SASKATOON, Sask. - The University of Saskatchewan (USask) Huskies are proud to announce the nominees for the 2026 Major 7 Awards which will be handed out at the latest edition of Huskie Salute presented by Wireless Age, on Wednesday, April 1 at TCU Place.
The Huskie Major 7 Awards are presented to those athletes and coaches who have had outstanding seasons for the green & white throughout the 2025-26 campaign. They also recognize the accomplishments and contributions made both in the classroom and community over the course of a student-athletes career with the Huskies. The USask Huskies will also recognize and honour Canada West Major Award Winners and All-Stars, U SPORTS Major Award Winners and All-Canadians, and graduating student-athletes.
And the nominees are...
Mary Ethel Cartwright Trophy, presented to the Female Athlete of the Year
The Mary Cartwright trophy is dedicated to the founder of the School of Physical Education at the University of Saskatchewan. Mary Cartwright was instrumental in the establishment of the women's recreation board on campus - today known as Campus Recreation.
From Huskie Women's Basketball,
Gage Grassick. Recognized as the Canada West Player of the Year and a First Team All-Canadian, Gage put together another phenomenal campaign in 2025-26, finishing the season top-10 in several statistical categories. Helping her team to a perfect regular season and second consecutive national title, she was also named a U SPORTS Final 8 tournament all-star, highlighting her impact at every level of competition.
From Huskie Women's Volleyball,
Taryn Hannah. Earning Canada West All-Star status for the second consecutive season, Taryn ranked among the conference's elite outside hitters, finishing 9
th in kills per set, 11
th in points per set, and top-10 in both solo blocks and total attacks. Her impressive play helped lead her team to a 12-8 record, and sixth-place in the Canada West standings.
From Huskie Track & Field,
Nicole Ostertag. A standout 60m hurdles specialist, Nicole captured her second career Canada West gold medal in record-setting fashion at the conference championships before going on to secure National gold at the U SPORTS championships while breaking her own program record. Her exceptional season earned her a first team all-Canadian nod and played a key role in the Huskies securing an eighth straight conference title and national silver medal.
From Huskie Wrestling,
Myah Phillips. Dominant throughout the regular season, Myah won all but one conference event before putting on a near perfect performance at the Canada West Championships to capture her fourth gold medal. She then capped off another outstanding season with a silver medal at Nationals, earning All-Canadian honours for a third consecutive season.
E. Kent Phillips Trophy, presented to the Male Athlete of the Year
The E. Kent Phillips trophy is named in honour of Kent Phillips who was both an athlete and coach at the University of Saskatchewan. Phillips excelled in both rugby and hockey. As a coach, he led the Huskies to four consecutive rugby titles in the 1930s.
From Huskie Football,
Seth Hundeby. Helping to lead the Huskies to the program's 22
nd Hardy Cup title and a National Championship appearance, Seth put together a fantastic 2025 season as the leader of one of the nation's top defensive units. Leading Canda West in several key statistical categories he was named the top defensive player in the nation, becoming just the fourth Huskie to take home U SPORTS' President's Trophy.
From Huskie Men's Hockey,
Landon Kosior. A driving force behind the Huskies' Canada West Championship season, Landon earned both All-Star honours and the first All-Canadian selection of his career after posting 29 points and ranking second among all conference defencemen with 1.04 points per game. Elevating his game further in the postseason, he led all blueliners with eight playoff points as he helped the Dogs on an undefeated run to the conference title.
From Huskie Men's Volleyball,
Emmett Graham. A First Team All-Star and back-to-back Second Team All-Canadian, Emmett was one of the most productive outside hitters in the nation, ranking second in kills per set and fifth in points per set. Delivering when it mattered most, he tallied 50 playoff points and helped lead men's volleyball to an opening round victory cementing himself as one of the conference's premier talents.
From Huskie Wrestling,
Donovan Neudorf. A force on the mats all season, Donovan won two of three regular season events before dominating the Canada West Championships with a perfect 10-0 match to secure conference gold. He would add a U SPORTS Silver medal after going 4-1 at the national championships and was also recognized for his leadership outside of competition as the Student Athlete Community Service Winner at both the conference and national level.
Pat Lawson Trophy, presented to the Female Rookie of the Year
Patricia Lawson is considered as one of the greatest female athletes to ever don a Huskie uniform. She competed with track & field, swimming, basketball and tennis. She also held the post of Women's Athletic Director and the coach of the women's basketball team for eight seasons.
