Jinaye Shomachuk has been named the 2026 U SPORTS Women's Field Athlete of the Year. (Image Credit: University of Lethbridge)

By David Opinko

Jinaye Shomachuk named U SPORTS Women’s Field Athlete of the Year

Mar 5, 2026 | 2:48 PM

A University of Lethbridge (U of L) student has received major recognition for her athletic achievements.

Jinaye Shomachuk has been named the 2026 U SPORTS Women’s Field Athlete of the Year and is the first Pronghorn athlete to earn that title.

“Winning this award is so awesome,” she said in an interview with U SPORTS. “When I won the Canada West Field Athlete of the Year title last week, it was already so rewarding, so being able to take it to the national level is just unbelievable. There are so many great athletes that were nominated, and I feel very blessed to be the one who came out on top.”

The U of L says Shomachuk had a “dominant” 2025-26 campaign, going undefeated in shot put and weight throw events throughout the year. The public health student won gold in both events at the conference championship and also earned Canada West Female Performance of the Meet honours.

She broke the U SPORTS weight throw record of 19.66 metres four times this season, including marks of 21.67m at the Jim Daly Bison Classic, 21.35m at the Golden Bear Open, 21.22m at the Pandas Open, and 20.77m at the Canada West Championships.

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Shomachuk, originally from Airdrie, ranks third all-time in U SPORTS history in weight throw.

Hours after being awarded Field Athlete of the Year, she won another U SPORTS gold medal and set a meet record in weight throw at the National Championship Meet in Manitoba, throwing the heavy metal ball 20.77 metres.

Larry Steinke, Pronghorns Track & Field head coach, says these are well-deserved accolades, as Shomachuk has put in “an incredible amount of hard work, discipline, and dedication.”

“Her commitment to improving every day—both in training and in competition—has truly set her apart. What makes this recognition so special is that it reflects not only her talent, but the countless hours of preparation, perseverance, and passion she brings to her sport,” says Steinke. “She continues to raise the bar for herself and inspire those around her with her determination, resilience, and drive to succeed. We’re incredibly proud to see her efforts recognized in this way.”

Watch Shomachuk and the rest of the Pronghorns compete at the 2026 U SPORTS National Championships, March 5-7, live on CanadaWest TV.