2023-24 Huskies Athletic Awards Night: Bell, Diggs named Athletes of the Year
Saint Mary's Department of Athletics and Recreation is proud to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of Huskies student-athletes and teams during the 2023-24 season.
On March 19, 2024, the Huskies Athletic Awards Banquet brought together over 300 student-athletes, coaches, managers, volunteers, and special guests to celebrate a great seasons of Saint Mary's Athletics. This season, Saint Mary's celebrated one U SPORTS Major Award Winners, four U SPORTS All-Canadian/All-Rookie Team selections, 23 AUS All-Star/All-Rookie selections, and 13 AUS Major Award Winners.
Women's volleyball left side Olivia Bell and Men's basketball guard Jayrell Diggs, headlined the awards, being honoured as the Female and Male Athletes of the Year. Below is a complete listing of all major and team award winners:
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PHOTO ALBUM OF THE 2023-24 ATHLETIC AWARDS
FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Olivia Bell, women's volleyball
Women's volleyball left side Olivia Bell, a fifth year commerce student from LaHave Islands, N.S., has been named the 2023-24 Huskies Female Athlete of the Year.
Bell was named the 2023-24 Atlantic University Sport women's volleyball most valuable player after leading the conference in points (282.5 points), points per set (3.7 points per set), kills (238 kills), and kills per set (3.13 kills per set). She also ranked among the conference leaders in service aces (29 service aces - third), service aces per set (0.38 service aces per set - fourth), digs (218 digs - seventh) and digs per set (2.87 digs per set - ninth).
Bell was also named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian, her third consecutive U SPORTS All-Canadian honour, as she was selected as a Second Team All-Canadian in both 2022-23 and 2021-22. Bell joins Huskies legends Kerri Smith (2011-12, 2010-11, 2008-09) and Caroline McFarlane (2004-05, 2001-02, 2000-01) as the only Saint Mary's women's volleyball players to be selected as an All-Canadian three or more times.
Bell was also selected to the U SPORTS All-Rookie team in 2008-09, and finishes her career as one of the most decorated student-athletes in AUS history as a 3x All-Canadian, 4x AUS All-Star, 1x AUS MVP and 1x AUS Rookie of the Year.
"What can be said about Olivia Bell?" said Huskies head coach Darren Russell. "She is arguably one of the hardest working individuals both on and off the court, including her studies. It has been an honor to mentor and coach her over the last, what seems like, several years. Olivia's dedication, leadership, and contribution to the Huskies volleyball team, has made the our program at Saint Mary's, one of the top programs in both the AUS and U SPORTS. Through her five years, her athleticism, tenacity, and perseverance to be her best self on the court, has inspired so many, including many other volleyball athletes throughout our community and beyond. It's been my absolute pleasure to support Olivia through her journey with us at SMU, and she truly will be irreplaceable."
MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Jayrell Diggs, men's basketball
Men's basketball guard Jayrell Diggs, a third year commerce student from East Preston, N.S., has been named the 2023-24 Huskies Male Athlete of the Year.
Diggs was named a 2023-24 AUS First Team All-Star, and to the 2024 AUS Championship Tournament All-Star team. Diggs started all 20 regular season games for the Huskies, averaging 17.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Diggs ranked among the AUS leaders in scoring (356 points - sixth in AUS), steals (30 steals - sixth in AUS), three-pointers made (56 three-pointers made - third in AUS), free-throw percentage (81.7% - seventh in AUS), and minutes played (677 minutes played- third in AUS).
In the 2024 AUS Basketball Championships, Diggs led the Huskies averaging 19.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game, being named a Tournament All-Star. Diggs was also named to the AUS All-Rookie team in 2021-22.
"From coming off the bench in his first year to now an AUS first team all-star, Jayrell has worked for everything he's achieved," says Huskies head coach Jonah Taussig. "He's perhaps the easiest player I've ever coached in the sense that I know regardless of the circumstances Game or practice, whether we're winning or losing, if there's other things outside of basketball on his mind….he's going to be there working hard, being a great teammate, never complaining, and more often than not, coming up big in the biggest situations. Congratulations Jayrell on your outstanding season and being the deserved winner on this year's Saint Mary's University Male Athlete of the Year."
