With multiple sports seasons wrapping up, the OUA and U SPORTS have unveiled their player and coaching awards, recognizing athletes for their dedication and achievements throughout the year in their respective sports.
Men’s Basketball
In the 2024-25 Men’s Basketball season, the most prominent storyline came from first-year, Kingston-born, guard Ollie Engen, Kin ’28. Engen was by far the best player on the court for the Gaels, receiving high praise from coaches and players alike.
Recording an average of 18.8 points per game, Engen ranks fifth in the province and first on his team. Throughout the regular season, Engen amassed 376 points, the third highest in the nation. Engen led the Gaels in free throw percentage, at 87.5 per cent, and was second in the province in that stat by a fine margin, as well as fifth in the province for field goal percentage scoring 50 per cent of his shots.
Numbers these high are unheard of for a rookie, earning Engen not just All-Rookie Team Honours, but additionally the first Team All-Star Honours, OUA Rookie of the Year, and U SPORTS Rookie of the Year.
Fellow teammate Luka Syllas, ConEd ’25, was recognized provincially and awarded an OUA second Team All-Star. Syllas averaged 17.4 points per game and recorded 55 steals this season—third most in the nation.
Aaron Tennant, Law ’25, was given the OUA Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Award. As a member of the Men’s Basketball team, Tennant has tirelessly worked towards fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion on campus and abroad, speaking at local schools during Black History Month.
Women’s Basketball
While the Women’s Basketball team struggled at times, there was one consistent bright spot for the Gaels: first-year guard Brooke Hussey, Kin ’28.
Hussey was named both OUA Rookie of the Year and given U SPORTS Rookie All-Team Honours. In the 2024-25 regular season, Hussey surpassed all OUA rookies with 53 assists and averaging 11.3 points per game. Hussey also broke numerous Queen’s records for a first-year Women’s Basketball player—setting a points in one season, field goals made with 97, and field goals per game with 4.6.
Men’s Hockey
Christian Purboo, ArtSci ’25, has been one of the most unexpected surprises in the best way possible this season. OUA Goaltender of the Year and being given First Team All-Star Honours, Purboo recorded a .927 save percentage and 2.25 goals against average, top five in the conference for both statistics.
After leading the Gaels to 15 wins this season, Purboo was placed third in the nation in wins.
Nolan Hutcheson, ArtSci ’25, put up stellar numbers for the Gaels—being awarded First Team All-Star after leading the province in goals, leading the nation in game-winning goals, and recording two hat-tricks.
Hutcheson was also named the recipient of the True Sport Award, which recognizes players who exemplify excellence, leadership, and inclusion.
Owen Lalonde, ArtSci ’25, was the third Gael named an OUA First Team All-Star after ranking third in the OUA with 23 assists.
Women’s Hockey
Captain of the Women’s Hockey team, Charlotte Melindy, ArtSci ’25, was honoured with the OUA Champion of EDI Award for her work promoting EDI initiatives, particularly around 2SLGBTQ+ student-.
Melindy, captain of the team, was also presented with the Red Baron Award last month, a recognition given to a graduating player who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment both on and off the ice.
Men’s Volleyball
The Gaels are continuing to shine after a stellar provincial playoff run, with three players named OUA All-Stars.
Zig Licis, Sci ’25, was named a First Team All-Star for the second consecutive season after recording 222 kills and posting the second-highest hitting percentage in the OUA at .297. Licis recorded 28 service aces, ranking second in the OUA East.
Licis was also named a U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian.
After leading the OUA in service aces with a total of 35—putting him fourth nationally—Reed Venning, ArtSci ’26, was recognized as a Second Team All-Star. Venning ranked fourth in total points, securing 304 points over the season and fifth in kills, with 246.
Chris Zimmerman, Arts ’26, was named a Third Team All-Star for his offensive contributions. Zimmerman ranked third nationally in assists, with 771, while contributing 27 kills, 24 aces, and 128 digs.
Zimmerman was also awarded with the EDI Award of Merit for his contributions to the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Lachlan McBride, Law ‘25, was honoured with the Dale Iwanoczko award, recognizing his commitment to his academics and community involvement.
Women’s Volleyball
After wrapping up their first season with new Head Coach Shanice Marcelle, the Women’s Volleyball team was awarded numerous provincial and national honours.
Fifth year, Hannah Duchesneau, ArtSci ’25, was named OUA Player of the Year for the second consecutive season and was also named a First Team All-Star provincially and a First Team All-Canadian nationally. Duchesneau ranked eighth in the OUA with 221 kills and ranked third in hitting percentage at .297.
Amanda Siksna, ConEd ’25, was named a Second Team All-Star, leading the nation with 99 blocks. Claire Carter, Comm ’27, was named a Third Team All-Star, leading both the province and nation with 56 aces in the 2024-25 season.
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