Trent Excalibur Men’s Soccer Player Named U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian

Trent University business administration student, John Moncada of the Excalibur men’s varsity soccer team, has earned U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian status which is awarded to the top-performing student-athletes across Canadian universities. 

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“This is a historic milestone for John and for our men’s soccer program to be recognized on the national stage,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent director of Athletics and Recreation. “Earning U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian status is a testament not only to John’s high-end skill and work ethic, but also to the strong belief head coach Grant Purdy has in his players to showcase their talent early in their career. We’re proud of John’s remarkable first campaign, the program’s best season ever, and what it signals for the future of Excalibur soccer.” 

Moncada led the Ontario University Athletics Association with 14 goals in 11 games, the most ever by an Excalibur men's soccer player in their first season. He is also first nationally in goals and tied for first in total points across all of U SPORTS men's soccer.

His rookie season placed him second on Trent’s all-time goals list, tying Aaron Chia (‘15). His teammate, Leo Frans, holds the top honour with 18 career goals in three years with the Excalibur.

“What stands out about John is just how humble he is. He never lets ego dominate what he wants for the team and is supportive of every player,” said Grant Purdy, head coach of Excalibur men’s soccer. “On the field, he has a special gift; a sense of where the ball is going to be, which allows him to beat defenders and score. This recognition is a reflection of what John is capable of and how far the men’s soccer program has come. I believe the best is yet to come.” 

Moncada’s accomplishment marks the first time a Trent Excalibur men's soccer player has received the national honour and the fourth All-Canadian selection in Trent Athletics history. Earlier this fall, he was also named the OUA East Division Most Valuable Player and an OUA First Team All-Star.  

“Being named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian means everything to me.  I came into the season with a bit of a chip on my shoulder, ready to turn some heads and the environment here at Trent made it all possible,” said Moncada. “The coaches giving me the opportunity and my teammates believing in me made it fun to play and pushed me to succeed. To know my name will be in the Trent history books is a special feeling. Looking ahead, my goal is to help the team make a playoff run and win a championship.” 

He joins an exclusive list that includes Kristine Boyles from women's rugby, who earned First Team All-Canadian honours in both 2007 and 2009 and Thaddeus Bolton from men's soccer, who was named a Second Team All-Canadian in 2009.

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Trent University French Studies Professor Given Governor General’s Literary Award For Translation

Trent University’s coordinator and professor of French Studies, Dr. Sylvie Bérard, has been awarded the Governor General’s Literary Award for Translation for her translation of The Tiger Flu by Larissa Lai, a science fiction novel reimagined in French as Les Sœurs de la Muée, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Sylvie exemplifies the intellectual and creative excellence that is fostered at Trent,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Her achievement reflects the power of language and imagination to connect cultures and ideas, a remarkable contribution to Canada’s bilingual and literary landscape.”

The Governor General’s Literary Awards, presented annually by the Canada Council for the Arts, celebrate the best in Canadian literature across seven categories in both English and French. Professor Bérard shares the award for translation (English to French) with her partner and long-time collaborator, Suzanne Grenier, marking the duo’s eighth translated work together.

“I feel like I am floating on a cloud. To be seen and heard by peers at this level is profoundly affirming,” said Bérard. “It also gives this wonderful book and its ideas a new life and visibility in French. The universe created by Larissa Lai in The Tiger Flu is quite unique, so this is the kind of translation that really benefits from teamwork.” 

This is Prof. Bérard’s second nomination for the Governor General’s Literary Award for Translation. She received her first nomination for her translation of another Larissa Lai novel, Salt Fish Girl (Le fruit de la puanteur). She is also the recipient of a Trillium Book Award for Poetry in 2018 and a Trillium Book Award nomination in 2021, further solidifying her standing among Canada’s most versatile literary voices. 

The award-winning translation, completed over two years, required both scholarly research and artistic creation. Set 120 years in the future, Les Sœurs de la Muée demanded the creation of new terms, including the noun ‘Muée’ in the translation’s title and cultural references that feel authentic to French readers while remaining faithful to the English original. 

