MAJOR AWARD NOMINEES: WOMEN’S ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Varsityblues.ca will highlight the nominees of U of T’s major awards – men’s and women’s rookies of the year, Dr. Clara Benson honour award, George M. Biggs trophy, as well as the men’s and women’s Frank Pindar and T-Holders’ athletes of the year – to be announced at the Varsity Blues Awards Gala on Saturday, April 6.

The following Varsity Blues athletes were nominated by their coaches and chosen through the awards selection process as finalists for the women’s rookie of the year award, presented to an athlete in her first year of competition, who exhibits the highest degree of athletic excellence (in alphabetical order):
 
Jackie Dent – Badminton
In her first season with the Varsity Blues, Jackie Dent helped the U of T badminton team in winning the OUA championship and earning a team silver medal at the Canadian university/college championship. Along with the team success, she was named the OUA rookie of the year. Additionally, at the national championships, she claimed gold in women’s doubles, as well as silver in mixed doubles and women’s singles.
 
Anastasiya Dyadchenko – Tennis
Emerging as a key player on the Blues tennis team, Anastasiya Dyadchenko helped U of T to an impressive 6-1 regular season record en route to gold at the 2023 OUA championships. Dyadchecnko received multiple accolades, including both OUA player of the year and OUA rookie of the year. She also earned recognition as an OUA all-star, serving as the Blues No. 1 singles and doubles player throughout the season. At the OUA championship, she displayed her skill with a perfect 3-0 record in doubles matches and a commendable 2-1 record in singles matches, further solidifying her impact on her team’s success.
 
Dahlia Rostom – Rowing
Stepping into a key role in her first season with the Varsity Blues rowing team, Dahlia Rostom was a significant part of the women’s eight crew’s success in 2023. During the invitational season in the fall, she and her women’s eight teammates went undefeated, placing first at the Guelph Invitational, Head of the Trent, and Brock Invitational. Then, she was a part of the silver-medal crew at the OUA championship, and a fifth-place finish at the Canadian University Rowing Championship (CURC). Additionally, Rostom stepped up to row women’s single at the national showcase event, placing ninth.
 
Katie Schroeder – Swimming
Specializing in backstroke, Katie Schroeder dived right in with the Varsity Blues swimming team, contributing to the teams outstanding success, winning both the OUA and U SPORTS championship titles. Individually, Schroeder earned a number of accolades, including U SPORTS first team all-Canadian and OUA first team all-star honours, while also being named OUA rookie of the year. She demonstrated her talent by securing gold in the 400m medley relay at the U SPORTS championship, along with silver in the 100m backstroke and bronze in the 200m backstroke. Her individual achievements also extended to the OUA championships, where she clinched gold medals in the 200m medley relay, 100m backstroke, and 200m backstroke, and a silver medal in the 50m backstroke.
 
Mia Sung – Golf
In her first season with the Varsity Blues golf team, Mia Sung helped the U of T women secure the OUA silver medal. She was named an OUA second team all-star after finishing seventh individually at the OUA championships. Additionally this fall, Sung secured notable victories, finishing first at the Waterloo Invitational and second at the Western Invitational. Her consistency throughout the fall invitational season was evident with a scoring average of 76.67, achieving a low score of 74 twice and a high of 80. Her success earned her a spot at the 2024 Canadian University/College Championships this coming May.
 
Delaney Watson – Volleyball
Delivering as a defensive specialist, Varsity Blues women’s volleyball libero Delaney Watson helped her team to an OUA quarter-final appearance after finishing the regular season with a 13-7 record overall. Watson’s individual achievements were remarkable as she was named a member of the U SPORTS all-rookie team, an OUA second team all-star, and a member of the OUA all-rookie team. Standout statistics from her debut season included 350 digs and an average of 4.73 digs per set in 20 matches and 74 sets played, ranking her first in the OUA and third in U SPORTS for total digs. Notably, her 4.73 digs per set also placed her first in OUA and second in U SPORTS. Additionally, she represented Team Canada at the U19 World Championships in August, 2023.