ANCASTER, ON - On Friday evening, the Royals hosted their annual Athletic Awards Banquet, held this year at the prestigious Ancaster Mill. Redeemer Athletics took the opportunity to honour a wide range of outstanding achievements, with the highlight being the prestigious Vertical Purpose Award. This esteemed award is presented annually to an individual who embodies the Christian values of Kingdom Impact, Influence, Servanthood, and Excellence.
Hunter Packalen, the Men's Soccer captain and a spiritual leader to many on campus, was this year's deserving recipient of the Vertical Purpose Award. Hunter consistently exemplifies the qualities of Christian leadership both on and off the field, making a significant impact in the realm of Royals athletics.
Adriana Kanisek was named the Female Athlete of the Year. A standout soccer star, Adriana made history as Redeemer's first All-Canadian in soccer. In addition, she was recognized as the OCAA West Player of the Year and earned a spot on the OCAA West First-Team All-Star roster this past fall.
Andrew Van Dyke received the Male Athlete of the Year award. The senior forward, he led the Royals Hockey team to a UNYCHL Division title, finishing the season as the team's top point scorer.
The evening was a truly remarkable celebration of athletic excellence, recognition, and gratitude for the many blessings Redeemer has experienced. Below is the complete list of award winners from this memorable occasion:
Vertical Purpose Award:
Hunter Packalen, Men's Soccer
Female Athlete of the Year:
Adriana Kanisek, Women's Soccer
Male Athlete of the Year:
Andrew Van Dyke, Hockey
Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year:
Talia Vreugdenhil, Women's Basketball
Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year:
Davis Young, Men's Volleyball
Strength & Conditioning Award:
Nathan Wright, Hockey
Female Rookie of the Year:
Jasmine Deboer, Women's Soccer
Male Rookie of the Year:
Ethan Smith, Hockey
Team Awards
Women's Basketball
MVP: Sydney Drain
Rookie of the Year: Sydney Lazenby
Vertical Purpose: Hannah Bloemberg
Most Improved: Hannah Bloemberg
Men's Basketball
MVP: Parker Davis
Rookie of the Year: N.A
Vertical Purpose: Adam Pavlik
Most Improved: Jason Usuomon
Cross-Country
MVP: Ethan Kruisselbrink & Thea Van Halteren
Rookie of the Year: Denver Packalen
Vertical Purpose: N.A
Most Improved: N.A
Disc Golf
MVP: Jake Voskamp
Rookie of the Year: Kalan Schat
Vertical Purpose: Adam Beatty
Most Improved: Leah Don & Jeremiah Della Foresta
Hockey
MVP: Andrew Van Dyke
Rookie of the Year: Ethan Smith
Vertical Purpose: Carson Torrie
Most Improved: Jake Voskamp
Women's Soccer
MVP: Emily Walraven
Rookie of the Year: Jasmine Deboer
Vertical Purpose: Leah Sloots
Most Improved: Tia Lee
Men's Soccer
MVP: Hunter Packalen
Rookie of the Year: Luca Moras
Vertical Purpose: Hunter Packalen
Most Improved: Zion Brown
Women's Volleyball
MVP: Rachel Annett
Rookie of the Year: Ada Cook
Vertical Purpose: Rileigh Reynoldson
Most Improved: Julia Koksanowicz
Men's Volleyball
MVP: Davis Young
Rookie of the Year: Ben Brouwer
Vertical Purpose: Luke Marshall
Most Improved: Andrew Walcott
