Dual-Sport Standout and Record-Setting Soccer Player Named Trent University Athletes of the Year

Women’s lacrosse and volleyball standout Natalie Fournier and men’s soccer student athlete John Moncada have been named Trent University’s 2025 to 2026 Female and Male Athletes of the Year, with other student athletes also receiving recognitions at the 57th Annual Trent Athletics Awards Banquet.

(from left to right): Nathan McFadden, Natalie Fournier and John Moncada. phioto courtesy of trent university.

“The Athlete of the Year award recognizes Excalibur student athletes who have made an exceptional impact on their teams through performance, leadership and consistency throughout the season,” said Nathan McFadden, director of Athletics and Recreation. “Natalie and John are outstanding examples of what it means to compete and excel at the highest level, while representing Trent with passion and pride. Natalie's ability to shine in two sports while setting program records speaks to her work ethic, competitiveness and commitment, and John’s first season with the men’s soccer program was nothing short of remarkable in helping lead them to their best season ever. Both student-athletes have left a lasting impact on their teams and on Trent Athletics.” 

Natalie Fournier (from Georgetown, ON) is a dominant dual-sport athlete, competing with women’s volleyball and lacrosse. On the court, she recorded 126 kills, 95 digs, 17 aces and 151 points this season, finishing her career as the program’s all-time leader in both kills (542) and points (646). On the field, Fournier (Gzowski College) continued to excel as a midfielder, helping lead the Excalibur to OUA women’s lacrosse gold while earning OUA All-Star honours. She recorded 31 goals and 9 assists for 40 points in just 11 games, averaging 3.64 points per game. 

John Moncada (from Scarborough, ON), a first-year Business Administration student (Lady Eaton College) with the men’s soccer team, delivered a remarkable first season with the Excalibur. He led both the OUA and U SPORTS in goals with 14, while also tying for the national lead in points with 15. His performance earned him OUA East MVP and U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian honours, while his 14 goals set a new record for the most goals in a single season in Excalibur men’s soccer history. His scoring prowess helped lead the men’s soccer team to their best season in program history. 

The Athletics Awards Banquet brought together student athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, family members and supporters to celebrate a year defined by perseverance, competitive success and strong academic performance.  

“Our student-athletes continue to raise the bar in every sense,” said McFadden. “They compete with integrity, support one another as teammates and represent Trent with pride in the classroom and in the community. The Excalibur spirit is about more than wins and losses. It’s about resilience, leadership, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Tonight was an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable individuals who embody those values every day.” 

In addition to Athlete of the Year, awards were presented across all varsity programs, highlighting individual excellence, leadership and contributions to team culture, culminating in the presentation of the prestigious Arthur Cup to one graduating female and one graduating male student athlete. 

The Arthur Cup recognizes one male and one female athlete who have made exceptional contributions to varsity athletics through ability, sportsmanship, participation, and leadership during their time at Trent. The 2025 to 2026 recipients are Kieran Gerow and Aly Saydam. 

Kieran Gerow (from Brighton, ON) has been a defining leader for the Trent Excalibur women’s lacrosse program throughout her entire career with the Excalibur. A consistent presence and role model for her teammates, Gerow (Traill College) has helped shape the culture of the program through her leadership, commitment and sportsmanship. On the field, she established herself as one of the top goalies in the OUA, earning Excalibur Female Athlete of the Year and OUA Most Valuable Defensive Player honours in 2023 to 2024, followed by Team MVP recognition the next season. This season, Gerow helped lead the Excalibur to an OUA Championship and was named OUA Goalie of the Year. Beyond competition, Gerow is involved in the local sport and volunteer community. She coaches youth lacrosse with Lady Blue Knights Lacrosse across multiple age groups, contributes to Team Ontario as a lacrosse evaluator and regularly supports local sport through roles such as umpiring in a slow-pitch league and scorekeeping hockey games. She also volunteers with several community initiatives, including the Peterborough Petes Teddy Bear Toss in support of the Salvation Army, Porch Pirate and Polar Plunge fundraisers for Kawartha Food Share, and other local outreach efforts. Her dedication to both sport and service has made a meaningful impact on the Excalibur community and the broader Peterborough region.

