SASKATOON, Sask. – The University of Saskatchewan (USask) Huskies celebrated a season of remarkable achievements both on and off the field of play Wednesday night (Apr. 2) at the 2025 edition of Huskie Salute, presented by Wireless Age. Eight individuals were honoured with major awards at the year-end event, with countless more recognized for their athletic and academic achievements as well as the impact they made in the community. Canada West All-Stars and award winners, U SPORTS All-Canadians and award winners, and graduating student-athletes were among those celebrated.
2025 Major 7 Award Winners
Pat Lawson Trophy (Female Rookie of the Year) –
Gabrielle Flaman, Volleyball
Howard Nixon Trophy (Male Rookie of the Year) –
Trevor Wong, Hockey
Valerie Girsberger Trophy (All-Round Female Athlete) –
Kaitlyn Harrison, Cross Country/Track & Field
Rusty MacDonald Cup (All-Round Male Athlete) –
Jake Neufeld, Track & Field
Mary Ethel Cartwright Trophy (Most Outstanding Female Athlete) –
Gage Grassick, Basketball
E. Kent Phillips Trophy (Most Outstanding Male Athlete) –
Roddy Ross, Hockey
Colb McEown Trophy (Coach of the Year) –
Lisa Thomaidis, Basketball
Dr. Walter Hader Trophy (Student Trainer of the Year) –
Taevan Athmer, Men's Volleyball
Pat Lawson Trophy (Female Rookie of the Year) – Gabrielle Flaman, Volleyball
Gabrielle Flaman is the 2025 recipient of the Pat Lawson Trophy as the most outstanding female rookie following a sensational first season with the Huskie women's volleyball team. Making an immediate impact in her debut year, the local Saskatoon product received both conference and national All-Rookie honours after starting all 20 matches for the Dogs in the regular season. Flaman's defensive prowess was evident throughout the season as she finished 7th in Canada West with 210 digs, solidifying her role as one of the top defenders in the conference despite being the only rookie libero. She was also the best team passer statistically, showcasing her versatility and consistency from the back row as she helped the Huskies to a Canada West Final Four and U SPORTS Championship appearance. Flaman's sensational rookie campaign sets her up to be a key piece of the program in future seasons.
Nominees:
Megan Deere, Track & Field
Gabrielle Flaman, Volleyball
Olivia Harm, Basketball
Howard Nixon Trophy (Male Rookie of the Year) – Trevor Wong, Hockey
After joining the Huskie men's hockey team from the Saskatoon Blades,
Trevor Wong takes home the Howard Nixon Trophy as the most outstanding male rookie following an impressive freshman campaign. The first year forward from Vancouver, BC, was instrumental in helping the Huskies capture both a Canada West Championship and University Cup bronze Medal this season. A vital contributor to the Huskies' high-powered offence in 2024-25, Wong was a key member of the nation's top powerplay unit. In 28 games, he totaled 21 points with 2 goals and 19 assists, including a streak of 14 points in 12 games to close out the regular season. A clutch player who routinely showcased his skill and composure under pressure, Wong helped push the Huskies through to the conference finals with a game-winning goal in game 3 of the Canada West semifinals. His standout freshman season sets up a bright future in the Huskie men's hockey program.
Nominees:
Jacob Goldstone, Football
Michael Hussey, Track & Field
Trevor Wong, Hockey
Matthew Yong, Wrestling
Valerie Girsberger Trophy (All-Round Female Athlete) – Kaitlyn Harrison, Cross Country/Track & Field
Kaitlyn Harrison's career at the University of Saskatchewan is a testament to excellence both on and off the field, earning her the prestigious Valerie Girsberger Trophy. As a member of the Huskie cross country team, Harrison ends her career as the most decorated women's athlete in program history having captured a Canada West Individual Bronze Medal, four team bronze medals, five First Team All-Star selections, and three All-Canadian honours, alongside being named Team MVP on five occasions. On the track, she is equally impressive as a five-time team Canada West Champion and three-time U SPORTS Medalist. As a distance runner she is a six-time All-Star and three-time All-Canadian in addition to being a part of the 4x800m record-setting relay team. Outside of athletics, the Craven, Saskatchewan, product is a four time Academic All-Canadian and dedicated volunteer having dedicated time to several youth cross country and track events, the Montreal Lake Cree Nation Outreach Clinic, Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Group, Walter Murray Collegiate Garden Program, and Public Pasture Interest Board of Directors.
Nominees:
Andrea Dodig, Basketball
Kaitlyn Harrison, Cross Country/Track & Field
Anna Oliver, Soccer
Rusty MacDonald Cup (All-Round Male Athlete) – Jake Neufeld, Track & Field
Exemplifying what it means to be a well-rounded student-athlete,
Jake Neufeld takes home the Rusty MacDonald Cup for his achievements in athletics, academics, and community service. As a combined events athlete, Neufeld has earned two First Team All-Star selections and owns the U SPORTS Record for Heptathlon Pole Vault with an impressive 4.73m set at the 2025 national championships. He ranks third in program history for the heptathlon with 5,192 points and 8th in pole vault with a career best of 4.80m. The local Saskatoon product's athletic prowess is matched by his dedication in the classroom, having earned Academic All-Canadian honours four times throughout his career. He is also a leader in the community, having been recognized twice by Canada West and once by U SPORTS as the Community Service Award winner. His efforts volunteering and giving back include work with the Saskatoon Track & Field Club, the International University Sports Federation, and the North American Indigenous Games Trials, among several others.