FEMALE PRESIDENT'S AWARD – Madison Hann, women's volleyball
Women's volleyball middle Madison Hann, a third year criminology student from Conquerall Mills, N.S., has been named the 2023-24 Huskies Female President's Award winner for Outstanding Academic and Athletic Performance.
Hann won the 2023-24 U SPORTS Thérèse Quigley Award, given to a women's volleyball student-athlete who shows outstanding achievements in three areas: volleyball, academics and community involvement. She also won the 2023-24 AUS Student-Athlete Community Service Award.
A third-year Criminology student from Conquerall Mills, N.S., Hann placed second on her team in total blocks (45) and third in service aces (21). In the classroom, the L'nu student-athlete has held a GPA over 4.15 for three years running, earning Academic All-Canadian and SMU Faculty of Arts Dean's List status her first two seasons.
In the community, Hann has been just as impressive. Whether it was volunteering as manager/coach/guardian with the Mi'kmaw Nova Scotia U19 women's volleyball team for the 2023 North American Indigenous Games or participating in the MotionballU Marathon of Sport event hosted at SMU to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics, Hann has been more than willing to take on whatever task was needed.
Hann continues to be committed to supporting and advocating for the rights and ongoing issues that people within the Indigenous community face. For the second year in a row, she organized the purchase of orange t-shirts from the local Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre to show support for residential school survivors. This year, she used her own traditional teachings to personally bead more than 20 Every Child Matters pins (over 100 hours of work) to raise $670 – all of which she donated to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
Additionally, she will once again participate in the annual Kjipuktuk March for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit Persons and Relatives. Hann is a member of both the Saint Mary's University Indigenous Students Society and the Racialized Student Academic Network.
She also is an attendee to the 7th Step Society street group meetings, where community members ranging from past and current offenders to workers within the criminal justice system, community volunteers and more come together weekly to reflect and discuss various life topics in order to improve themselves.
Hann joins Hannah Stienburg (2018-19) as the only Huskies to have won the Thérèse Quigley Award.
"Madison Hann truly defines what a role-model is. Her hard work, dedication, and leadership doesn't go unnoticed and is something that many admire and look up to," said Huskies head coach Darren Russell. "Madison is not only an exceptional athlete or student, she is an extraordinary person who strives to excel in everything she does. The combination of compassion, selflessness, and resilience she embodies is rare. The way Madison conducts herself not only has an impact on her team, but in the communities she supports on and off campus. Madison has collaborated with other teammates at Saint Mary's to find ways for the team to give back and make a positive impact on the community. During her time at SMU, Madison continues to hold herself to a high academic standard, having received Academic All-Canadian and Dean's List honours in each academic year. Madison has overcome many obstacles that have come her way and has demonstrated time and time again what it means to be a student-athlete; balancing school work, her sport, and giving back to the community when she can. She has chosen to commit any of her spare time to advocating for and helping those who need it most. Her generosity and passion for helping others, along with her constant pursuit of giving back to the community is admirable and continues to inspire the people around her."
MALE PRESIDENT'S AWARD – Rory McGarvey, men's cross country and track & field
Men's cross country and track & field runner Rory McGarvey, a third year environmental studies student from Belleville, ON, has been named the 2023-24 Huskies Male President's Award winner for Outstanding Academic and Athletic Performance.
McGarvey won the 2023-24 AUS Student-Athlete Community Service Awards for both men's cross-country and men's track & field, a rare accomplishment for the conference.
Among the highlights of his cross country season included a second place finish at the Acadia Invitational, fourth place finish at the STFX Invitational and 7th place finish at the AUS Championship, where he was named a First Team AUS All-Star and won the AUS Student-Athlete Community Service Award.
In track & field, Rory was selected as a Huskies co-captain, recorded personal bests in the 1500m and 3000m, and was a finalist in the 3000m at the 2024 AUS Track & Field Championships. At these championships, Rory was also the recipient of the 2024 Male Track & Field Student Athlete Community Service Award.
Besides his athletic achievements, Rory has also achieved a cumulative 4.22 GPA during his 4 years in the Environmental Studies program at Saint Mary's, being named to the Dean's List each year. He was the recipient of the 2023 Bernard Bun Mulcahy Scholarship, awarded for his consistent academic achievements and active participation in Saint Mary's University's athletics programs.
