January 19, 2026

U SPORTS honours 2024-25 Top 8 Academic All-Canadians in Ottawa

U SPORTS will recognize the nation’s most accomplished student-athletes as it celebrates the 2024-25 U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadians, Jan. 27–28 in Ottawa.

The national governing body for university sport in Canada unveiled its 2024-25 U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadians:

Clara Gascoigne, Saint Mary’s University (women’s basketball)
Jacob Benoit, Dalhousie University (cross country/track and field)
Madalyn Weinert, Brock University (women’s basketball)
Mathias Onuska, University of Waterloo (men’s hockey)
Étienne Cloutier, Université Laval (football)
Corinne Fréchette, Université Laval (rugby)
Isaac Heslinga, University of Alberta (men’s volleyball)
Gabriela Cross, University of Calgary (wrestling)

The eight laureates—selected by their respective conferences as the best and brightest academic student-athletes during the 2024-25 season—will be honoured across two days of national recognition. As part of the celebration, the Top 8 will be guests of The Honourable Francis Scarpaleggia, Speaker of the House of Commons, for a luncheon reception on Wednesday, Jan. 28, and will also participate in a meeting with Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.

The U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadians are presented by Sherrard-Kuzz, LLC with each laureate receiving a commemorative ring from Baron Rings, the official provider of U SPORTS celebratory jewellery.

The Top 8 distinction represents the highest individual academic honour bestowed by U SPORTS. During the 2024-25 academic year, more than 5,600 U SPORTS student-athletes earned Academic All-Canadian status by maintaining an academic average of 80 per cent or higher while competing in university sport. From that group, eight student-athletes are selected to represent the pinnacle of academic achievement and athletic excellence.

Together, the 2024-25 Top 8 Academic All-Canadians exemplify the balance, discipline and leadership that define university sport in Canada.

QUOTE – PIERRE ARSENAULT – U SPORTS Chief Executive Officer

“The Top 8 Academic All-Canadians represent the very best of U SPORTS. These student-athletes have demonstrated that excellence in the classroom and excellence in competition are not competing priorities, but complementary pursuits. Their recognition in Ottawa—alongside leaders of our country—is a powerful reminder of the role university sport plays in developing thoughtful, disciplined and engaged leaders for Canada’s future.”

LAUREATE BIOGRAPHIES

Gabriela Cross — Calgary

Program: Nursing
Year: Undergraduate
Sport: Wrestling
GPA: 4.0

A model of consistency and excellence, Gabriela Cross has distinguished herself as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in Canadian university sport. A four-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian, Cross maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA in the Faculty of Nursing while competing at the highest level of women’s wrestling.

On the mat, Cross delivered a historic 2024-25 season, capturing Canada West and U SPORTS gold in the 56-kilogram class, going a flawless 4-0 at the national championship without conceding a single point. Her dominance earned her U SPORTS Women’s Outstanding Wrestler honours, while also helping the Calgary Dinos secure a national team silver medal.

Beyond U SPORTS competition, Cross continues to excel internationally. She claimed silver at the 2025 Pan-American Championships at 57 kg and has represented Canada on both the U23 and U20 national teams. Her sustained success across multiple seasons reflects not only elite athletic ability but also exceptional discipline and preparation.

Isaac Heslinga — Alberta

Program: Mechanical Engineering
Year: Fifth year
Sport: Men’s Volleyball
GPA: 3.4

Isaac Heslinga’s university career stands as a rare blend of elite athletic production and academic rigour. Competing in the demanding Faculty of Engineering, Heslinga earned Academic All-Canadian recognition while delivering one of the most statistically dominant seasons in U SPORTS men’s volleyball history.

Hailing from Orangeville, Ont., the two-time Canada West Player of the Year led his conference and U SPORTS in kills, kills per set, points and points per set during the 2024-25 season. His efficiency—highlighted by a .373 attack percentage—placed him among the most effective attackers university volleyball has seen in decades. Over his career, Heslinga finished among Alberta’s all-time leaders in kills, points and service aces.

Off the court, Heslinga’s commitment to excellence extended to his academic pursuits, completing his engineering degree while maintaining elite performance standards in competition.

A respected leader within the Golden Bears program, he set a tone of professionalism and quiet determination that resonated throughout the locker room.

Mathias Onuska — Waterloo

Program: Honours Health Science
Year: Third year
Sport: Men’s Hockey
Average: 96.7%

Mathias Onuska has emerged as one of the nation’s premier goaltenders while setting an exceptional standard in the classroom.

In 2024-25, the third-year Honours Health Science student recorded a remarkable 96.7 per cent academic average, earning recognition as one of Waterloo’s top undergraduate student-athletes for a second consecutive year.

On the ice, Onuska delivered a season for the ages. He led the country with a .941 save percentage and posted a 2.18 goals-against average, earning both OUA and U SPORTS Goaltender of the Year honours. His performances anchored Waterloo’s success throughout the season and culminated in his receiving the Totzke Trophy as the Warriors’ men’s athlete of the year.