“When you translate science fiction, you don’t just translate the words. You translate the history of ideas, the imagined future, and the nuance of worlds that another writer has created,” said Prof. Bérard. “Translation is about recreating an entire universe so that readers in another language can inhabit it naturally. We don’t want people to feel like they are reading a translation. We want people to feel like they are reading a great book, and that requires a love for the work that you’re translating and needing to immerse yourself in the author’s original work.”

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Trent Excalibur Men’s Lacrosse Stunned In Baggataway Cup After Major Comeback From Brock Badgers

The Trent Excalibur men’s lacrosse team faced major heartbreak as the Brock Badgers mounted a comeback from a seven-goal deficit for a 13-12 game in the Baggataway Cup at the Terry Fox Stadium on Friday night.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and Trent Excalibur.

The quarterfinal matchup saw a closely contested first period as Nick Fornier opened the scoring for Trent. After allowing two goals from the Badgers, Mason Tardiff regained Trent’s lead with a pair of scores for a 3-2 game after the first.

In the second frame, the Excalibur allowed two more goals from the Badgers but Fornier and Tardiff kept scoring as well. Both earned hat tricks this stanza as Fornier scored three goals, totalling four, while Tardiff scored once, his third of the game, to make it 7-4.

After allowing a Badger goal to open the third period, Trent went on a five-goal run to extend their lead to 12-5. Jordan Dool, Reed Chamberlin, Will White and Connor Curtis (twice) scored in the run.

Unfortunately for Peterborough, they received unsportsmanlike penalties which gave momentum to the Badgers. They rang off three straight power-play goals to start closing the gap. Brock scored one more goal to end the period 12-9 in favour of Trent.

Brock continued the pressure in the final stanza as they shut down Peterborough’s offense and scored two goals, the first on the power play. With 5:20 left in regulation, Colton Armitage scored the game-tying goal for the Badgers to make it 12 apiece going into overtime.

In extra time, both teams had opportunities to score. In the end, Noah Simonelli launched a shot from a wide angle, beating Trent goaltender Callan Baker to cap off the miraculous comeback from the Badgers to win 13-12.

The Badgers moved on to the semifinals as Trent was sent home with a quarterfinal finish.

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Trent University Hosting Its 2025 Fall Open House This Friday

Prospective students can explore the campus for Trent University’s fall open house this Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its Peterborough campus.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The public is invited to explore the student experience, campus spaces and career experiences durign the event.

“It’s important that students find the right fit and the best way to do that is by visiting Trent for Open House. We’ve added an hour to this year’s event so visitors can deepen their learning and connection to the University community,” said Marilyn Burns, vice-president of Communications & Enrolment at Trent University. “Conversations with current students who are studying here and with staff and faculty will help our visitors gain the best understanding of our programs, paid co-ops and hands-on learning, student supports and the overall transformative learning experience we offer at Trent.”

Open House Highlights:

• Register and attend Open House for a chance to win free first-year tuition.

• Learn about guaranteed entrance scholarships and full tuition for students entering with 95%+.

• Tour campus, residences, and state-of-the-art facilities such as the Forensics Crime Scene Facility, Nursing Simulations Lab and the Bloomberg Lab in the Financial Intelligence & Innovation Hub.

• Explore new and popular programs, including Kinesiology, Criminology, Software Engineering Co-op, Forensic Anthropology, and the Bachelor of Arts & Science/Doctor of Naturopathy Double Degree.

• Ask about career-boosting programs, including Trent/Swansea Dual Degrees for Law & Arts or Law & Business and Medical Sciences/Bachelor of Arts & Science, as well as the Medical Professional Stream, which offers eligible graduating students entrance scholarships for international medical schools, including $85,000 to St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada.

• Discover Trent’s accelerated pathways for earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in less time, including the Business Administration & Master of Management Fast Track, Environmental & Life Sciences M.Sc., and Master of Arts programs in English (Public Texts), Cultural Studies, and History.