His community work includes having served as a volunteer for the 2023 CIBC Run for the Cure, as well as serving on campus as vice president of the Saint Mary's University Geography Society and volunteering with the university's Environmental Society, where he has been instrumental in the planning and executing a variety of community outreach and fundraising initiatives, such as hosting the Environmental Gala at SMU this March to help bring the geography/environmental community together and raise awareness for critical issues facing our planet.
JOHN JONES MEMORIAL AWARD (FEMALE UNSUNG HERO) – Aimee O'Neill, women's hockey
Women's hockey forward Aimee O'Neill, a fourth year psychology student from Glace Bay, N.S., has been named the 2023-24 John Jones Memorial Award winner for Female Unsung Hero.
On the ice, O'Neill appeared in 26 regular season games for the Huskies, finishing second on the team with eight goals and adding five assists for 13 points - all career highs. But her offensive contributions are just a small portion of what O'Neill has brought to the Huskies program over her five years.
"Aimee O'Neill has been the walking definition of unsung hero for the entirety of her five years here at Saint Mary's," says Huskies head coach Chris Larade. "Aimee is never one to seek out the spotlight or attention, and prefers to lead by example. She has been a consistent true professional while helping lead our program to continued success. Her effort and attitude were exemplary this year more than ever. She played in all situations and plays with the same tenacity and compete in every zone, regardless of the score."
"But being a varsity student-athlete is about much more than what's done in the field of play. Aimee is a perennial Academic All-Canadian, and our program's best example of community leadership and involvement. From her hours spent weekly at Ronald McDonald House, to tutoring and help young elementary students new to Canada, and her involvement with her Motionball team, Aimee is a constant example of how Saint Mary's varsity student-athletes should aim to lead their respective lives. Aimee has always been the consummate teammate and a "hero" on the ice, in the classroom, and in the community. It's only fitting that she finally gets her much-deserved spotlight on her way out. Our program is so much better and stronger thanks to her impact on the others around her, head coach included."
JOHN JONES MEMORIAL AWARD (MALE UNSUNG HERO) – Walter Flower III, men's hockey
Men's hockey defenceman Walter Flower III, a third year commerce student from Lunenburg, N.S., has been named the 2023-24 John Jones Memorial Award winner for Male Unsung Hero.
A three-time Academic All-Canadian, Flower appeared in 24 regular season games for the Huskies, scoring one goal and adding five assists. One of the team's top defencemen, he was regularly tasked with shutting down the opponent's top lines. When Andrew Coxhead missed several games, Flower stepped in and served as Huskies team captain.
"Walter is very deserving of this award," says Huskies head coach Tyler Naugler. "He shows up ready to work hard, every day for the past three years, and was a quiet leader by example for our team. While he doesn't earn a lot of accolades or score a lot of points, Walter is one of the top shutdown defencemen in our league and made a huge impact for our team this season."
FEMALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Cara Freeman, women's soccer
Women's soccer forward Cara Freeman, a first year science student from Halifax, N.S., has been named the 2023-24 Huskies Female Rookie of the Year.
Freeman was named the 2023-24 AUS women's soccer Rookie of the Year - becoming the first player in Saint Mary's women's soccer history to be named the conference's top rookie. She was also named as a Second Team AUS All-Star and to the U SPORTS All-Rookie team.
Freeman started in all 12 regular season games for the Huskies. She led the team in scoring with nine goals—the fourth-most in the conference this season—and 13 points. Her nine goals scored marked the most by a rookie nationally this season.
This marks the first time in program history a player from Saint Mary's women's soccer has been named the conference's top rookie.
MALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Jackob Branton, men's football
Men's football left tackle Jackob Branton, a first year arts student from Shearwater, N.S., has been named the 2023-24 Huskies Male Rookie of the Year.
Branton made an immediate impact on the field for the Huskies this season, stepping in as a 17-year old true freshman to be the Huskies starting left tackle.
"Jackob did an unbelievable job for us this year," said Huskies head coach Steve Sumarah. "Playing as a 17-year old in the most important position on the offensive line, Jackob was often matched up against CFL draft picks and did a great job of protecting his quarterback. He went above and beyond our expectations and we can't wait to see what the future holds for him."
