Sarah Stanley and Reggie Traccitto named UPEI Panther Athletes of the Year
UPEI Athletics and Recreation celebrated its 45th year by recognizing outstanding student athletes at the annual UPEI Athletics Awards ceremony held at the PEI Brewing Company in Charlottetown. The UPEI Alumni Association's Outstanding Athletes of the Year awards went to women's soccer star Sarah Stanley and men's hockey standout Reggie Traccitto.
In her fourth year, Stanley, a native of Charlottetown, has developed into one of the top midfielders. She is a leader who sets a great example with her work ethic and positive attitude. This past season when the pressure was on, she came out charging, scoring all three goals in a crucial weekend series against Dalhousie and Saint Mary's, resulting in her being named both an AUS and CIS Athlete of the Week. More awards followed, as she was named an AUS 2nd Team All-star at the end of the season. Head Coach Lewis Page described Stanley as a joy to coach, 'she works hard, encourages her teammates, but most of all, loves to compete,' he said.
Traccitto, a fourth-year student-athlete from Oakville, Ontario is a very complete defenseman that would be considered one of the greatest scoring threats in the AUS, especially on the power play. There might not be any single player in the AUS that had a more significant impact towards any program's special teams than Traccitto. On a team, that at times, struggled to score goals, UPEI Panthers' power play was amongst the best in the AUS, with Traccitto playing a significant role towards this success. Traccitto was the Panthers' top scoring defenseman, finishing second overall on the team, and finishing 10th overall in the AUS. Traccitto also played a tremendous role in penalty kills, in which the team ranked first overall in the CIS. Traccitto was selected as an AUS 1st team All-Star and named a CIS 2nd team All-Canadian.
The J.T. 'Mickey' Place Awards were also presented this evening to student athletes who have made a contribution to student leadership on their team and on campus. John Thomas 'Mickey' Place was connected not only with Athletics at UPEI, but also with all aspects of campus life. He believed in fair play and that through respect for one's opponent, athletes could gain the ultimate respect for themselves. These awards are provided by the UPEI Student Union in his memory. The winners from each team include:
Men's basketball - Lorenzo Parker
Women's basketball - Danielle MacDonald
Field hockey - Eliza MacLauchlan
Men's hockey - Mason Wilgosh
Women's hockey - Ferran Brown
Women's rugby - Alicia MacDonald
Women's soccer - Kelsie Collier
Men's soccer - Trevor White
Swimming - Suzanne Nicholson
Women's volleyball - Emilie Sullivan
Women's curling - Jane DiCarlo
Men's curling - Connor MacPhee
Synchronized swimming - Lauren Hardy
Powerlifting - Daniel Quadros Da Fonseca
Men's rugby - Sean Doyle
Cross country/Track & Field - Melanie McKenna
JV women's hockey - Jill MacIsaac
The teams then took to the stage one at a time to celebrate and recognize their teammates and top athletes. Listed below are the winners from each team:
MVP Rookie
Men's soccer Cole MacMillan Lucas Holmes
Women's soccer Sarah Stanley Tessa Fudge
Men's rugby Aaron Fitzpatrick James Mallard
Women's rugby Danielle Lacey Holly Jones
Field hockey Katherine Koughan Sydney Stavert
Men's hockey Reggie Traccitto Casey Babineau
Women's hockey Keirsten Visser Emma Martin
Men's basketball Geoff Doane Jayden Nordin
Women's basketball Amy Gough/ Kiera Rigby
Danielle MacDonald
Swimming Rooske Wagemakers Joël Legault
Women's volleyball Meg MacKinnon Abbie Ronalds
The Gordon & Muriel Bennett Award presented by Muriel Bennett is given to a student (male of female) who, over four years, best combined athletic achievement and academic excellence. Women's hockey student-athlete Christina Kelly was this year's recipient.
The W.A. Ledwell Award goes to a student-athlete who has demonstrated outstanding athletic ability in the intercollegiate program, academic excellence, and also demonstrates the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and citizenship. Katherine Koughan from field hockey was the recipient.
One of the evening highlights was the presentation of the Passion for Life Award, originated in memory of Rene Ayangma, a former UPEI soccer player. All nominees were recognized and the award winner was Leanne Doiron, for her true passion for life and commitment to Panther Sport. Doiron, a very conscientious student, has been a member of the Student/Athlete Advisory Group for the last two years, and is one of the most proud Panther athletes on campus. There's not a Panther activity on campus that you won't find her present at, either working or cheering on her fellow athletes. Doiron served as an athletics and student assistant, where her energy and infectious personality thrive and grow in her responsibility to become the game day coordinator willing and eager to help all sports enhance the game day experience. Her positivity in life, and with her peers, makes her a perfect choice for the Passion for Life Award. She is a true Panther who bleeds green.
2013-14 nominees for Passion for Life Award:
Men's soccer - Adam Lowther
Women's soccer - Jenna Jo MacDonald
Men's rugby - Ryan Lloyd
Women's rugby - Mosher Gallant
Field hockey - Leanne Doiron
Men's hockey - Mathew Maione
Women's hockey - Ferran Brown
Men's basketball - Donathan Moss
Women's basketball - Danielle MacDonald
Swimming - Leif Wilm
Women's volleyball - Ellie Beck
Men's curling - Taylor MacInnis
Women's curling - Veronica Smith
Synchronized swimming - Katie Carter
Powerlifting - Naeem Rohani
Cross Country - Melanie McKenna
