Three St. Thomas University athletes were honoured this past week with awards that show strong dedication on and off the pitch.
Kyla Tanner, the co-captain of the cross-country team, Hannah Davis, Captain and fly-half of the rugby team, and Max LeBreach, midfielder for the men’s soccer team, all were given awards for their contribution to both athletics and academics.
Kyla Tanner lead the women’s cross-country in every race this year. She finished 27th in the AUS finals in Halifax last weekend running 5K in less than 22 minutes. She has also been actively involved with the Fredericton SPCA, this year’s Trick or Eat event at STU, and is the Student Union Sustainable Lifestyle Coordinator.
“It feels incredible to be recognized in such a big way. I am extremely honoured to win this award and was equally surprised when they called my name for it,” Tanner said about winning AUS Student-Athlete and Community Service Award. “I believe that when you’re going to do something you should do it to the best of your ability, and I think that translates to a lot of my success in both athletics and academics.”
Tanner feels it’s a great thing to give back to the community and make a difference in the world. This sparked inspiration towards her success as a runner, and as a respected member of the community.
Hannah Davis was also given the Student-Athlete Community Service Award this week as not only did her performance help STU become the only New Brunswick rugby team in the AUS, but she has done a great deal of volunteering.
”I’m so flattered to have been selected for an AUS student- athlete community service award. It really took me by surprise! It means a lot to me that my coaches chose to nominate me for the award,” she said.
Davis was involved with the Best Buddies program which places students alongside the physically and intellectually disabled. Davis also volunteered at the New Brunswick Special Olympics and played a huge role in STUSAC’s Movember Gala. She is co-president of the St. Thomas University Student Athletic Council and can be found greatly involved in Movember activities. Davis helped the women’s rugby team upgrade to the AUS after several consecutive successful seasons in the ACAA and was a huge mentor to the young talent that the team is building off of for future seasons. Her workload is balanced with a 4th year bachelor of arts program as well this year’s Trick or Eat program, and plans to create the Right to Play chapter at STU.
“Since I joined the Tommies in my first year, athletics has always encouraged us to give back to the community and to be active within it. I’m grateful to be at a school where the athletic department supports you as more than just an athlete, but also as an individual,” Davis said.
Max LeBreach received the Bob Coe award this week as well. LeBreach is from Souris, Prince Edward Island, and plays in midfield for the men’s soccer team. LeBreach was given the honour on a count of sportsmanship, ability, leadership, and academic ability. He managed to take on a full course load while playing at an elite level and showed enough ability to make the Dean’s list. He is president of the Economic Society and is preparing to write the LSAT and has shown great commitment on and off the field.
