U of L President & Vice Chancellor Dr. Digvir Jayas (centre) celebrates with Female Athlete of the Year Jinaye Shomachuk (left) and Male Athlete of the Year Angelo Mbituyimana (right). (Photo: Pronghorn Athletics)

By David Opinko

U of L Pronghorns celebrate annual award winners

Apr 4, 2025 | 11:40 AM

The very best collegiate athletes and coaches at the University of Lethbridge were honoured for their skills and contributions.

Pronghorn Athletics hosted its 58th Annual Blue and Gold Awards ceremony on Thursday, April 3, honouring student-athletes during the 2024-25 season.

The following information was provided by Pronghorn Athletics:

Male Athlete of the Year
Angelo Mbituyimana, Men’s Basketball
Angelo Mbituyimana received Male Athlete of the Year honours after a standout season in Men’s Basketball. Mbituyimana averaged 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists per game, leading his team in all major statistical categories. His dominant performances were critical to the team’s success, as they secured a spot in the Canada West postseason. Mbituyimana’s leadership both on and off the court, combined with his exceptional work ethic, made him a deserving recipient of this award.

Female Athlete of the Year
Jinaye Shomachuk, Women’s Track & Field
Jinaye Shomachuk was named Female Athlete of the Year for her outstanding achievements in Women’s Track & Field. Shomachuk dominated the throws, winning gold (Weight Throw) and silver (Shot Put) at the Canada West Championships and claiming a silver medal at the U SPORTS Championships in Weight Throw. Shomachuk’s exceptional performances earned her the title of Canada West Field Athlete of the Year. Shomachuk’s growth this season made her a standout athlete for the Pronghorns.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Coach of the Year
Graeme Moffat, Women’s Rugby
The Coach of the Year Award was presented to Graeme Moffat, head coach of Women’s Rugby, for his outstanding leadership throughout the season. Under Moffat’s guidance, the Women’s Rugby team earned a third-place finish in the Canada West Conference. Moffat’s strategic vision and ability to develop local athletes helped elevate the team’s performance.

Award Winners

Men’s Basketball
Brent Watkins Heart Award: Avery Hutcheson
Paul Blaskovits Award for Most Improved Player: Karter Fry
MVP: Angelo Mbituyimana

Women’s Basketball
Most Improved: Jenessa Doctor
Krista Heidinger Coaches Award: Kamryn De Klerk
MVP: Kyra Collier

Men’s Soccer
ET Team Award: Tom Denness
MK4 Award: Karim Bey
MVP: Damon Field

Women’s Soccer
Coaches Leadership Award: Chiara Duenser
MVP: Hailey Slobodian

Women’s Rugby
Rugby 15s Rookie of the Year: Tayah Perry
Silver Fox Award: Brooklyn Perry
MVP: Mackenzie Hutten
Rugby 7s Rookie of the Year: Millie Tiskey
Rugby 7s MVP: Zina Umeh

Swimming
Most Improved – Men’s: Ben Adserballe
Most Improved – Women’s: Rika Oshima
MVP – Men’s: Raine Arden
MVP – Women’s: Delaney Lehman

Track & Field
MVP – Men’s: Orion Legg
MVP – Women’s: Jinaye Shomachuk

Mahon Family Sport Awards
Joe Lemieux (Men’s Basketball)
Kyra Collier (Women’s Basketball)
Cole Rosenlund (Men’s Soccer)
Hailey Slobodian (Women’s Soccer)
Jorja Salmon (Women’s Rugby)
Parker Brown (Men’s Swimming)
Makena Wood (Women’s Swimming)
Orion Legg (Men’s Track & Field)
Lauryn Morris (Women’s Track & Field)

Alumni Leadership Awards
Shae Gibb (Men’s Basketball)
Kimoya Edwards (Women’s Track & Field)

Pronghorn Citizenship Awards
Kimoya Edwards (Track & Field)
Alejandro Figueroa (Track & Field)
Avery Hutcheson (Men’s Basketball)
Brannon Sumner (Track & Field)

Pronghorn Community Service Award
Tom Denness (Men’s Soccer)
Makena Wood (Women’s Swimming)

Dr. Gary Bowie Leadership Award
Victor Iyilade