Every season, Huskie Athletics celebrates the athletic achievements of student-athletes at the annual Huskie Salute. At the celebration, the Huskie Athletics Major Awards are handed to student-athletes for their achievements.

The following is a list of past recipients of the awards: Huskie Athletics Major Award Winners - Master List

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.

* Prior to 1989, this award was only given to an outstanding male athlete of a team sport.

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.

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.

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.

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.

* Until 1988, the Howard Nixon Trophy was given to the Most Outstanding Male Tournament Athlete

Patricia 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.

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.

2024-25 Winners

	E. Kent Phillips Trophy - Roddy Ross, Hockey
	Marking the culmination of an exceptional year between the pipes, Roddy Ross takes home the E. Kent Phillips Trophy as the most outstanding male athlete during the 2024-25 season. Leading his team to the 12th conference championship in program history, the Meadow Lake product was named the Canada West Goaltender of the Year, a First Team All-Star, and Second Team All-Canadian after leading the conference with a 1.99 goals against average and .928 save percentage. His remarkable consistency was on full display in the postseason, highlighted by a 30-save shutout in game 3 of the Canada West Final which propelled the Dogs to claim the conference banner. Ross also dazzled on the national stage, posting a 1.00 GAA and .932 Save percentage in three University Cup starts and helping the Huskies to U SPORTS Bronze with his efforts. His stellar play throughout the season and in crucial moments has etched his name into Huskie history, becoming the latest name in a long line of Huskie men's hockey excellence.
	Mary Ethel Cartwright Trophy - Gage Grassick, Basketball
	Gage Grassick cements her place in the Huskie history books with one more accolade for her remarkable season, the Mary Ethel Cartwright Trophy as the most outstanding female athlete of the year. The fourth guard from Prince Albert put together a season for the ages, rewriting the Huskie record books while leading her team to Canada West and U SPORTS glory. Grassick became the third USask student-athlete to be named the Nan Copp Trophy recipient as the nation's best player in addition to taking home the Canada West Player of the Year Award, and both All-Star and All-Canadian selections. Her regular season was nothing short of extraordinary, with the fourth-year pharmacy student setting program records for single-season assists and triple-doubles, while leading the nation in 3-point field goals made and 3-point percentage. Grassick also showcased her ability to rise to the occasion, averaging 20.7 points per game in the U SPORTS Final 8 and earning Tournament MVP honours with a 35-point performance in the Championship Game. Her exceptional leadership and on-court brilliance helped propel the Huskies to a Canada West title and a U SPORTS championship, solidifying her legacy as one of the top players in program history.
	Rusty MacDonald Cup - Jake Neufeld, Track & Field
	Exemplifying what it means to be a well-rounded student-athlete, Jake Neufeld takes home the Rusty MacDonald Cup for his achievements in athletics, academics, and community service. As a combined events athlete, Neufeld has earned two First Team All-Star selections and owns the U SPORTS Record for Heptathlon Pole Vault with an impressive 4.73m set at the 2025 national championships. He ranks third in program history for the heptathlon with 5,192 points and 8th in pole vault with a career best of 4.80m. The local Saskatoon product's athletic prowess is matched by his dedication in the classroom, having earned Academic All-Canadian honours four times throughout his career. He is also a leader in the community, having been recognized twice by Canada West and once by U SPORTS as the Community Service Award winner. His efforts volunteering and giving back include work with the Saskatoon Track & Field Club, the International University Sports Federation, and the North American Indigenous Games Trials, among several others.
	Valerie Girsberger Trophy - Kaitlyn Harrison, Cross Country/Track & Field
	Kaitlyn Harrison's career at the University of Saskatchewan is a testament to excellence both on and off the field, earning her the prestigious Valerie Girsberger Trophy. As a member of the Huskie cross country team, Harrison ends her career as the most decorated women's athlete in program history having captured a Canada West Individual Bronze Medal, four team bronze medals, five First Team All-Star selections, and three All-Canadian honours, alongside being named Team MVP on five occasions. On the track, she is equally impressive as a five-time team Canada West Champion and three-time U SPORTS Medalist. As a distance runner she is a six-time All-Star and three-time All-Canadian in addition to being a part of the 4x800m record-setting relay team. Outside of athletics, the Craven, Saskatchewan, product is a four time Academic All-Canadian and dedicated volunteer having dedicated time to several youth cross country and track events, the Montreal Lake Cree Nation Outreach Clinic, Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Group, Walter Murray Collegiate Garden Program, and Public Pasture Interest Board of Directors.
	Howard Nixon Trophy - Trevor Wong, Hockey
	After joining the Huskie men's hockey team from the Saskatoon Blades, Trevor Wong takes home the Howard Nixon Trophy as the most outstanding male rookie following an impressive freshman campaign. The first year forward from Vancouver, BC, was instrumental in helping the Huskies capture both a Canada West Championship and University Cup bronze Medal this season. A vital contributor to the Huskies' high-powered offence in 2024-25, Wong was a key member of the nation's top powerplay unit. In 28 games, he totaled 21 points with 2 goals and 19 assists, including a streak of 14 points in 12 games to close out the regular season. A clutch player who routinely showcased his skill and composure under pressure, Wong helped push the Huskies through to the conference finals with a game-winning goal in game 3 of the Canada West semifinals. His standout freshman season sets up a bright future in the Huskie men's hockey program.
	Patricia Lawson Trophy - Gabrielle Flaman, Volleyball
	Gabrielle Flaman is the 2025 recipient of the Pat Lawson Trophy as the most outstanding female rookie following a sensational first season with the Huskie women's volleyball team. Making an immediate impact in her debut year, the local Saskatoon product received both conference and national All-Rookie honours after starting all 20 matches for the Dogs in the regular season. Flaman's defensive prowess was evident throughout the season as she finished 7th in Canada West with 210 digs, solidifying her role as one of the top defenders in the conference despite being the only rookie libero. She was also the best team passer statistically, showcasing her versatility and consistency from the back row as she helped the Huskies to a Canada West Final Four and U SPORTS Championship appearance. Flaman's sensational rookie campaign sets her up to be a key piece of the program in future seasons.
	Colb McEwon Trophy - Lisa Thomaidis, Basketball
	In her 26th season, Lisa Thomaidis once again demonstrated her remarkable leadership and coaching excellence, and as a result takes home the Colb McEown trophy for the second consecutive season and seventh time in her career. Under her guidance the Huskies captured the 10th Canada West Championship and third U SPORTS Championship in program history, adding to her legacy as once of the most accomplished coaches in Canadian University sport. Thomaidis also made history by becoming the winningest head coach in Canada West Women's Basketball History, surpassing former UBC head coach Deb Huband with her 345th regular season win, a milestone that now stands at 349. In a season full of outstanding achievements, her Huskies matched the program's best overall record of 30-2 while earning an 18-2 regular season record. Boasting the nation's most prolific offence and relentless defence, the Huskies entered the U SPORTS Final 8 as the No. 1 seed for the 4th time during Thomaidis' tenure. A trio of convincing victories followed on the national stage, resulting in Thomaidis' 25th Final 8 victory and the 10th medal finish under her tutelage. Thomaidis also made waves on the international stage, guiding Germany's women's basketball national program to a 7th-place finish in their first every Olympic berth at the 2024 Paris Games.

University of Saskatchewan Athletics

HUSKIE ATHLETICS MAJOR AWARDS