The Brant Youth Volleyball Cub recently celebrated the end of their 25th indoor season in style with a banquet at the Polish Community Centre on Albion St.  Over 200 athletes, family and guests enjoyed a catered meal which was followed by guest speakers and awards.

Guest speakers this year were Jonny and Danny Pickett from Wiarton, Ontario.  Both are members of the men’s varsity team at the University of Guelph and operate 8×8 Beach Apparel.  Jonny is also a gold medal winning beach athlete at the 2022 Canada Games, has represented Canada internationally on the beach and is both an OUA and CIS indoor all-star.  They gave an inspiring and informative talk on how athletes from “small-town Ontario” can achieve their dreams and play at a high level.

Afterwards, presentations of awards commenced with the following athletes recognized for their performance this past season by being awarded the OVA Award of Excellence:

4v4 – Mya McGowan, Emmy Ellis
6v6 – Alexis Teet
TLS Synergy – Claudia Chudyk
TLS Vortex – Maryn Partridge
15 Select – Savannah Earle
15U – Victoria Chan
16U – Leah Richardson
17U – Lizzie Woodhouse
18U – Quinn McLeod

In addition, the following team awards were presented:

4v4 – Bridget Davies, Heart Award; Ada Rosebrugh, Hustle Award
6v6 – Alaina Fazari, Heart & Hustle Award; Megan Reeder, A.C.E. Award
TLS Synergy – Jordyn Andree, Coaches’ Award; Meara Vezsenyi, Heart & Hustle Award
TLS Vortex – Kiah Elmy, Coaches’ Award, Jenna Ugwu, Most Improved Award
15U – Callie Butler, Commitment & Heart Award; Amy MacMillan, Most Improved Award
15 Select – Olivia Walker, Heart & Hustle Award
16U – Alexis Ebert, MVP; Daniella Powell, Most Improved Award
17U – Scarlette Roney, Heart & Hustle Award; Kimberlee Nicholson, MVP Award
18U – Athena Hedley, MVP; Sarah Lawlor, MVP

Here’s a picture of all winners…

In addition, BYVC honored certain athletes with Major Awards…

Firstly, the Career Commitment Awards – presented to graduating players with minimum 5 years of playing with BYVC. From top-left going clockwise – Casey Logan (5 years), Anna Carter (7 years), Lucia Ausman (7 years), Athena Hedley (8 years).

And finally, BYVC presented Service Scholarships – given to graduating players who have made a significant contribution to BYVC by volunteering their time and assisting with other teams or developmental programs – From left to right…Athena Hedley, Anna Carter, Lucia Ausman.

Check out pictures from the event…