Equally impactful away from competition, Onuska is deeply engaged in his community. He volunteers with KW Habilitation Farm, supports Indigenous hockey initiatives, assists with summer hockey camps, and serves as a Rise-Up Peer Mentor, helping first-year student-athletes transition into university life.

Madalyn Weinert — Brock

Program: Medical Sciences
Year: Fourth year
Sport: Women’s Basketball
Average: 93%

Madalyn Weinert’s journey to Brock University can be defined by adaptability, perseverance and sustained excellence. Born and raised in St. Catharines, Weinert balanced her development across multiple sports before ultimately emerging as one of the country’s most decorated women’s basketball student-athletes.

Academically, Weinert pursued a Medical Sciences degree while earning Dean’s List recognition and U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian honours each year of her university career.

Her commitment to academic excellence matched her impact on the court, where she earned two OUA Player of the Year awards and two First Team U SPORTS All-Canadian selections. In 2024-25, she led the country in points per game (21.8), total points (480), and field goals made (161).

Weinert’s leadership and consistency elevated the Badgers program, as she combined high-level performance with an approach rooted in preparation and discipline. Her ability to maintain elite standards through the demands of varsity competition reflects a maturity that has defined her student-athlete experience.

Étienne Cloutier — Laval

Program: Administration (MSc)
Year: MA
Sport: Football
GPA: 4.33

Étienne Cloutier represents the highest standard of academic and athletic leadership in Canadian university sport. As a starting centre for all 12 games in 2024, Cloutier played a pivotal role in guiding the Rouge et Or to a historic Vanier Cup championship.

A team captain, Cloutier’s leadership extended beyond performance, anchoring one of the most disciplined and successful football programs in the country. An unwavering commitment to preparation and accountability matched his presence on the offensive line.

Academically, Cloutier posted a perfect 4.33 GPA in the first year of his Master of Science (Administration) program, earning A+ grades in every course. His academic excellence stands among the most exceptional achievements in the history of U SPORTS.

Beyond football and academics, Cloutier dedicated time to mentoring younger student-athletes and participating in community outreach initiatives, including hospital visits and programs supporting underserved youth.

Corinne Fréchette — Laval

Program: Educational Psychology (MSc)
Year: MA
Sport: Rugby
GPA: 4.11

Corinne Fréchette has built a legacy defined by academic and sporting excellence and leadership.

A cornerstone of the Rouge et Or rugby program, she helped secure a third conference championship in four seasons while earning U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian honours for a fourth consecutive year—an achievement rarely matched in program history.

Her athletic success mirrored her academic distinction. Fréchette began her master’s degree in educational psychology and earned a 4.11 GPA during the 2024-25 academic year.

Beyond competition, Fréchette has been a driving force for positive change within her program and community. She established an ethics committee within Rouge et Or athletics and has actively promoted youth participation in rugby, mentoring dozens of young athletes.

Clara Gascoigne — Saint Mary’s

Program: Master of Business Administration
Year: Graduate
Sport: Women’s Basketball
GPA: 4.12 (MBA)

Clara Gascoigne’s student-athlete career at Saint Mary’s University is one of consistency, leadership and impact. A Dartmouth, N.S., native, Gascoigne completed her MBA with a 4.12 GPA during the 2024-25 academic year.

On the court, Gascoigne leaves one of the most decorated résumés in U SPORTS women’s basketball. A three-time AUS champion, U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year and AUS Most Valuable Player, she set program records while anchoring one of the nation’s most successful teams.

Equally impressive has been her academic journey, as she earned five U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian selections and numerous institutional and conference scholarships. Gascoigne’s leadership helped shape Saint Mary’s sustained success, serving as a mentor and standard-bearer for excellence within the Huskies program.

Jacob Benoit — Dalhousie

Program: Master of Business Administration
Year: MA
Sport: Cross Country / Track & Field
GPA: 3.96

Jacob Benoit’s path to elite university athletics began in rural Nova Scotia, where opportunity was limited but determination was not. From those beginnings, Benoit became a dedicated student-athlete whose experience is defined by his teamwork, perseverance, and growth.

A five-time Academic All-Canadian, Benoit helped lead the Dalhousie Tigers to a third-place finish at the AUS Cross-Country Championships in 2024-25, before guiding the team to a conference title in Track and Field. His fifth-place overall finish at the 2024 U SPORTS Cross-Country Championships earned him first-team All-Canadian status, before adding a bronze medal in the men’s 3000m event at the 2025 U SPORTS Track and Field championships in Windsor.

While distance running is an individual pursuit, Benoit’s university career has centred on connection and team success. Training and competing alongside teammates shaped his understanding of leadership, resilience and accountability—qualities that extend well beyond the track.

Benoit credits university sport with preparing him for life beyond competition, providing lessons in discipline, process and community that will guide his future endeavours.