It was a pleasure to honour and highlight all 14 of the Mountaineers graduating athletes over the past three weeks. This crop of players all endured a college experience far different than any other graduating class with the current landscape of college athletics during the pandemic. Despite the challenges, this group has gone on to succeed in the classroom with eight of the 14 being named OCAA All-Academics and two receiving CCAA Academic All-Canadian honours.
We know these 14 athletes are destined for even more success in their next ventures and we would like to thank them for all the hard work and dedication they've poured into the program and the college during their tenure.
Mark Wylie, Men's Basketball
-Two Seasons
-2019/20 OCAA All-Academic
Coach Brian Jonker on Mark: "Mark earned his spot on our team as a walk on and worked his way into playing time in his first year. A rare feat. He was a pleasure to coach and willing to do anything. Always listening and always engaged. He worked hard every day and always with a smile on his face. He volunteered within the school and I can't have enough Mark Wylie's!"
Kristen Hancock, Women's Basketball
-Two Seasons
-2019/20 OCAA All-Academic
Athletic Department on Kristen: "A quiet, hard working presence each night is what Kristen gave to her team. She showed up every night and worked hard on her craft. We know she will be successful in the constructing engineering world, best of luck to you Kristen."
Jayme Goit, Women's Basketball
-Three Seasons
-2018/19 OCAA All-Academic; 2017/18 OCAA Bronze Medalist
Athletic Department on Jayme: "A teammate each program should have. When in the gym and on the court, Jayme could always be found supporting and hyping up her teammates. This energy will be missed on our court. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors."
Navneet Mann, Cross Country
-Two Seasons
-2019/20 OCAA All-Academic
Coach Ryan Gagnon on Navneet: "I have been lucky enough to both coach and teach Nav at Mohawk. She was both a wonderful athlete and student – her positive attitude and team spirit were an excellent asset and brought a great energy to the team that was always contagious."
Carter Rudge, Cross Country
-Five Seasons
-2019/20 Mountaineers Cross Country Coaches Award, 2018/19 Mountaineers Cross Country Coaches Award
Coach Ryan Gagnon on Carter: "Carter has always impressed me since day one. He has consistently been an excellent athlete, student, team player, and went from not finishing his first race to solid performances soon after and even captained the team in 2019. A hilarious, hard-working leader that will do great things."
Nicole Hillman, Curling
-Two Seasons
-2019/20 Mountaineers Outstanding Freshman Athlete of the Year; 2019/20 CCAA Academic All-Canadian; 2019/20 OCAA All-Academic; 2019/20 OCAA First-Team All-Star
Coach Betty Calic on Nicole: Playing in the men's division carried with it all the obvious challenges. How did Nicole deal with the negative comments and sideways looks – by out curling each one of her opponents. She quietly made shot after shot, earning her a first-team all-star ranking. Nicole's stoic presence combined with her determination played an integral part in the team's success. Don't tell her she can't because she can and don't tell she won't because she will.
Dain Johnson, Rugby
-Three seasons
Athletic Department on Dain: "Dain has been a steady force for the Mountaineer men's rugby team over his two seasons on the field. Dain's athletic ability to evade tackles on the field will be missed in the program. We look forward to celebrating his future successes as a Mountaineer alumnus."
Stephanie Godden, Softball
-Four Seasons
-2017/18 OCAA All-Academic; 2017/18 OCAA Bronze Medalist; 2019/20 Mountaineers Softball Coaches Award, 2018/19 Mountaineers Softball Coaches Award
Athletic Department on Stephanie: "Stephanie was the team's backbone behind the plate for three seasons helping lead the team to an OCAA Bronze Medal in 2017/2018. Her leadership up the middle of the diamond will be missed. She will certainly leave some tough cleats to fill for future Mountaineers. Thank you, Stephanie, for all your contributions."
Dakari Gennaro, Women's Volleyball
-Two Seasons
-2019/20 OCAA All-Academic
Coach Matthew Schnarr on Dakari: "Dakari will leave the program in place better than she left it. 'Dak's' spirit and zest for all things volleyball and life will make it a tough void to fill on the roster. Her contribution on the court and as a teammate are what we only hope future Mountaineers will bring to the table. Your spirit will be missed. Best of luck on your next academic steps."
Victoria Pasalic, Women's Volleyball
-Three Seasons
Coach Matthew Schnarr on Victoria: "Victoria is the definition of growth in a student athlete. Victoria's improvement on and off the court has been a joy to be a part of. She is a great teammate who is supportive and caring for all of her teammates. Thank you for all you've done for our program."
Ezekiel Areghan, Men's Volleyball
-Two Seasons
Athletic Department on Ezekiel: "Ezekiel, who we all know as EZ, brought so much passion and intensity to his game and to his teammates. His raw emotion speaks to everything a Mountaineer is about. We are grateful for his dedication to the program."
Owyn McInnis, Men's Volleyball
-Two Seasons
Athletic Department on Owyn: "Owyn is all things on the lighter side of sport. His physicality in training helped push all of his teammates in training. His humor and personality will be missed. We wish Owyn the best in his future endeavors."
Sunhyun Yim, Men's Volleyball & Soccer
-Three Seasons
Athletic Department on Sunny: "What many don't know is "Sunny" was a two-sport athlete at Mohawk in soccer and volleyball. He entered the program not knowing much about the game and leaves the program as a volleyball athlete who can play. Thank you, Sunny."
Daniela Cardillo, Women's Soccer
-Four Seasons
-2017/18 CCAA Academic All-Canadian; 2018, 2019 & 2020 OCAA All-Academic; 2017/2018 OCAA West Division All-Star
Athletic Department on Daniela: "Daniela is the model of consistency. Year in and year out Daniela was a steady force on the field for the Mountaineers. Her poise, presence and composure were integral to the team's success indoor and outdoor. The program will miss her competitive nature and her OCAA All-Star abilities. All the best in the future, Daniela"