A cornerstone of the Trent Excalibur men’s volleyball program, Aly Saydam (from Ottawa, ON) leaves behind a legacy defined not only by record-breaking performance, but by leadership, commitment, and community involvement. Saydam (Gzowski College) served as a key member of the team’s leadership group throughout his career, mentoring younger athletes and setting the standard through his work ethic in both the classroom and the gym. Off the court, he played an active role in the broader Trent community through the 1EX Leadership Council, the Kinesiology Society, and Campus Recreation, while helping grow the popularity of Trent volleyball through his positive presence and engagement with fans. On the court, the fourth year setter led the Excalibur through one of the most successful periods in program history, helping the team achieve its best record and start ever, while becoming Trent’s all-time leader in assists and digs and surpassing 1,000 career assists. A three-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian, Saydam exemplifies the balance of excellence in athletics, academics and leadership that defines the Arthur Cup. 

The recipients of the 2025 to 2026 Rookie of the Year award are Kymora Chung (women’s soccer) and William Jewell (men’s curling). 

Chung (from Markham, ON), an Honours Science student in the Trent Education Stream, made an immediate impact as goalie for the Excalibur women’s soccer team during her first season. Appearing in 10 games with nine starts, Chung (Gzowski College) posted a .759 save percentage ranking ninth in the OUA and recorded 54 saves, the third-highest total in the league. Her fearlessness, composure, and consistency quickly established her as a key part of the team’s defence. 

Jewell (from Acton, ON) stepped into the role of skip for the Trent men’s curling team in his rookie season and quickly proved himself among the province’s best. One of only two rookie skips at the 16-team OUA Championship, Jewell’s calm leadership and confident shot-making stood out throughout the competition, earning the Conservation Biology student Male OUA Rookie of the Year honours. 

The Gary Wolff Leadership award was presented to Isabelle Pellerine (women’s volleyball) and Aidan Hartley (rowing), in recognition of their courage, determination, and leadership in sport. 

A true leader throughout her five-year career with women’s volleyball, Pellerine (from Halifax, NS) a Kinesiology student, is the program’s all-time assists leader, served as team captain for four seasons and played a central role in shaping the culture of the program. Known for her competitiveness, fearless play and leading by example, she helped establish high standards of accountability and commitment while mentoring younger student-athletes and welcoming recruits to the team. Beyond competition, Pellerine (Gzowski College) is deeply involved in the volleyball community. She contributes to recruiting camps, works closely with Peterborough Thunder through clinics and training sessions, and helps organize events such as the team’s annual high school tournament and community initiatives like food drives and fundraisers. Through her leadership on and off the court, she has made a lasting impact on both the program and the broader volleyball community. 

Hartley (from Ajax, ON) has been a key component of the Trent University Rowing Club throughout his five years with the program. A varsity student-athlete for four seasons, he served on the club’s executive team before stepping into the role of president, where he led the strategic, operational, and financial management of the student-run organization while representing athletes within the broader university community. Hartley has played a key role in organizing major events, such as Head of the Trent and the Rowing Alumni Social, while also spearheading fundraising initiatives, including ‘Movember’ campaigns and rowing marathons. Known for his positivity, dedication and ability to bring people together, Hartley (Traill College) has been a unifying presence within the team, helping guide more than 50 athletes while maintaining strong academic standing in his Psychology program. 

The Community Betterment award is given to individuals who have given back to their community whilst also achieving success in sport and academics. The 2025-26 recipients of the Community Betterment Award are Megan Tapanja (women’s fencing) and Dylan Billes (rowing). 

Tapanja (from Hamilton, ON) is a dedicated leader within both the fencing and Trent campus communities. She has served as Women’s Sabre Captain since 2023 while also taking on leadership roles with the Biology Undergraduate Society and the Biology Department Communications Committee. Beyond Trent, she volunteers with local initiatives such as the North Star Industries Kids Triathlon and the YWCA Peterborough Haliburton’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event. Through community outreach initiatives with Trent Fencing and her work as a French tutor, Tapanja (Gzowski College) consistently uses her skills to support and connect with others. 

Billes (from Barrie, ON) has been a key leader within the Trent University Rowing Club throughout his varsity career. Serving as the club’s treasurer for the past three years, he played a pivotal role in strengthening the team’s financial position and supporting equipment upgrades that benefit future student-athletes. The fifth-year Business Administration student-athlete (Gzowski College) has also volunteered extensively within the rowing community, coaching high school athletes, helping run a para-rowing program with the Peterborough Rowing Club and supporting major events such as Head of the Trent. His commitment to both sport and community has had a lasting impact on rowing at Trent and in Peterborough. 

