MAJOR AWARD NOMINEES: WOMEN’S T-HOLDERS’ ATHLETE 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 men’s T-Holders’ athlete of the year, presented annually to the athlete who has exhibited the highest degree of athletic excellence (in alphabetical order):

Rebecca Carvalho – Field Hockey
Rebecca Carvalho, a central midfielder on the Varsity Blues field hockey team, helped her squad in earning silver at the U SPORTS Championship and clinching the OUA championship title after a strong regular season record of 8-2 (2nd East division). Carvalho’s individual achievements are equally remarkable, earning her recognition as a U SPORTS All-Canadian. She notably was named the player of the game in Game 1 of the U SPORTS championship and contributed crucial shootout goals during both the U SPORTS Championship and OUA semifinals and final. Additionally, Carvalho was honored as an OUA all-star for her outstanding contributions, scoring four goals during the regular season.

Hannah Chown – Soccer
A standout defender on the Blues women’s soccer team, Hannah Chown helped her team reach the OUA quarter-finals after finishing the regular season with a record of 6-4-2 (5th East division). With an ability to shutdown opponent attacks, while contributing offensively from the spot or free kicks, Chown’s exceptional individual performance earned her recognition as an OUA second-team all-star. She led her team while ranking ninth in the OUA with eight goals scored in 12 regular season matches, showcasing her skill and impact all over the pitch.

Nina Mollin – Swimming
An accomplished swimmer in multiple disciplines, Nina Mollin’s individual and team success speaks volumes. With crucial team points scored from multiple medals won by Mollin, the Blues women’s swimming team secured both the U SPORTS and OUA championships. Individually, Mollin earned recognition as a U SPORTS first-team All-Canadian, claiming national gold in the 100m fly, 200m fly, 200m IM, and the 400m medley relay, while also securing bronze in the 400m IM. Additionally, she was awarded the OUA Dr. Jeno Tihanyi Individual Medley Excellence Award and named an OUA first-team all-star, with OUA gold medal finishes in the 100m fly, 200m fly, 200m IM, 400m IM, and the 400m medley relay, showcasing her remarkable talent and versatility in the pool.

Julia Murmann – Volleyball
Providing the Blues women’s volleyball team with both an offensive and defensive force from her outside hitter position, Julia Murman helped her team reach the OUA quarter-final round after a 13-7 regular season, which saw them finish fifth in the OUA standings. She earned recognition as a U SPORTS second-team All-Canadian and was named an OUA first-team all-star. Murmann led her team and ranked second in the OUA for total points (304.5), points per set (4.3), total kills (275), and kills per set (3.87). Additionally, she excelled defensively, ranking in the Top 5 in the OUA for both total digs (245) and digs per set (3.45). Demonstrating her consistency, Murmann recorded 20 or more points in six matches, while registering 20 or more digs in five matches, highlighting her impact on the court.

Phoebe Price-Roberts – Track & Field
Specializing in throws for the Varsity Blues track and field team, Phoebe Price-Roberts achieved notable individual success, while helping her team to a fourth-place finish at the OUA Championships and seventh place result at the U SPORTS Championships. She earned recognition as a U SPORTS first-team All-Canadian, securing gold in the weight throw event at the U SPORTS national championships. Her exceptional performance at the national event saw her set a new University of Toronto record in the weight throw, reaching an impressive distance of 17.98 meters. Additionally, Price-Roberts was named an OUA first-team all-star and clinched gold in the weight throw at the OUA championships., to round out her first-place efforts at both the provincial and national levels.

Taylor Trussler – Hockey
Taylor Trussler, a playmaking forward with the women’s hockey team, led the Blues in securing silver medals in both the U SPORTS and OUA championships, with her team also finishing second in the OUA regular season with a record of 19-9. Trussler’s individual achievements are commendable, earning her recognition as an OUA second-team all-star. This season she led her team in goals (10), assists (13), and points (23), while also co-leading the OUA in game-winning goals (5). Trussler’s consistent performance included multiple points in six games, with a standout performance of four points (1 goal, 3 assists) against Laurier on Jan. 6, showcasing her impact on the ice.