Athletes of the term

Michelle Craig
Michelle Craig

Michelle Craig—squash

Craig was instrumental in helping the Gaels capture the OUA women’s title over McGill. She was able to defeat her Western counterpart in the semifinals, helping Queen’s achieve a 4-2 result. Queen’s would go on to tie McGill in the finals. Craig stormed back with an emphatic individual effort during her tiebreaker game as Queen’s walked away with a 12-10 result and the OUA championship. Her play throughout the season earned a place as an OUA First-Team All-Star.

Teddi Firmi—basketball

A third-year player out of Kitchener, Ont., Firmi’s defensive achievements saw her capture the OUA East Defensive Player of the Year award. Already considered by many to be one of the top point guards in the country, Firmi’s top responsibility was to shut down the opposition’s best scorer. A highlight of her season saw her defence help the Gaels limit the Carleton Ravens to just seven points in the fourth quarter, as Queen’s pulled off the win 69-64. Firmi contributed 12 points and six rebounds in 32 minutes against Carleton.

Elyssa Heller—volleyball

As part of a Queen’s team with little experience, Heller shined on the court during her first year of eligibility. She led OUA rookies in points scored, points per game, kills per game and total kills. Her efforts helped the Gaels to their second straight OUA East playoff appearance, and she was also named OUA East Rookie of the Year. Heller was named to the OUA East All-Rookie Team, and is one of the few Queen’s volleyball players ever to be selected for the CIS All-Rookie Team.

—Ryan Kidd

Matt Hulse—track and field

Hulse was named an OUA All-Star and a CIS All-Canadian based on his strong performances in his second season with the Gaels. Hulse captured gold at the OUA Championships in the 1,500-metre race, as well as a bronze medal as part of a four-man team in the 4×800-metre relay race. Success followed Hulse to the CIS Championships, where he achieved podium finishes in two races. He captured a silver medal in the 1,500-metre event and finished with a bronze medal in the 1,000-metre event.

Ryan Gibb—hockey

The former OUA Rookie of the Year didn’t disappoint in his sophomore season, posting a .929 save percentage—the highest in the country. Before earning his OUA East MVP award, Gibb helped post the most victories in a season for a Queen’s team in recent memory, winning 11 of their 13 games. His play helped Queen’s win the tough OUA Mid-East Division and secured his team the number two seed in the Eastern Conference.

Devon Miller—volleyball

Playing his final year for the Gaels, Miller won his third-straight CIS All-Canadian distinction. He led the OUA with an astounding 764 assists, helping the Gaels to a second-place finish in the OUA. Miller was a leader for the Gaels, taking them on a seven-game winning streak in January. Miller was also named an OUA First-Team All Star and won the Jenkins Trophy at the Colour Awards as top male athlete—a fitting end to his volleyball career.

—Ryan Kidd

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