ROBERT G. HAYES AWARD (VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR) – Kara Hayes, women's basketball
The 2023-24 Robert G. Hayes Award for Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Kara Hayes, assistant coach with Huskies Women's Basketball.
"Kara Hayes has been the backbone of our team the last three seasons," says Huskies head coach Scott Munro. "Working along four male coaches on our staff, Kara is consistently the voice of reason, and has brought a unique perspective and invaluable insight to all of our coaches meetings. Kara has a tremendous ability to connect with our student-athletes and has developed strong relationships with all players on the roster. Our student-athletes regularly look to Kara for instruction, guidance and empathy, and she continually supports them on-and-off the court. Despite a full-time professional career, Kara gives up nearly all of her free time to the team throughout the season. She spends countless hours award from work and other commitments in support of our student-athletes. Although I don't think she was originally keen on coaching, Kara has grown into a very strong and important leader on our team and our coaching staff. We would like to thank Kara for her dedication to the program and congratulate her on being the Volunteer of the Year."
VERN CREIGHTON AWARD (MANAGER OF THE YEAR) – Brian Mason, men's football
Brian Mason, equipment manager for the Huskies football team, won the 2023-24 Vern Creighton Award for Huskies Manager of the Year.
STUDENT THERAPISTS – DR. DAVID PETRIE AWARD
Libby Douglas, Women's Rugby (Fall 2023)
Libby has been with the program for 2 years, both of which were spent with the women's varsity rugby team. Libby also spent time helping cover the track and field events, and working in the Athletic Therapy Clinic furthering her skills in both assessment and developing rehab programs for the varsity athletes. Libby graduates this year from Dalhousie University with a BSc in Kinesiology, and hopes to pursue a Masters degree in Physical Therapy.
Julia Bonsu, Women's Volleyball (Winter 2024)
Julia has been an integral part of the varsity volleyball team for the past two years. She helped with the coverage of other events when needed, as well as spending time in the Athletic Therapy Clinic advancing her skills in developing rehabilitation programs for the athletes she saw. Julia will be graduating in May with a BSc in Kinesiology and plans to pursue a Masters degree in Public Health.
2023-24 HUSKIES TEAM AWARDS
Women's Cross-Country:
Rookie of the Year: Angelique Gittens
Coaches Award: Alexandra Campbell
Most Valuable Athlete: Jacqueline Moore
Men's Cross-Country:
Rookie of the Year: Tadiwanashe Whingwiri
Coaches Award: Joseph Stewart
Most Valuable Athlete: Rory McGarvey
Women's Rugby:
Rookie of the Year: Elliana Porter
Coaches Award: Anna van Wart
Most Valuable Player: Lauren Maye
Men's Football:
Rookie of the Year: Jackob Branton
Coaches Award: Jacob Morgan
Most Valuable Player: Jassin States-McClean
Women's Soccer:
Rookie of the Year: Cara Freeman
Coaches Award: Alexa Ikejiani
Most Valuable Player: Allie Martin
Men's Soccer:
Rookie of the Year: Scott Firth
Coaches Award: Colby Mercer
Most Valuable Player: Woody Bain
Women's Track & Field:
Rookie of the Year: Raeden Black
Coaches Award: Katie Pegg
Most Valuable Athlete: Raeden Black
Men's Track & Field:
Rookie of the Year: Chad Smith
Coaches Award: Innis MacMullin
Most Valuable Athlete: Mason Dunlop
Women's Volleyball:
Rookie of the Year: Brea de Souza
Coaches Award: Alena Piatukhova
Most Valuable Player: Olivia Bell
Men's Hockey:
Rookie of the Year: Declan McDonnell
Coaches Award: Matt Welsh
Most Valuable Player: Andrew Coxhead
Women's Hockey:
Rookie of the Year: Avery Cant
Coaches Award: Ashley Penney
Most Valuable Player: Miranda Hatt
Men's Basketball:
Rookie of the Year: Tjark Lademacher
Coaches Award: Shae Linton-Brown
Most Valuable Player: Jayrell Diggs
Women's Basketball:
Rookie of the Year: Julia Black
Coaches Award: Courtney Donaldson
Most Valuable Player: Alaina McMillan
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL PHOTO ALBUM OF THE 2023-24 ATHLETIC AWARDS