From Huskie Women's Hockey,
Peppi Virtanen. An impact player in her freshman season, Peppi recorded six goals and five assists to finish third in team scoring and among the top first-year scorers in Canada West. A clutch performer from her first appearance, the Canada West All-Rookie recorded two overtime game-winners which included one in her U SPORTS debut, cementing her impact in a breakout season.
From Huskie Women's Soccer,
Isabelle Lachance. Providing an immediate offensive spark her debut campaign, Isabelle led the Huskies with four goals an assist while finishing eighth in conference scoring. Logging heavy minutes with starts in 10 of 14 matches, she was named to both the Canada West and U SPORTS All-Rookie teams, establishing herself as one of the nation's most exciting new talents.
From Huskie Track & Field,
Hailee Woodhouse. In a record-breaking debut season, Hailee put together a remarkable campaign to help the Huskies to yet another conference title and national silver medal finish. Setting individual records in the 300m she was also a member of a historic 4x200m relay team, leading to her being recognized as the top rookie in both Canada West and U SPORTS.
Howard Nixon Trophy, presented to the Male Rookie of the Year
Howard Nixon was a longtime faculty member in the College of Physical Education. He was the coach of both the Huskie football and wrestling programs, before being named the first Dean of the College of Physical Education.
From Huskie Men's Hockey,
Conner Roulette. Recognized by both Canada West and U SPORTS as the top freshman in the nation, Conner burst onto the scene in green & white, helping the men's hockey team to their 13
th conference title and U Cup appearance. Recording the most points among rookies with 35, he played a key role in the regular season before leading the Huskies with seven goals and 14 points in the postseason.
From Huskie Men's Soccer,
Tao Hein. An immediate impact player on the pitch, Tao earned Canada West All-Rookie honours after scoring four goals and adding an assist to finish tied for the team lead in scoring. Starting all 13 matches played, he proved to be a reliable and dynamic presence in the lineup throughout his debut season.
From Huskie Track & Field,
Niklos Irwin. A rising middle-distance talent, Niklos earned a top-five national ranking in the 600m before finishing just off the podium in fourth at the Canada West Championships. Also contributing to relay success, he was a member of the bronze medal-winning 4x800m team at the conference championships, highlighting an exciting rookie campaign.
From Huskie Wrestling,
Yuel Kebrom. A dominant first year competitor, Yuel was named the Canada West Rookie of the Year after reaching the podium in two of three regular season events and capturing conference gold without surrendering a single point at the Canada West Championships. On the national stage, he added U SPORTS bronze, capping off an impressive season which saw him help the Huskies to a conference title and third-place finish nationally.
Valerie Girsberger Trophy, presented to the All-Round Female Athlete
Valerie Girsberger was an accomplished student - graduating with a Bachelor's in both Science and Physical Education. She added a Masters in Physical Education. She was a member of the basketball and field hockey teams. Just six weeks after starting a teaching job at the University of Manitoba, she was killed in a car accident. The award is given to an upper year female student-athlete who during her entire career best combines the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, academic ability and athletic prowess.
From Huskie Women's Basketball,
Gage Grassick. Producing one of the most impressive careers her program has seen, Gage was recognized at each level during her time in green & white, taking home every accolade available to a Canada West and U SPORTS student-athlete. Named the top female university athlete in 2024-25, she is a multiple time major award winner and all-Canadian, a two-time academic all-Canadian, and a program record holder who closes out her career among the program's most productive student-athletes ever.
From Huskie Women's Soccer,
Anna Oliver. A team captain who has provided a steady backend presence over the course of her career, Anna closes out her time as a Huskie as a Canada West All-Star, two-time team MVP, and the program record holder for minutes played. Her impact has also extended beyond the pitch, where she is a five-time academic all-Canadian and in 2024 became the first U SPORTS major award winner in program history as the national community service award recipient.
From Huskie Track & Field,
Olamide Olaloku. One of the most accomplished jumpers the program has seen, Olamide is a three-time Canada West First Team All-Star, five-time conference champion, and the Canada West record holder in the triple jump. The 2026 U SPORTS triple jump champion and first team All-Canadian also broke the program record as a rookie before going on to improve upon it seven times and cemented herself as the provinces greatest triple jumper after breaking the 31-year-old Saskatchewan record.
From Huskie Wrestling
Caitlin Clatney. A consistent force on the mats for the last five seasons, Caitlin closes out her green & white career as a three-time conference medalist and two-time national medalist which includes a 2024 silver medal and All-Canadian recognition. She has also excelled off the mats, where she is a four-time academic all-Canadian in nursing and in 2025 was named both the Canada West and U SPORTS Community Service Award winner.