• Talk to Careerspace and explore guaranteed career experience and 30+ paid co-ops across the arts, sciences, and professional programs.

• Apply on the spot by visiting the Admissions Team at the Academics and Service Fair.

• Take home some Trent merch with a 40 per cent off coupon for the Campus Store.

• Play residence bingo for a chance to win Trent Cash and secure the first room selection timeslot when residence applications open.

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Trent Excalibur Men’s Lacrosse Punch Ticket to Baggataway Cup After Win Over Carleton

The Trent Excalibur men’s lacrosse team is heading back to the Baggataway Cup after defeating the 12–7 victory over the Carleton Ravens at Justin Chiu Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and Trent Excalibur.

The win capped off Excalibur’s season with an 8–2 record, finishing second place in the East Division with 16 points.

The Excalibur wasted no time asserting themselves on the field, jumping out to an early lead. Mason Tardif opened the scoring early in the first quarter.

Trent continued to build momentum in the second quarter with goals from Dallyn Rai, Reed Chamberlain and another from Tardif, giving the Excalibur a 4-0 lead heading into halftime.

Carleton fought back in the third, scoring three quick goals to narrow the gap and make it a one-goal game. Trent’s offense continued to roll again with four straight tallies, two from Adam Hawrelak, one from Tardif and another from Rai.

In the final frame, Trent kept their foot on the gas pedal as Tardif notched his fourth goal of the game off a feed from Rai, followed by goals from Jordan Dool, Nick Fournier and Keegan Detweiler to clinch their playoff spot. 

Following the game, Curtis Conley was presented with the Peterborough Glass and Windows Player of the Game Award, recognizing his six-year career with the team. 

Trent hits the 2025 Baggataway Cup at Terry Fox Stadium in Brampton this Friday in a three-day event.

The Excalibur will open their Baggataway Cup campaign against the Brock Badgers in the first quarter-final matchup at Terry Fox Stadium on Friday at 4 p.m.

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Trent University Receives $1 Million Grant to Advance Trauma-Informed Care in Long-Term Care

Through a $1-million research project grant, Trent University will introduce trauma-informed care practices into long-term care homes.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The practice is led by Dr. Kimberly Ritchie, an assistant professor in the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing (whose research focuses on trauma and dementia.

“We know from research by Dr. Ritchie that the need for trauma-informed approaches is pressing, with nearly two-thirds of Canadian adults reporting at least one potentially traumatic event in their lives,” says Dr. Holger Hintelmann, Trent vice-president of research and innovation. “This is valuable funding for a critical project that could inform innovations in care for our aging populations.”

Ritchie will lead a four-year project with colleagues from McMaster University to co-design, implement and evaluate a trauma-informed care framework. According to Trent, this work is part of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging and is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, in particular its Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research initiative, as well as the Azrieli Foundation, Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, Brain Canada Foundation and SPOR.

Trauma-informed care emphasizes understanding the lasting impact of trauma, creating safe and inclusive environments, and equipping staff with tools to recognize triggers, de-escalate distress and build trust with residents says Ritchie.

“Research shows a two-way relationship between PTSD and dementia, making transitions into institutional settings especially difficult,” she said. “For many residents, long-term care environments can unintentionally trigger trauma memories, leading to distress and behavioural symptoms. Embedding a trauma-informed approach means safer, more inclusive and supportive environments for both residents and staff.”

The project will also focus on supporting care staff, who often face high levels of stress and burnout. The framework will be piloted in one home, refined and then tested in a national trial across four long-term care homes.

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Trent University Receives $359,000 Grant From TD Bank Group For University Green Network

Trent University has received over $359,000 from the TD Bank Group (TD) to support conservation and learning on the University Green Network (UGN), announced on Wednesday.

A student conducts research in a forested area part of the University Green Network at Trent University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The network is a large, interconnected 868-acre system on Trent’s Peterborough campus, including habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, Indigenous Knowledge integration, and experiential learning opportunities for students, according to Julie Davis, Trent's vice-president of external relations and development.

