Brock basketball player Madalyn Weinert’s excellence earns Top 8 Academic All-Canadian recognition
Madalyn Weinert’s success has been built on sustained excellence, both in the classroom and on the court.
The Brock University women’s basketball standout capped a decorated university career by being named a 2024-25 U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadian, recognition reserved for student-athletes who combine elite academic achievement with national-level athletic performance.
A fourth-year student in Brock’s Medical Sciences program, Weinert posted a 93 per cent average while leading U SPORTS in scoring during the 2024-25 season, underscoring a standard of performance that has defined her time with the Badgers.
“I’ve always loved sports,” Weinert said.
“I have twin brothers who have always played as well, my dad’s always around helping me. I think it’s just been a family affair at every step of my journey.”
Raised in St. Catharines, Weinert grew up playing soccer and dancing before discovering basketball in elementary school, a path that would eventually shape the rest of her athletic career.
“I made the decision to ditch the dance, thank goodness,” she said.
“I started playing basketball in Grade 5. I went to a travel team in Grade 6 and from there it’s kind of just always been my winter sport.”
Even then, university basketball was not an immediate goal. Weinert did not follow a traditional elite development pathway, instead discovering the possibility of playing at the next level during high school.
“It was kind of in high school that one of the coaches mentioned to my parents, ‘She can take this somewhere, she can definitely go play in university,’” Weinert said.
“That’s kind of when it was like, ‘Oh, maybe I could go do this.’”
Her decision to attend Brock came together organically, shaped by both basketball opportunity and academic ambition. The Badgers’ recent success and the chance to pursue a strong education close to home made the choice feel right.
“I’ve loved every minute of playing in my hometown,” Weinert said.
“I’m so thankful that I stayed home. It’s given me the opportunity to focus so much on basketball and school.”
That balance became a defining feature of her university experience. Weinert carried a full course load for four years in Medical Sciences, a program she described as both demanding and deeply rewarding.
“It’s a little bit in between kinesiology and biomedical science,” she said.
“You take classes with research, anatomy, biology, it’s pretty diverse. I really enjoyed my degree, and there’s nothing I would have done other than this.”
Her academic journey extended beyond the classroom. Weinert completed placements in hospitals, community health centres and senior fitness facilities, experiences that strengthened her interest in health care and allowed her to build meaningful connections in the community.
“They come to my games, they’re always keeping up with the scores,” she said.
“It’s been such a neat way to build community through those placements.”
On the court, Weinert’s growth mirrored her academic discipline. Over five seasons with the Badgers, she developed into a leader defined by work ethic, humility and consistency.
The 2024-25 season marked the statistical peak of that development. Weinert led U SPORTS in points per game (21.8), total points (480) and field goals made (161), while earning OUA Player of the Year and First Team U SPORTS All-Canadian honours.
“It’s not just me,” Weinert said.
“It’s coaches who put time and effort in. It’s the girls around me trusting me, giving me the space to be me. It truly is a reflection of a program.”
Her leadership style, she said, was rooted more in action than in words.
“I try to lead by example more than with my words,” she said. “Demonstrating the work ethic, the time in the gym, being available and just showing that if you put the time and effort in, you can do really great things.”
That mindset extended beyond Brock. In the summer, Weinert earned the opportunity to represent Canada at the Global Jam with the national team, an experience that offered perspective and growth in a different role.
“I didn’t play as much, and I think it was a really great way for me to learn what it takes to be a teammate in a different role,” she said.
“It gave me a new perspective on what it takes for a team to be successful.”
Wearing the national jersey carried emotional weight.
“Never did I think that my last name would ever get to be put on the back of a Team Canada jersey,” she said.
“That was definitely a super neat experience.”
According to Weinert, being named a Top 8 Academic All-Canadian can help inspire the next generation.
“It’s a great example for younger kids coming in,” Weinert said.
“You can work really hard in school, you can work really hard at your sport, and you can be successful in both.”
When she received the news that she earned the honour, the moment was overwhelming.
“I was in tears,” she said.
“It kind of hits you. It’s been five years, how much we’ve grown, how much I’ve grown.”
As she prepares to graduate and explore her next steps in health care, Weinert says her definition of success has evolved.
“Success now is me leaving and looking back at the community I’ve built,” she said.
“The biggest thing I’ll miss is the people. That’s truly been the most amazing part.”