Rusty MacDonald Cup, presented to the All-Round Male Athlete
The Rusty MacDonald Cup has been given given to male athletes since 1939. Rusty MacDonald played on the Huskie football team as a centre and middle linebacker. He was also a champion diver and involved in student government. The Cup is awarded to an upper year male student-athlete who during his entire career as a Huskie exhibited the highest qualities of sportmanship and citizenship
From Huskie Cross Country,
Alexander Webster. A consistent performer for the Huskie cross country team, Alexander's competitive resume includes a 2024 Second Team All-Star nod—which helped the team to its best Canada West finish in 22 years—a 2025 first team all-star finish, and two recognitions as the team MVP. This season, he was also honoured at both the conference and national levels with the Student-Athlete Community Service Award and is a three-time academic all-Canadian, demonstrating excellence in all areas of being a student-athlete.
From Huskie Football,
Ryker Frank. Ryker closes out an exceptional career as one of the most productive players in Huskie Football history. Ranking among the all-time great running backs he has played a key role in the team's success over the past five seasons in addition to be recognized as a conference and national community service winner and a four-time academic all-Canadian in engineering off the field.
From Huskie Men's Hockey,
Dawson Holt. A mainstay of the Huskie lineup since joining the program, Dawson has become a two-time Canada West Champion and All-Star, U Cup All-Star, and U SPORTS Bronze medalist over the course of his 117-game career. Totalling 11 points on the ice, he is also a five-time academic all-Canadian and Canada West Community Service award recipient, exemplifying excellence on and off the ice.
From Huskie Wrestling,
Donovan Neudorf. One of the most accomplished athletes to come through the program, Donovan closes out his career as a five-time Canada West medalist and two-time champion and, just this season, secured his first U SPORTS medal and All-Canadian recognition. A former team rookie of the year, he is also a two-time winner of both the Canada West and U SPORTS Community Service awards and a four-time academic all-Canadian.
Colb McEown Trophy, presented to the Coach of the Year
Colb McEown was a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, who began with athletics on campus as the 1932 men's basketball coach. While in the position, he led the Huskies to eight straight Western Intercollegiate Championships. He was also the driving force behind the building of the on-campus curling rink and in the establishment of the Saskatoon Hilltops football club.
From Huskie Women's Basketball,
Lisa Thomaidis. Leading her team to a remarkable second consecutive U SPORTS National Championship, Thomaidis' Huskies were nearly unbeatable in 2025-26. Prior to taking home the bronze baby, Thomaidis led the Dogs to a perfect regular season and was recognized by both Canada West and U SPORTS as the top bench boss in the nation.
From Huskie Football,
Scott Flory. Guiding his team to a 7-1 record and first place in Canada West, Flory led the Huskies to both conference and national success in 2025 in the form of the program's 22
nd conference title and 12
th national semifinal win. Also named the 2025 Canada West Coach of the Year, the Hardy Cup and Bowl wins each served as the third during his tenure as head coach.
From Huskie Track & Field,
Jason Reindl. Under Reindl's direction, the program secured a record eighth consecutive Canada West women's championship and a national silver medal, backed by an impressive 22 conference medalists, and six national medalists. Awarded the Canada West Coach of the Year award for the ninth time during his tenure, the season was also highlighted by several program, conference, and national record-setting performances.
From Huskie Wrestling,
Daniel Olver. Leading the men's wrestling team to their first title since 2019-20 and a U SPORTS Bronze medal, Olver was named the conference coach of the year for the fifth time of his career. His roster featured an impressive 19 Canada West medalists and six national medalists, marking one of the most successful years the program has seen.
Dr. Walter Hader Award, presented to the Student Trainer of the Year
From Huskie Women's Basketball,
Ava Radics. Devoting two seasons to the Women's Basketball team, Ava has made a remarkable impact through her intelligence, thoughtful consideration of others, and exceptional work ethic. Her calm demeanor under pressure has consistently provided a steady, guiding presence for the team.
From Huskie Women's Hockey,
Tia Miller. Committing two seasons to the Women's Hockey team, Tia has earned recognition for her leadership, dedication, and genuine trustworthy nature. Her passion for the game and unwavering commitment to the team have inspired all those around her.
From Huskie Cross Country/Track & Field,
Jared Wassill. Dedicating two seasons to the Track and Field and Cross Country teams, Jared has distinguished himself through unwavering commitment and loyalty to his teammates, his peers, and his own personal development. His reliability and consistent initiative have made him an invaluable asset in both training and competitive environments.