Visit trentexcalibur.ca for the complete list of award recipients. 

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Trent Athletics and Under Armour Engage In New Multi-Year Partnership

Trent University Athletics & Recreation has entered into a multi-year partnership with sports brand Under Armour, with the latter becoming the official exclusive supplier of apparel for the Trent Excalibur varsity teams.

Isabelle Pellerine, Fourth-Year Kinesiology Trent Student and Excalibur Volleyball player demonstrates a barbell row to showcase the newly-upgraded Fitness Centre at the Trent Athletics Centre. Photo by David Tuan bui.

Excalibur athletes will wear the apparel starting with the upcoming 2025-26 season, as Under Armour will start outfitting Excalibur teams with custom uniforms. 

As part of the partnership, Trent Athletics & Recreation will launch an Excalibur supporter online store to offere everyone to purchase Excalibur-branded Under Armour clothing and gear. The store will be launched later this month on the Excalibur website.

“Partnering with an innovative global leader like Under Armour reflects our commitment to excellence, a premium student-athlete experience and providing our Excalibur teams with high-performance apparel to help them succeed,” said Nathan McFadden, rent Athletics & Recreation director. “We’re excited to see our teams and supporters wearing Under Armour branded Excalibur gear and representing our program with pride.” 

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Trent University's President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament Raises a Record-Breaking $92,000 For Student-Athlete Scholarships

The 19th annual Trent University President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament showed its support for student-athletes, raising a record $92,000 for the Excalibur Green and White Scholarships, held at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Thursday afternoon.

Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor, tees off at the second hold at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Today marks the highest fundraising total in the 19-year history of this tournament, and we couldn’t have done it without our generous sponsors and participants,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent Athletics & Recreation director. “The Green and White Scholarship Fund is a lifeline for many of our athletes. It eases financial burdens, but more importantly, it sends a powerful message: we believe in you. That belief fuels their drive, their discipline and their dreams.”

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The $92,000 raised brings the cumulative amount raised to over $792,000. To date, the Green and White Scholarship Fund has benefited more than 400 student-athletes.

For the 2024/25 season, 34 student-athletes were awarded a Green and White Scholarship for their academic achievement and athletic talent. Students receiving this scholarship may be eligible for subsequent years if they maintain a minimum academic average, accumulating significant support over their studies at Trent.

“The Green and White Scholarships have made an incredible difference for me and so many other student-athletes,” said Isabelle Pellerine, student-athlete. “Not every athlete gets the chance to compete at the varsity level, but today shows there’s a community that believes in us. At Trent, we’re more than just athletes, we’re supported to succeed in every part of our lives. I’m so proud to be part of a university that invests in us and our future.”

This year, 20 teams of four participated in the scramble tournament and George Ripoll – BMO Nesbitt Burns, captured first place. 

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Trent University Celebrates Its Student-Athletes In 55th Annual Athletics Awards

In celebration of Trent University student-athletes, the campus celebrated the 55th annual Athletics Awards to recognize Excalibur student-athletes for their hard work and sportsmanship throughout the year at the Trent Athletics Centre on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The event held a special tribute to outgoing Trent president and vice-chancellor Dr. Leo Groarke.

“Throughout his tenure, President Groarke has been a champion for Excalibur student-athletes,” said Nathan Mcfadden, Trent director of athletics and recreation. “His vision and dedication have been instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence, sportsmanship, and inclusivity that defines our Trent Excalibur community.”

McFadden also mentioned Trent Board chair Debra Cooper Burger's donation to the Excalibur Fund to support varsity athletics. President Groarke and Dr. Cathy Bruce, president-designate and current vice president of Research & Innovation at Trent, matched the gift.

 “This collaborative effort between the university’s top leadership members exemplifies their dedication and commitment to enriching the student-athlete experience and fostering a culture of success and excellence,” said McFadden. “Excalibur student-athletes aren’t just competitors; they are ambassadors of our character and values here at Trent University and the embodiment of the Excalibur spirit. This funding will allow them to continue to foster the Excalibur culture of excellence and we are so appreciative of this significant donation and the support that we receive from these three exceptional leaders.”

