Winning On and Off the Field: Lancers Honor 182 Academic All-Canadians

By: Agatha Godlewski

Lancer athletes celebrated a different kind of win: academic achievement. It’s second most Academic All-Canadians in Lancer history, and they were feted at breakfast on November 24.

The Academic All-Canadian designation, bestowed on 182 Lancer student-athletes last month, is awarded by U Sports for those who maintain a minimum grade average of 80 percent while competing in varsity sports.

This year’s recipients came from a variety of athletic programs, including basketball, soccer, track and field and cross country, football, golf, baseball, softball, curling, and hockey. For these student-athletes, being recognized as an Academic All-Canadian is an official acknowledgment of their achievements.

“This is definitely reassuring and rewarding,” said Isabella Anes, a player on the women’s basketball team. “It shows that all the work we’re doing is worth something.”

Balancing the demands of varsity sports and academics is challenging.

“Late nights, staying up, feeling like you’re tired and you can’t do it anymore—that’s the hard part,” Anes shared. “But having accountability from other people, like teammates, is important, and understanding that you’re doing it for something bigger than yourself.”

Isabella Anes at the Outstanding Scholar Breakfast.

The coaching staff also plays an important role in supporting student-athletes.

“We don’t want them thinking about school when they’re at the rink, and we don’t want them thinking about the rink when they’re at school,” said Deanna Iwanicka, head coach of the women’s hockey team, which had better than half the team receive Academic All-Canadian awards this year.

Deanna Iwanicka, Lancer Women’s Hockey coach. Photo by: golancers.

“The demand to excel in more than one area is tough, but it’s also what makes them stronger as individuals,” Iwanicka added.

Dr. Linda Rohr, Dean of the Faculty of Human Kinetics, expressed pride in the accomplishments of the student-athletes.

“The University of Windsor is incredibly proud of all our student-athletes. They are dedicated to their sport and are great ambassadors for the university. Those who excel academically remind us of the hard work student-athletes do off the ice, court, or field,” Rohr said.

Linda Rohr, Dean of Human Kinetics. Photo by: University of Windsor.

Rohr highlighted resources available to support student-athletes, noting Lancer Athletics has student advisors within Human Kinetics and partners in other academic units that provide academic support. Many teams have regular study hall and tutoring hours embedded in their weekly schedules.

“Members of the blue and gold are students first, athletes second. Upon graduation, most student-athletes will end their athletic journey and need to be prepared for successful careers in their chosen fields. With so many being recognized as Academic All-Canadians, our commitment to academic success is clearly demonstrated,” Rohr added.

The goal for Lancer Athletics is to create a balance that allows student-athletes to excel both in the classroom and in competition.

“We always talk about how their identity is both athlete and student. When we go to the rink on a Friday night, it’s after school,” Iwanicka said.

For Anes, the push to be well-rounded is embedded in a team approach.

“Balancing academics and athletics is tough,” Anes said. “But having a team that supports you and coaches who understand the importance of both makes a huge difference.”

For these Lancers, the bar is set high—and they’re not just reaching it, they’re raising it.