. – Stephanie Woloszczuk
Squash (M): M.V.P. – Samuel Manley
Swimming (W): R.O.Y. – Alyssa Guterson
Swimming (W): M.V.P. – Elizabeth Greaves
Swimming (M): R.O.Y. – Caelen Calder
Swimming (M): M.V.P. (C.M. Kinnear Memorial) – Thomas Steele
Track & Field (W): R.O.Y. – Paige Zinger
Track & Field (W): M.V.P. – Gabby Cole
Track & Field (M): R.O.Y. – Sayanthan Arulrajan
Track & Field (M): M.V.P. (Hamilton Olympic Club Award) – Keon Rude
Volleyball (W): R.O.Y. (Makala King Memorial) – Alessia Pereira
Volleyball (W): M.V.P. – Sophie Sommerfeldt
Volleyball (M): R.O.Y. – Ian McQueen
Volleyball (M): M.V.P. – Killian Donovan
Wrestling (W): R.O.Y. – Ava Hunyady
Wrestling (W): M.V.P. – Brooklyn Glasgow
Wrestling (M): R.O.Y. – Jaxsyn Gillis
Wrestling (M): M.V.P. – Casey Harkley

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