Recipients of Trent’s 2023/24 Athletics Awards, including the inaugural Rookie of the Year and Athlete of the Year awards, are as follows:

Arthur Cup

Varsity student-athletes Jocelyn Whent (women’s lacrosse) and Grayson Tucker (men’s rugby) were honoured as the recipients of the Arthur Cup, the University’s most prestigious award for students in the final undergraduate year who have made significant contributions, sportsmanship, participation, and leadership in athletics programs.

Jocelyn Whent (Gzowski), a Kinesiology student with the women’s lacrosse team, has had an outstanding career as an Excalibur. During her four seasons with women’s lacrosse, Jocelyn earned two OUA gold medals, a silver and a bronze medal. As a key part of the team’s strong offence, she contributed significantly to their success in the OUA Championships. As a senior on the team, Jocelyn acts as a mentor for incoming members of the team, demonstrating leadership and grit on the field. Off the field, she has been a member of the 1EX Council for two years, helping organize varsity events for fellow athletes. Jocelyn has been a dedicated staff member with the Athletics Department during her time as an Excalibur. Holding positions like varsity event staff, game day lead, Excalibur Camp counsellor, and most recently varsity student administrator.

Grayson Tucker (Champlain), an Environmental & Resource Science Studies student on the men’s rugby team, has been an integral member of the Excalibur varsity program since his first season. Grayson was voted onto the team's leadership in his second season with a positive presence on the pitch that was made obvious early in his career as an Excalibur. In the following years, he was named the team’s most valuable forward for three consecutive years and received the coach’s and men’s rugby Garth Vader awards. Grayson was named team captain in his fourth and fifth seasons and OUA second-team all-star in 2022. As both a teammate and a captain, he demonstrated heart, commitment and passion on and off the pitch. Grayson also volunteers as a coach for the U18 Pagans boy’s rugby team and volunteers at Excalibur recruitment days and open houses for the men’s rugby team. A strong advocate for men’s health, Grayson has raised over $4,000 for the Movember Fund Charity over his five years at Trent. He is actively involved as a volunteer at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School with their suicide prevention awareness events.

Gary Wolff Leadership Award

The Gary Wolff Leadership Award was presented to Jacey Mabee (women’s rowing) and Daniel Austin (men’s volleyball), recognizing their courage, determination, and leadership in sport.

Jacey Mabee (Champlain), a biomedical sciences student, is a respected leader in the rowing program. Jacey’s teammates note that she can always be trusted to give her all during practice and race time. She carries her dedication and commitment off the water, acting as president of the Trent University Rowing Club and overseeing all the club's inner workings. Jacey was an integral part of organizing fundraisers for the team, like the Head of the Trent Regatta beer garden, as well as fundraisers for local charities, including a car wash for the Alzheimer Society, a Firetruck Pull for the Alzheimer Society, and a Movember fundraiser.

Daniel Austin (Gzowski) has been an active leader on and off the court during his five years as an Excalibur. As the men’s volleyball team captain for the past three seasons, Daniel helped introduce a new culture to the team, giving Trent a very positive reputation of respect and decorum in the league. He works in Admissions at Trent, providing tours and helping incoming students with inquiries about Trent. As a member of the 1EX Council, Daniel has taken the lead on outreach programs, engaging local schools often running elementary and high school tournaments. 

Community Betterment Award

Rianna Rogers (women’s rugby) and Holden Lowes (men’s lacrosse) are the 2023-24 Community Betterment Award recipients.

Rianna Rogers (Otonabee) has been deeply involved in multiple initiatives at Trent and in the Peterborough Community during her time as an Excalibur student-athlete. Rogers is passionate about rugby and has been serving as an assistant coach at Crestwood Secondary School and with the U18 Peterborough Pagans. She dedicates significant time to teaching youth through rugby, notably with the 'Play Like a Girl' program. Additionally, she actively engages in various community service projects, including volunteering at the YES Shelter and the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society, organizing clothing drives, and contributing to the 1EX Council's efforts to organize events for varsity student-athletes.

Holden Lowes (Lady Eaton) is a fifth-year Master’s student who has impacted the men’s lacrosse program and the Peterborough community during his time at Trent. Holden is studying cardiopulmonary exercise testing in heart failure patients to determine its predictive value for patient prognosis and eligibility for advanced therapies such as heart transplants. In his spare time, Holden maximizes his community involvement by working for Community Care, volunteering at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre and sitting on the board at the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre. At Trent, Holden is a Trent Graduate Student Association member and sits on the Trent University Research Ethics Boards.

