U SPORTS announces Top 8 Academic All-Canadians
OTTAWA - Today, U SPORTS celebrates the eight best and brightest university student-athletes from across Canada, unveiling the student-athletes selected as Top 8 Academic All-Canadians for the 2023-24 season.
WATCH THE CEREMONY LIVE (7:30 p.m. Eastern).
In the 31st edition of the event, Nan Copp Trophy winner as U SPORTS women’s basketball player of the year Jayda Veinot from the University of New Brunswick (Port Williams, N.S.), Université de Moncton thrower Samuel Bourque (Notre-Dame-de-Kent, N.B), 2024 U SPORTS women’s hockey player of the year Gabrielle Santerre from Bishop’s University (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.), Université Laval’s two-sport star Philippe Morneau-Cartier (Quebec City, Que.), University of Toronto swimming sensation Ainsley McMurray (Montreal, Que.), Western University football standout Jackson Findlay (North Vancouver, B.C.), University of Regina Cougar hoops All-Canadian Jade Belmore (Regina, Sask.) and University of Calgary double medallist swimmer Nathan Versluys (Edmonton, Alta.) will be honoured for their academic and sporting excellence.
The eight honorees were selected from the 4,900 student-athletes who achieved U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status in the 2023-24 season.
U SPORTS student-athletes achieve Academic All-Canadian status for maintaining an average of 80 percent or better over the academic year while competing for one – or more – of their university’s teams that participate within U SPORTS.
In recognition of their achievements, a ceremony will be held in Ottawa later today to present the student-athletes with the Governor General’s Medal for Academic Excellence. They will be honoured Wednesday in a reception on Parliament Hill hosted by The Honourable Greg Fergus, P.C., M.P, Speaker of the House of Commons, followed by a visit with Her Excellency, Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada at Rideau Hall.
Quotes:
“These eight outstanding individuals represent the more than 4,900 U SPORTS student-athletes who achieved excellence in the classroom and on the field of play this past year. They’re the crème-de la-crème of Canadian students, and we are fortunate to have the support of the Governor General and the Speaker of the House as we recognize our Top 8 Academic All-Canadians” - Pierre Arsenault, U SPORTS CEO.
2023-24 HONOUREE BIOS
ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY SPORT
Jayda Veinot – University of New Brunswick
Sport (Year): Basketball (5th year)
Program: MA - Applied Health Services Research
2023-24 GPA: 4.2 / 4.2
Year of Study: 5
Hometown: Port Williams, N.S.
Hailing from Port Williams, N.S., Jayda Veinot concluded a remarkable five-year career in U SPORTS basketball while excelling academically. Veinot continued working towards her master’s degree in applied health services research from the University of New Brunswick with a perfect 4.2 GPA.
Her research focused on the experiences of registered dietitians in New Brunswick, and she contributed as a research assistant to the Centre of Research in Integrated Care.
Veinot also secured funding through the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Insecurity’s Feed Opportunity Grant and presented her thesis to patient partners, showcasing her dedication to empowering patient-oriented research.
A five-time Academic All-Canadian, she balanced her studies with elite athletic and community commitments.
Veinot's on-court accolades include winning the Nan Copp Trophy (U SPORTS player of the year) as well as being named a first-team All-Canadian in 2024, as well as being named the most valuable player in the AUS on two occasions.
Veinot’s leadership was pivotal in guiding UNB to a 15-5 record and an appearance in the AUS championship game in 2023-24. Notably, she is the only player to win AUS MVP honours at two AUS universities, having also excelled at Acadia.
Off the court, she is deeply involved in coaching and mentoring youth basketball players, serving as an assistant coach for Basketball New Brunswick’s provincial teams.
Samuel Bourque – Université de Moncton
Sport (Year): Track and Field (4th year)
Program: Business Administration (Co-op - Finance)
2023-24 GPA: 3.8 / 4.3
Year of Study: 5th
Hometown: Notre-Dame-de-Kent, N.B.
Samuel Bourque, a fifth-year Business Administration (Co-op Finance) student at Université de Moncton, epitomizes academic and athletic excellence.
Bourque has a cumulative GPA of 3.8, is a three-time Academic All-Canadian, and received the 2024 University President Award for outstanding achievements.
His academic success complements his dominance in track and field, where he has consistently excelled at the provincial, conference, and national levels.
Bourque’s athletic résumé includes six AUS championship medals and two at the U SPORTS national championships, highlighted by a 2024 gold medal in shot put.
Bourque holds numerous New Brunswick provincial records in shot put and discus and has been named AUS Field Athlete of the Year three times. He also earned silver and bronze medals at the Canada Games and Canadian Track and Field Championships.
Beyond competition, he has served as an official at high school athletics events and mentored young athletes, particularly in throwing disciplines. A leader on campus, Bourque is active in the Jeux de l’Acadie, contributing to its organizational committees and volunteering with its athletics programs.
He also served as vice president of finances for the annual Business Administration faculty banquet. His dedication to academics, athletics, and community service demonstrates his commitment to excellence and to fostering the growth of others.
RSEQ
Gabrielle Santerre – Bishop’s University
Sport (Year): Hockey (1st Year)
Program: Sport Studies
2023-24 GPA: 89.8% average
Year of Study: 1st year
Hometown: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Qué.
Gabrielle Santerre of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., made history during her first year at Bishop’s University. Balancing her program in sports studies program, where she posted an impressive 89.8% average, with the transition to hockey at the university level, Santerre became the first U SPORTS women’s hockey player to win both the Brodrick Trophy (Player of the Year) and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season.
