Vikings Athletics continues to make an impact both provincially and nationally, showcasing the excellence of our institution. On Tuesday night, the program celebrated its standout performers at the 2025 University of Alberta – Augustana Student Life Awards, held at the Jeanne & Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre in Camrose.
Building on a season of success, Men’s Volleyball captain Joel Smith was named Vikings Male Athlete of the Year, while Devin Varga was recognized as Vikings Coach of the Year. A dedicated member of the Men’s Volleyball program since 2003, Dennis Sturrock was honored as Volunteer of the Year.
Fresh off their exhilarating run at Nationals, the Women’s Volleyball team claimed three prestigious awards. Hadley Ziemmer earned Vikings Female Rookie of the Year, Sarah Singular was named Vikings Volunteer Coach of the Year, and Racquel Lussier received the Vikings Leadership Award.
Women’s Basketball captain Mackenzie Mrazik was recognized as Female Athlete of the Year, while Men’s Basketball standout Jonathan Gomes was awarded the Vikings Leadership Award.
In hockey, Jack Osmond made an immediate impact, earning Male Rookie of the Year after a stellar debut season with Vikings Men’s Hockey. Lara Birkill was honored with the Moncrieff Ford Sr. & Moncrieff Ford Jr. Memorial Award for her outstanding contributions as a student-trainer for the Men’s Hockey team.
Rounding out the evening, the Women’s Basketball team was recognized for their excellence in the classroom, earning the Team GPA Award for their academic achievements.
Male Athlete of the Year - Joel Smith
Joel dominated the ACAC this season, leading the league in both total digs and digs per set by a wide margin, earning All-Conference honors in the North. His growth as a leader and teammate has been remarkable. Early in his career, he faced challenges in adjusting his mindset, but instead of backing down, he embraced the feedback, put in the work, and had a true breakout season.
Beyond the court, Joel excels academically with a 3.5 GPA and balances his commitments as president of the UAB, where he plays a key role in student leadership. His dedication, resilience, and hard work have been inspiring, and we couldn’t be prouder of all he has achieved this year.
Female Athlete of the Year - Mackenzie Mrazik
Mackenzie has been the heart and soul of the program, leading with character, athletic excellence, and an undeniable presence on both ends of the court. A dominant force in the league, she earned Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference honors—well-deserved recognition of her relentless work ethic and skill.
Beyond her performance, Mackenzie unites her team, fostering a culture of competitiveness and support. She bridges the gap between players and coaches with poise and confidence, leading by example with humility and integrity. A fierce competitor and true role model, she elevates everyone around her. With her dedication, the sky's the limit for what she can achieve next season.
Male Rookie of the Year - Jack Osmond
Jack Osmond made an immediate impact as a rookie, logging more minutes than any other goalie in the league. His work ethic, perseverance, and competitive spirit made him look like a seasoned veteran. As the ACAC’s top goaltender, he was a cornerstone of this young team, recording 648 saves and a .904 save percentage. Game after game, he delivered clutch performances, proving his ability to thrive under pressure.
Female Rookie of the Year - Hadley Ziemmer
Ranked 2nd among all ACAC rookies in kills and points per set, Hadley made an immediate impact as the Vikings’ starting outside hitter. A dynamic athlete with immense potential, she finished 10th in the ACAC in kills per set, solidifying her place among the league’s top performers. A key contributor to the Vikings’ ACAC silver-medal finish and 5th-place national ranking, she consistently delivered when it mattered most. At the ACAC Championships, she dominated with 42 kills over three matches, ranking 5th in total points. On the national stage, she continued to excel, tallying 29 kills, 28 digs, and 3 aces—proving her ability to shine in the biggest moments.
Vikings Leadership Award - Jonathan Gomes
Jonathan Gomes has been a powerful advocate for student issues, diversity, and community engagement. His passion and commitment have not only inspired others to get involved but have also amplified the impact of the organizations he serves.
On the court, Gomes has been instrumental in driving both team success and individual excellence. Jon has set high standards as team captain, fostering a winning mentality and pushing his teammates to excel. His outstanding season saw him earn Second-Team All-Conference honors while ranking third in scoring in the ACAC. His impact was undeniable—leading by example with his scoring ability, relentless work ethic, and unwavering leadership, setting the tone for his team every step of the way.
Vikings Leadership Award - Racquel Lussier
Racquel has been a leader in every sense, both on the court and beyond. A three-time Academic All-Canadian, she excels in the classroom while finishing 2nd in the ACAC in digs per set this season. Her steady presence and unwavering character made her a crucial anchor for the Vikings young team, providing consistency and leadership throughout the year.
In addition to her impact on the court, Racquel played a key role behind the scenes, running the highly impressive Vikings Volleyball social media account. Her dedication, reliability, and well-rounded excellence have been invaluable to the Vikings program.
Vikings Coach of the Year - Devin Varga
In an unforgettable year for our men’s volleyball program, Devin and the Men’s Volleyball team grew to new heights this season qualifying for the Conference Championship tournament and finishing the season in 6th place out of 14 ACAC teams. Devin was also acknowledged as the ACAC Men’s Volleyball North Conference Coach of the Year for his efforts.
Vikings Volunteer Coach of the Year - Sarah Singular
Sarah traveled to every game, participated in every practice, and is well on her way to becoming an outstanding head coach in the future. Highly respected by the team, Sarah has already taken on leadership responsibilities, even running a few practices on her own. Her passion for learning and self-growth is evident in everything she does. Committed to advancing in the field, she attended the Women in Sport Summit at Nationals, further expanding her knowledge and network.
Vikings Volunteer of the Year - Dennis Sturrock
Dennis, a Special Olympics athlete, has been an integral part of the volleyball program since 2003. He is the heart and soul of Vikings Athletics, attending every Wednesday practice, reading practice plans, leading all team cheers, and delivering inspiring speeches before and after games and practices. Dennis wouldn't miss a home game for anything, and his ability to lift everyone's spirits, even in challenging moments, is unparalleled.
Moncrieff Ford Sr. & Moncrieff Ford Jr. Memorial Award - Lara Birkill
Despite facing health setbacks this year, Lara has remained a dedicated and influential member of both the cross-country/track team and the hockey team. Her unwavering commitment to her teammates goes beyond simply showing up—she actively fosters a culture of accountability and encouragement. Lara consistently motivates her peers to attend practices, steps up as a leader when needed, and ensures that everyone stays on track. Her resilience and determination extend beyond athletics, as she also holds high aspirations in both her academic and athletic pursuits, striving for excellence in all areas of her life.
The Vikings continue to raise the bar for athletic and academic success, proving that dedication, leadership, and excellence are at the heart of Augustana Athletics.