Nominees:
Drake Buechler, Wrestling
Ryker Frank, Football
Dawson Holt, Hockey
Jake Neufeld, Track & Field
Mary Ethel Cartwright Trophy (Most Outstanding Female Athlete) – Gage Grassick, Basketball
Gage Grassick cements her place in the Huskie history books with one more accolade for her remarkable season, the Mary Ethel Cartwright Trophy as the most outstanding female athlete of the year. The fourth guard from Prince Albert put together a season for the ages, rewriting the Huskie record books while leading her team to Canada West and U SPORTS glory. Grassick became the third USask student-athlete to be named the Nan Copp Trophy recipient as the nation's best player in addition to taking home the Canada West Player of the Year Award, and both All-Star and All-Canadian selections. Her regular season was nothing short of extraordinary, with the fourth-year pharmacy student setting program records for single-season assists and triple-doubles, while leading the nation in 3-point field goals made and 3-point percentage. Grassick also showcased her ability to rise to the occasion, averaging 20.7 points per game in the U SPORTS Final 8 and earning Tournament MVP honours with a 35-point performance in the Championship Game. Her exceptional leadership and on-court brilliance helped propel the Huskies to a Canada West title and a U SPORTS championship, solidifying her legacy as one of the top players in program history.
Nominees:
Gage Grassick, Basketball
Taryn Hannah, Volleyball
Avery Pearson, Track & Field
Myah Phillips, Wrestling
E. Kent Phillips Trophy (Most Outstanding Male Athlete) – Roddy Ross, Hockey
Marking the culmination of an exceptional year between the pipes,
Roddy Ross takes home the E. Kent Phillips Trophy as the most outstanding male athlete during the 2024-25 season. Leading his team to the 12th conference championship in program history, the Meadow Lake product was named the Canada West Goaltender of the Year, a First Team All-Star, and Second Team All-Canadian after leading the conference with a 1.99 goals against average and .928 save percentage. His remarkable consistency was on full display in the postseason, highlighted by a 30-save shutout in game 3 of the Canada West Final which propelled the Dogs to claim the conference banner. Ross also dazzled on the national stage, posting a 1.00 GAA and .932 Save percentage in three University Cup starts and helping the Huskies to U SPORTS Bronze with his efforts. His stellar play throughout the season and in crucial moments has etched his name into Huskie history, becoming the latest name in a long line of Huskie men's hockey excellence.
Nominees:
Judah Arthurs, Wrestling
Ryker Frank, Football
Emmett Graham, Volleyball
Jake Neufeld, Track & Field
Roddy Ross, Hockey
Colb McEown Trophy (Coach of the Year) – Lisa Thomaidis, Basketball
In her 26th season,
Lisa Thomaidis once again demonstrated her remarkable leadership and coaching excellence, and as a result takes home the Colb McEown trophy for the second consecutive season and seventh time in her career. Under her guidance the Huskies captured the 10th Canada West Championship and third U SPORTS Championship in program history, adding to her legacy as once of the most accomplished coaches in Canadian University sport. Thomaidis also made history by becoming the winningest head coach in Canada West Women's Basketball History, surpassing former UBC head coach Deb Huband with her 345th regular season win, a milestone that now stands at 349. In a season full of outstanding achievements, her Huskies matched the program's best overall record of 30-2 while earning an 18-2 regular season record. Boasting the nation's most prolific offence and relentless defence, the Huskies entered the U SPORTS Final 8 as the No. 1 seed for the 4th time during Thomaidis' tenure. A trio of convincing victories followed on the national stage, resulting in Thomaidis' 25th Final 8 victory and the 10th medal finish under her tutelage.
Thomaidis also made waves on the international stage, guiding Germany's women's basketball national program to a 7th-place finish in their first every Olympic berth at the 2024 Paris Games.
Nominees:
Brandin Cote, Men's Hockey
Jason Reindl, Women's Track & Field
Lisa Thomaidis, Women's Basketball
Dr. Walter Hader Award (Student Trainer of the Year) – Taevan Athmer, Men's Volleyball
Taevan's exceptional personal and professional growth, dedication and calm demeanor have made him a key player to the men's volleyball squad over the past two seasons. He has stood out amongst his peers for his mentoring abilities, as a student trainer HAC rep and giving back to the sport community in a multitude of ways. In coach McKay's words, Taevan is a 'DOG'! The men's volleyball team are going to miss him greatly for his fueling of candy, 1886 beef jerky and for his mean massages. We look forward to watching Taevan grow as he begins his next chapter in Chiropractic school.
Nominees:
Taevan Athmer, Men's Volleyball
Spencer Dmytruk, Wrestling
Aisley Haas, Women's Basketball