Rookie of the Year

The inaugural recipients of the Rookie of the Year award are Tyler McDonald (women’s lacrosse) and Leo Frans (men’s soccer).

Tyler McDonald (Gzowski) had an exceptional rookie season with the Women’s Lacrosse program. The midfielder lead the team with an astounding seven goals in the OUA bronze medal game. She was named an OUA All-Star and was the OUA Rookie of the Year.

Leo Frans (Champlain) was an instant offensive threat in his first season with the Excalibur. Frans was second in the OUA for rookie scoring with seven team-leading goals, earning him OUA Second Team All-Star in his first season with the Excalibur. Leo’s offensive mindset and ability to find the back of the net has been a massive asset to the Excalibur and their success this season.

Athlete of the Year

The inaugural Athlete of the Year recipients are Kieran Gerow (women’s lacrosse) and Curtis Conley (men’s lacrosse).

Kieran Gerow (Trail), women’s lacrosse goalie, is the last line of defence, and the team has complete confidence in her. She is a calming and confident presence in the net, making big saves in big moments. She is a strong leader on the field and helps elevate the players around here on the defensive end of the field. Kieran’s solid defensive efforts in the net helped lead her team to an OUA bronze medal this season. Kieran was also named OUA Defensive Player of the Year and an OUA All-Star.

Curtis Conley (Champlain) is a four-time Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA) Defender of the Year, four-time CUFLA All-Canadian, four-year team captain, Baggataway Cup National Champion and All-Baggataway Cup team. He has a 40-6 record during his time at Trent.

This past season, Curtis played through a chronic injury but was the cornerstone of Trent’s defense earning them a tying spot on top of the East Division during regular season play. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending injury towards the end of the season and could not play at the Baggataway Cup. Throughout his time with the Excalibur, Curtis has solidified himself with one of the most successful athletic careers at Trent University.

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Trent Athletics Centre Temporarily Closed to Update Vaccine Passport Screening Measures

Following the Ontario government’s announcement of the enhanced Provincial COVID-19 vaccine certificate system, the Trent Athletics Centre will require all visitors and staff to provide proof of vaccination and identification to enter the facility.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The Athletics Centre will be closed on Wednesday to allow updates to their booking system to support these new screening measures to e made.

The centre will open again on Thursday.

Students who are fully vaccinated and have updated their Vaccine Profile through myTrent will be permitted to book workout times online. Data from the secure myTrent site will be integrated with the Athletics Centre’s online booking system to allow for a seamless transition to the new screening requirements for students.

Trent staff, faculty and community members with memberships will be required to show proof of vaccination and identification during the screening process at the door before entering the facility. This screening will be required each visit.

All students, staff and faculty must also complete, and pass, Trent’s mandatory screening each day before coming to campus.

Individuals wishing to visit the Planet Café will not be required to show proof of vaccination to gain access.

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Trent Athletics Launches Esports Allowing Students To Compete & Connect

Trent Athletics has been focusing on new and innovative ways to support Trent students and provide sport, fitness and recreation opportunities both in-person and by remote delivery this Fall.

As Trent’s campus recreation coordinator, Matt Melo is tasked with ensuring students in both Peterborough and Durham have safe access to recreation opportunities in person (such as beach volleyball and badminton) as well as through remote delivery (online wellness programs, online fitness classes, online trivia nights) in the midst of unprecedented circumstances created by the pandemic.

Photo via Ontario Post-Secondary Esports (OPSE) League website.

One new virtual opportunity Melo has identified is Esports, through which Trent students connect to the Ontario Post-Secondary Esports (OPSE) League, competing both recreationally and competitively against teams from other Ontario universities in the games League of Legends, a strategy-based game, and Rocket League, a fast-paced take on soccer that sees cars substituted for players.

“The program promotes both competitive and recreational Esports and gaming opportunities in the Trent community,” says Melo. “This is the most accessible landscape we have worked with. We are able to provide a new recreational opportunity directly to our students without the need for them to leave their homes. During this time of evolving public health restrictions, recreation of this type is a safe and secure way for students to still interact with one another.”

Graphic via Trent University website

Tryouts and team selection took place earlier this fall and competitive play is underway with games broadcast on the OPSE website. According to the OPSE, up to $24,000 in scholarship money is available to be won based on playoff success.

Students interested in becoming part of the growing Esports community with Trent Athletics can contact campusrec@trentu.ca. 

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