The 2018-19 season for the UNBC Timberwolves was nothing short of incredible with multiple team achievements, individual records and passion displayed by all athletes with the most successful season in school history.
On Friday night (April 5), athletes, coaches and sports administration were all recognized for their efforts during the season.
UNBC women's basketball star Vasiliki Louka made history in multiple categories including Canada West double-doubles, joining an elite group of four players to ever achieve the feat.
The women's squad also made the top 10 rankings in the country during the season which was a first for the school.
The team also earned their first ever Canada West playoff victory against Trinity Western in the first round before falling to the Calgary Dinos in the next round.
UNBC's women's soccer team also appeared in the playoffs for the second straight year and also won the first Canada West playoff game in program history over the Manitoba Bisons in penalty kicks.
Paige Payne was named to the Canada West 2018 All-Star Team, the first women in program history to be named to the all-star squad.
For the men, the men's soccer team missed the playoffs by a slim, slim margin but multiple players set school records.
Francesco Bartolillo was recognized for his off-field contributions.
Although his on-field numbers are impressive, his off-pitch contributions and achievements are an example of leadership and giving. This combo has earned the Calgary native the U SPORTS Student-Athlete Community Service Award, the first in UNBC soccer history.
Defender Gordon Hall also recognized the Timberwolves on the national stage, earning his third Canada West-All Star honour, becoming the first UNBC men's soccer player to be named an all-star three times.
As for basketball, the men made the playoffs for the second consecutive year with Jovan Leamy leading the squad to the postseason birth. He was also named to the Canada West third All-Star Team for the 2018-19 season.
The team would fall short in the first time against the UFV Cascades but left everything on the court.
Here are the winners from the awards Friday night (April 5):
Men’s Soccer:
- Golden Boot – Francesco Bartolillo
- Defensive Player - Gordon Hall
- Coach’s Award – Francesco Bartolillo
- Most Valuable Player – Gordon Hall
Men's Basketball:
- Rookie of the Year Award - Chris Ross and Spencer Ledoux
- Zane Robison Award - Vova Pluzhnikov
- Best Defensive Player Award - Austin Chandler
- Most Outstanding Player Award - Jovan Leamy
- Most Inspirational Player Award - Vaggelis Loukas and James Agyeman
- Practice Wins Leader - Vaggelis Loukas
Women's Basketball:
- Best Defensive Player – Maria Mongomo
- Most Improved Player – Madison Landry
- Rookie of the Year - Lucy Guan and Cevanna Carlson
- Cevanna Carlson Leadership Award – Abby Gibb
- Most Valuable Player – Vasiliki Louka
Women's Soccer:
- Offensive Player of the Year – Paige Payne
- Defensive Player of the Year – Mara McCleary
- Green & Gold Award – Robyn Zinkan
- Most Valuable Player – Madison Emmond & Paige Payne
Gordon Hall won Male Athlete of the Year for the second year in a row. Vasiliki Louka was named Female Athlete of the Year for the third consecutive year.