In her first season, she led U SPORTS in both assists (27) and points (25), setting a modern-day RSEQ rookie points record. She was named a first-team All-Canadian and earned a spot on the U SPORTS All-Rookie Team.
Santerre’s contributions extend beyond the ice. She is an Academic All-Canadian, a Dean’s List student, and a member of the Bishop’s University Academic Honours Society, which recognizes the top 15% of students in their respective divisions.
Santerre actively gives back to the community by volunteering with children’s skating classes and inspiring the next generation of athletes. She also participated in a leadership retreat aimed at fostering meaningful change and guiding others with purpose.
Philippe Morneau-Cartier – Université Laval
Sport (Year): Cross-Country / Track & Field (3rd year)
Program: Medicine
2023-24 GPA: 3.94
Year of Study: 4th year
Hometown: Quebec City, Que.
Québec City’s Philippe Morneau-Cartier embodies the balance of academic rigour and athletic excellence.
As a doctoral student in medicine with a 3.94 GPA, Morneau-Cartier excels in his studies while competing at the highest level in cross-country and track and field.
In 2023-24, he was named U SPORTS Cross-Country Athlete of the Year after winning gold at the national championships.
He also represented Canada at the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, where he finished an impressive 41st overall.
Morneau-Cartier’s leadership extends to his academic and community involvement.
He is a member of Université Laval’s equity, diversity, and inclusion committee and academic tutoring fellow medical students.
Additionally, he volunteers with Kids Help Phone (Jeunesse J’écoute), providing mental health support to youth, and helps train young athletes through Laval’s track and field club.
His ability to excel in demanding academic and athletic environments inspires his teammates and peers.
ONTARIO UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Ainsley McMurray – University of Toronto
Sport (Year): Swimming
Program: MA Environmental Sciences
2023-24 GPA: A average
Hometown: Montreal, Que.
Ainsley McMurray, a Montrealer with a master’s in environmental science specializing in climate change impacts, has maintained an “A” average while leading the University of Toronto Varsity Blues swim team to national prominence.
McMurray is a three-time U SPORTS freestyle champion named the 2024 OUA Female Swimmer of the Year.
She played a pivotal role in the Varsity Blues’ three consecutive national team titles and achieved career-best performances at the 2024 Olympic Trials.
Her commitment to environmental advocacy has complemented McMurray’s academic and athletic journey.
She discovered her passion for sustainability during her undergraduate studies in Environmental Biology and recently accepted a position with Deloitte Canada’s sustainability reporting practice.
McMurray’s coaches have supported her dual pursuits, offering flexibility to balance training and academics.
Beyond the pool, McMurray’s dedication to teamwork, travel, and community engagement reflects her holistic approach to life and sport.
Jackson Findlay – Western University
Sport (Year): Football (3rd)
Program: Medical Sciences
2023-24 Average: 87%
Year of Study: 4th year
Hometown: North Vancouver, B.C.
North Vancouver’s Jackson Findlay is a fourth-year Medical Sciences student with an 87 per cent average who aspires to become a pediatric oncologist.
A three-time Academic All-Canadian, Findlay has been a key contributor to Western’s football program, earning the 2024 OUA Outstanding Stand-Up Defensive Player of the Year award and leading the Mustangs to multiple championships.
As a defensive captain, he has anchored the top-ranked defence in the conference while mentoring his teammates. His leadership extends far beyond football.
As President of the Mustangs Athlete Student Council, he has spearheaded community initiatives, including volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club and coaching women’s football.
He also supports mental health as his team's wellness lead and advocates for women’s inclusion in football.
Findlay’s commitment to making a positive impact underscores his excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.
CANADA WEST
Jade Belmore – University of Regina
Sport (Year): Basketball (3rd year)
Program: Kinesiology
2023-24 Average: 83.7%
Year of Study: 4th year
Hometown: Regina, Sask.
Regina’s Jade Belmore has distinguished herself as a student-athlete and community leader.
The Kinesiology major maintains an 83.7 percent average and is a four-time Academic All-Canadian and two-time University of Regina Female Athlete of the Year.
Belmore was named Canada West Player of the Year in 2023 and has earned multiple All-Canadian honours.
Internationally, she represented Canada at the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series and the GLOBL Jam in Toronto.
In addition to her athletic success, Belmore has significantly impacted the community. She mentors youth through basketball clinics in Iqaluit and Saskatchewan and coaches Team Saskatchewan’s 15U team.
Nathan Versluys – University of Calgary
Sport (Year): Swimming (4th year)
Program: BSC (Geography)
2023-24 GPA: 3.91 / 4.0
Year of Study: 5th year
Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.
Edmonton’s Nathan Versluys graduated with distinction in Geography, achieving a 3.91 GPA. A three-time Academic All-Canadian, Versluys has consistently placed on the Canada West and U SPORTS swimming championship podiums.
His career highlights include winning gold in the 400-meter freestyle at multiple conference championships and silver at the U SPORTS Championships in 2024.
In 2024, Versluys was named a second-team All-Canadian at the U SPORTS Swimming Championship, recognizing his exceptional national performance.
In his final year, he achieved a lifetime best of 3:58.43 in the 400m freestyle.
Versluys also volunteers with the Big Dino Little Dino program, mentoring young swimmers and showcasing the rewards of varsity athletics.
His academic achievements, athletic performance, and dedication to inspiring others define his exemplary career at the University of Calgary.