Hannaford, Piepgrass named Student-Athletes of the Year

The Cape Breton University Athletics Department held their 51^st Annual Athletics Awards Banquet, presented by Nova Stream, on Friday, March 27 at the Boardmore Theatre. The banquet serves as an evening to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and commitment that our student-athletes, coaches, staff and community stakeholders have shown throughout the season. It's a time to recognize excellence, not just in athletic performance, but in the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and character that defines our CAPERS program.

This year's female student-athlete of the year, Grace Hannaford of the women's soccer team, was an integral part of leading her team to a 7-2-3 regular season and to the team's record setting 14^th AUS championship title. She started all games in the regular season and post season and led her team in points and scoring. She was 2nd in the AUS for game winning goals, 3rd for shots taken and 4th overall for goals, assists and points. She is part of her team's leadership group and an Academic All-Canadian in the classroom. This season, Grace was named as an AUS First Team All-Star and a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian.

This year's male student-athlete of the year, Max Piepgrass of the men's soccer team, was a key player this season, leading them to a 9-1-2 regular season and a trip to the AUS Championships. Despite missing the first 3 games, he led his team in points, was 2nd in the conference for penalty shots and 3rd overall for shots on goal. Max was an Academic All-Canadian in the classroom and a leader on the field. Named as the AUS men's soccer Most Valuable Player, as an AUS First Team All-Star and as a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian, Max truly earned this award. He was unable to attend the banquet to receive his award as he is playing with his professional team, Calvary FC.

President and Vice Chancellor David C Dingwall was on hand to present this year's President's Award. The recipient of this award maintained the highest academic standing among student-athletes from September 2024 to August 2025. Nominations from each team were Alicia Bowering - women's basketball, Libery Yuke - women's soccer, Aaron Cunningham - men's basketball, Jacek Marmulak - men's soccer, and Blake Hervé - track & field. The recipient of the award was Jacek Marmulak from men's soccer.

The Credit Union Outstanding performance award went to 2 recipients this year. Stefan Anisko, from men's basketball, was recognized for his outstanding 40-point game in February. Paige Allaby, from women's soccer, was also recognized for her AUS Championship game winning goal.

The Nancy Dingwall Memorial Award for Impact aims to recognize student-athletes who not only excel as an athlete but also demonstrate leadership qualities and a strong commitment to improving the well-being of both their university community and the broader Cape Breton communities, aligning with Nancy's values and legacy. This year's recipient was Ellie Lancaster from women's soccer.

The Donnie Morrison Community Champion Award recognizes a student-athlete who demonstrates exceptional commitment to the broader community in terms of volunteerism, advocacy and leadership. This individual exemplifies integrity and a genuine desire to make a positive impact beyond the playing field. Through volunteer work, mentorship, and active involvement in local initiatives, this student-athlete uses their platform to inspire and uplift others. The recipient of this award was Aaron Cunningham from men's basketball.

The Kathy Reid Award recognizes individuals that have the characteristics of perseverance and courage that Kathy showed during her fight with cancer. The award was given to Kristen Taylor from women's basketball.

CBU's Strength and Conditioning Coach, Aubrey Landry, selected Hazen Rossiter from men's basketball and Leah Disipio from women's soccer as the 2 student-athletes who consistently demonstrated outstanding dedication, effort and achievement throughout the year by pushing their physical limits and showing exceptional work ethic.

The Mavs Gillis Award for Top Student Game Day Employee was given to Sean Balardo for demonstrating excellent work ethic and professionalism during this past season.

Also, each team recognized key member of their squad who stood out during this past season.

Track & Field

Rookie of the Year – Zane Osuji

Most Improved Player – Alexandra Brown

Most Valuable Player – Hailie Eisan

Women's Soccer

Rookie of the Year – Sarah Baker

Most Improved Player – Audrey Roy

Outstanding Contribution to Team Award – Charly Mitchell

CAPER Award – Leah Disipio

Most Valuable Player Award – Grace Hannaford

Men's Basketball

Rookie of the Year – Tayshaun Thomas

Most Improved Player Award – Aaron Cunningham

Outstanding Contribution to Team Award – Tafarian Black

CAPER Award – Liai Tong

Most Valuable Player Award – Stefan Anisko

Women's Basketball

Rookie of the Year – Elizandra Costa

Most Improved Player Award – Lily Francois

Outstanding Contribution to Team Award – Alicia Bowering

CAPER Award – Kristen Taylor

Most Valuable Player Award – Amanda Cruickshank

Men's Soccer Team Awards (5 awards) 

Rookie of the Year – Yohann Hebert

Most Improved Player Award – Nicholas Shifrin

Outstanding Contribution to Team Award – Jamie Nicholson

CAPER Award – Luka Palajsa

Most Valuable Player Award – Max Piepgrass

A big thank you from the Athletics Department to our sponsors, community stakeholders and our loyal fans. You made this past season a great success and we look forward to sharing our next season with you. Go CAPERS Go!