“Thanks to this latest funding from TD, we can take the next step in realizing the vision for the UGN – implementing the Ggwepnandizamin Systems-Level Plan,” she said. “The plan provides a structured approach to monitoring and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem health across campus. This funding support will allow us to restore and enhance habitats, establish best practices in conservation, and create meaningful opportunities for students and the community to engage with the natural environment.”

This new grant builds on funding received from TD in 2022 to support multiple initiatives within the UGN, a system that includes diverse habitats, wildlife corridors, productive landscapes, and various green spaces that promote ecological function and biodiversity according to a press release. The UGN was first envisioned in the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan.

Earlier funding from TD facilitated the development of the Ggwepnandizamin Plan in collaboration with faculty, students, Michi Saagiig First Nations, and local organizations, including Camp Kawartha and Peterborough Green-Up.  The word Ggwepnandizamin means ‘together, putting our best effort forward towards something important’ in Anishinaabemowin. The name was provided by the Elders and Knowledge Keepers Council at Trent, who provided wisdom and guidance in developing the plan.

“Trent University's focus on enhancing biodiversity and embedding Indigenous Knowledge in environmental stewardship reflects a deep commitment to reconciliation and sustainability,” said Robyn Small, TD Bank Group senior manager, Philanthropy, Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship. “Through the TD Ready Commitment, TD is proud to continue supporting Trent University in advancing this important work that honours Indigenous knowledge and creates hands-on opportunities for students and community members to meaningfully connect with the environment.”

During the next three-year funding period, Trent says the will implement key actions from the Ggwepnandizamin Plan, including developing wildlife corridors and natural areas, such as pollinator gardens; creating Michi Saagiig cultural harvesting areas; reducing invasive species, such as phragmites; launching Indigenous storytelling initiatives; and expanding teaching and learning opportunities.

The grant will also fund a part-time ecological land planning coordinator to implement the plan, integrate ecological planning into campus projects, support environmental monitoring, facilitate Indigenous engagement and involve students and faculty.

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Trent University Faculty Association and Trent University Reach Tentative Agreement

Trent University and the Trent University Faculty Association’s negotiating teams (TUFA) have reached a tentative settlement on a new collective agreement, announced on Friday.

TUFA represents over 330 faculty members at Trent University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

According to a press release, both teams have agreed to recommend the tentative settlement to their respective parties.

Details will follow from TUFA regarding a meeting to ratify the agreement at a later time. The settlement is also subject to ratification by the University’s Board of Governors.

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Trent University Recognizes Nine Recipients With Alumni Awards

Nine individuals are honoured through the 2025 Trent University Alumni Awards to recognize their contributions to shaping a better world.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

This year’s recipients are being recognized for efforts advancing research in public health and family well-being, leading in sport and science and inspiring creativity, compassion and leadership in family-law policy, health equity, forensic science, community building, student leadership and student governance.

“This year’s recipients embody what it means to be part of the Trent community,” says Naomi Handley, Trent director of Alumni Engagement and Services. “Their leadership, innovation, and compassion shine through everything they do, from advancing research and championing equity to inspiring the next generation of learners. We’re honoured to recognize their accomplishments and the many ways they carry Trent’s spirit into the world.”

The 2025 alumni award recipients are:

Distinguished Alumni Awards

Dr. Zach Conrad ’02 (Champlain College) is an internationally recognized nutritional epidemiologist whose transformative research shapes national and international policy for the world’s biggest challenges around nutrition, health equity, and sustainability.

Dr. Robert (Bob) Glossop ’67 (Champlain College) is a distinguished researcher on family dynamics whose three decades of work have directly influenced social policy and family law across Canada to better support the well-being of families.

Spirit of Trent Award

Neil Horne ’96 (Champlain College) is a passionate and dedicated leader in Trent’s rowing community, whose 14 years of service to the Head of the Trent Regatta have elevated both the Trent Rowing Club and the regatta to international recognition.

