In a celebration of athletic excellence, the University of Saskatchewan’s Gage Grassick and Wilfrid Laurier University’s Taylor Elgersma have been named the 2024-25 U Sports Athletes of the Year, capturing the prestigious Lois and Doug Mitchell Awards. This recognition highlights their outstanding performances and significant contributions to their respective sports.
Gage Grassick, a talented basketball player hailing from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, earned the Lois Mitchell Award following a stellar season that saw her lead the Huskies to a national championship. Grassick’s impressive statistics included an average of 20.7 points per game and an MVP title at the U Sports Final 8 tournament, where she scored a remarkable 35 points in the championship game against defending champions Carleton, resulting in an 85-66 victory.
On the football field, Taylor Elgersma from Waterloo, Ontario, captured the Doug Mitchell Award. Elgersma not only led U Sports in passing yards with an impressive 3,554 yards but also excelled with a passing average of 323.1 yards per game and 28 passing touchdowns. He guided Laurier to the Vanier Cup final, earning MVP honors at the Yates Cup and the offensive MVP title at the Uteck Bowl conference championship.
Both athletes faced stiff competition for their respective awards. Among the female finalists were Cape Breton soccer player Alliyah Rowe, Laval runner Marie-Frédérique Poulin, and Western track athlete Favour Okpali. Male nominees included St. Francis Xavier basketball player DJ Jackson, Laval runner Philippe Morneau-Cartier, and Calgary basketball player Nate Petrone. The caliber of this year’s nominees was notable, reflecting exceptional talent across various sports disciplines.
Lois Mitchell, chair of the Canadian Athletic Foundation Board of Trustees, expressed pride in the nominees, highlighting their achievements as outstanding student-athletes and citizens. She stated, “Gage and Taylor had outstanding seasons, demonstrating their adaptability to any condition they faced on the field of competition and in the classroom.”
Elgersma’s athletic journey has just begun, as he was drafted 18th overall by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL draft and later signed with the Green Bay Packers of the NFL as an undrafted free agent. He aims to secure a position within the Packers’ roster and is dedicating himself to the process of continuous improvement. “The way I’m going to do it… is to focus on developing, focus on learning from these coaches, and getting better every single day,” he said. Elgersma’s determination to succeed is grounded in his work ethic, as he strives to become a better version of himself, opening doors for potentially greater opportunities in his athletic career.
Looking for inspiration, Elgersma expressed admiration for L.A. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, appreciating Stafford’s tough playing style and exceptional leadership. “I love the way he plays with an edge and toughness,” he noted, aspiring to incorporate those qualities into his own game.
Meanwhile, Grassick’s aspirations are set high as well. She dreams of pursuing a professional basketball career in the WNBA and has her sights set on representing Canada at the Olympics. Grassick passionately believes in the progress being made in women’s sports, particularly in basketball. “You can be a woman and a great athlete, and you can be from Canada and play pro basketball with the best of them,” she stated. This sentiment resonates with her commitment to her sport, emphasizing that success requires heart and hard work.
Grassick’s achievements were further recognized when she was awarded the Mary Ethel Cartwright Trophy as most outstanding female athlete at the University of Saskatchewan. With one more year left at U of S, she plans to refine her basketball skills while completing her pharmacy courses. Her focus is on becoming a top-caliber point guard, ready to contribute to a professional team.
The accolades received by both Grassick and Elgersma are a testament to their hard work and dedication, inspiring countless athletes across the country. As they continue to pursue their athletic dreams, their stories serve as motivation and encouragement for the future generations of athletes in Canada. The recognition they’ve received highlights not only their individual achievements but also the importance of supporting and celebrating talent in all sports.
As the sporting world evolves, the commitment to excellence showcased by athletes like Gage Grassick and Taylor Elgersma pushes the boundaries of what is possible. Their journeys remind us that with dedication, resilience, and passion, aspiring athletes can reach remarkable heights, paving the way for a brighter future in sports.
In celebrating the accomplishments of these inspirational athletes, the story of their success showcases the importance of perseverance. As Grassick and Elgersma embark on the next chapters of their athletic careers, they embody the spirit of U Sports and serve as shining examples of what it means to be dedicated, hardworking athletes who strive to reach their dreams while making a positive impact in their communities. Whether on the court or the field, their influence is profound, and the world will be watching as they continue to forge their paths in the world of sports.
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