Young Leaders Award

Dr. Theresa Stotesbury ’07 (Gzowski College) is an esteemed forensic scientist whose groundbreaking research on the degradation of biological tissues, such as blood, has revolutionized forensic investigations across Canada.

Jordan MacDonald ’17 (Lady Eaton College) is a dedicated researcher and community advocate whose work is reshaping how we understand and support teen parents – advancing policies that help young parents overcome barriers, complete their education, and thrive.

Founder’s Spirit Award

Newly introduced this year, the Founder’s Spirit Award honours alumni whose visionary leadership and lasting contributions have strengthened Trent University and its broader communities. The late David Christopher (Chris) Leach ’70 (Peter Robinson College) was a leader and Olympian whose founding role in Trent and Peterborough’s rowing clubs - including his instrumental role in creating the Head of the Trent Regatta - left a lasting legacy on sport, mentorship, and University life.

David Glassco Prize (student leadership)

Izabelle (Izzy) Miranda is a dynamic student leader who has held more than 10 leadership positions in campus clubs and organizations, leaving a lasting impact on the Trent community.

Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize (student governance)

Rylin Wormington (Otonabee College) is a fourth-year student who has served as junior senator, vice-president, and now president of the Otonabee College Cabinet, demonstrating exceptional commitment to student governance and University life.

Anne Warigia Kitheka ’18 (Lady Eaton College) is a dynamic leader whose dedication to equity, mentorship, and student advocacy has left a lasting impact at Trent while continuing to shape her path in science and business.

The 2025 awards will be presented at a reception on Nov. 18 at Trent University.

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Trent Excalibur Women’s Lacrosse Team Capture OUA Patterson Cup

The Trent Excalibur women’s lacrosse team are Ontario University Athletics (OUA) champions after claiming the 2025 Patterson Cup over the weekend in Waterloo.

Photo courtesy of Marina Particelli.

Trent entered the championship as the top seed following a 7-1 regular season. The Excalibur opened their postseason with a 17–2 rout over the McMaster Marauders on Friday evening.

Saturday’s semifinal was a rematch against the host Laurier Golden Hawks, the only team to defeat Trent during the regular season. The Excalibur got revenge with a 14–6 win to Sunday’s championship. 

In the final, Trent faced the two-time defending champion, Queen’s Gaels. Their first matchup saw the Excalibur defeating them 13–6 in their season opener back in September.

Queen’s got on the scoreboard first but the Excalibur quickly responded with a pair of goals by OUA Rookie of the Year Maddy Baxter to take a 2-1 lead after the first quarter. Trent’s Tyler McDonald and Natalie Fournier book-ended a Gaels marker in the second quarter to give the green and white a 4-2 half-time lead. 

Queen’s cut the lead to 4-3 early in the third but McDonald scored her second of the game. Baxter completed the hat-trick to end the quarter as Trent increased their lead to 6-3. OUA offensive player of the year and Peterborough’s Abby Hiltz got on the board with a power play marker in the fourth quarter and Fournier notched her second of the game as Trent controlled the final stanza to win 8-4. 

OUA goalkeeper of the year Kieran Gerow was named Trent’s player of the game, making nine saves. The Excalibur outshot Queen’s, 14-13 for the game. 

The win marks Trent’s fourth OUA title in program history, following gold medal finishes in 2016, 2019 and 2021.

Trent Athletics will be hosting next year’s OUA Championship at Justin Chiu Stadium. 

Several Excalibur players were recognized among the league’s best for their outstanding performances throughout the year:

• OUA Rookie of the Year: Maddy Baxter 

• OUA Offensive Player of the Year: Abby Hiltz 

• OUA Goalkeeper of the Year: Kieran Gerow 

Trent’s excellence was also recognized across the league’s All-Star selections: 

• Attacker: Abby Hiltz 

• Midfielder: Natalie Fournier 

• Midfielder: Maddy Baxter 

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