Katelynn Jacques and Diego Martinez-Elizondo celebrate their Athlete of the Year awards alongside Sault College President Sherri Smith

Posted: Apr 09, 2026

Sault College celebrates excellence at 2025-2026 Athletic Awards Banquet

Thiago Neuenschwander
tneuenschwan@saultcollege.ca

The Sault College Athletics Department hosted its annual awards banquet this past Wednesday evening, April 8, on the institution's premises, to celebrate the standout achievements of the Cougars throughout the 2025-2026 season. The night's highest honours were awarded to hockey star Katelynn Jacques and baseball standout Diego Martinez-Elizondo, who were named the Sault College Cougars Athletes of the Year.

Jacques served as the offensive powerhouse and a foundational pillar for a team that secured its fourth consecutive ACHA Division 2 National Championship. Her remarkable campaign included 47 regular-season points and a decisive performance at Nationals, where she contributed three goals and three assists toward the title. In recognition of her elite play, she was also named to the CCWHA All-Conference First Team.

Diego Martinez-Elizondo was a consistent bright spot for the Men's Baseball program. As a premier two-way talent, he anchored the outfield with defensive precision and provided one of the season's most memorable highlights with a clutch three-run home run against Fanshawe.

"Tonight, we don't celebrate wins and losses. We celebrate commitment, growth, and the moments that define us as athletes and as a department. By almost any measure this has been one of our most successfull seasons of all time at our college", said Paul Orazietti, Cougars' Athletics Director, in his opening remarks.

The Rookies of the Year were awarded to Payton Baker (Women's Volleyball) and Sam Mustapha (Men's Football). Baker, an OCAA West Division All-Star, emerged as a natural leader in her debut season, using her exceptional vision as a setter to navigate the Cougars' return to the OCAA.

On the gridiron, Mustapha established himself as one of the most prolific running backs in the CJFL. Over nine games, he racked up 913 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns (regular season & playoffs), averaging a staggering 10 yards per carry. His season was highlighted by a dominant 194-yard performance against the London Beefeaters, ultimately earning him CJFL Rookie of the Year honours and a selection to the CJFL Second Team All-Canadian.

Leadership on the sidelines was also recognized, as Megan Dubas was named Coach of the Year for her incredible debut season as head coach of the Women's Hockey team. Under her guidance, the Cougars maintained an undefeated regular season record before sweeping the National tournament to end their D2 dynasty in style.

Due to this collective success, the Women's Hockey squad was also named Team of the Year. As the program celebrates this final D2 achievement, they look forward to making its debut in Division 1 next season.

Excellence was further highlighted across several specialty categories. The Top Performing International Athlete Award went to Australian defensive tackle George Limb for his performance, leadership, and athleticism, which also earned him the All-OFC Conference Football Award. The Cougar Pride Award, recognizing dedication to the college, was presented to Emma Lee and Erron Beachey.

The Gerry McGuire Cougar Contributor Award was presented to Emilia Russell, a student in the Sports Administration program who has become an invaluable asset to the athletics program. Throughout the season, Russell dedicated her time and talent to the football team, capturing essential game footage and supporting game-day operations. Beyond the field, her efforts extended to the recreation and intramurals programs, ensuring the smooth delivery of athletic services across the college.

Additionally, Liz Gavey and Brodie McLeod received the G.R. Hodgson Award for their outstanding balance of athletic prowess, academics, and leadership. The list of awards concluded with the honouring of the MVPs of each program, recognizing the student-athletes who served as the heartbeat of their respective teams. Sault College President Sherri Smith attended the event, along with coaches, student-athletes, and institutions' staff.

2025-2026 Awards List

Female Athlete of the Year: Katelynn Jacques (Women's Hockey)

Ross Bachert Male Athlete of the Year: Diego Martinez-Elizondo (Men's Baseball)

Female Rookie of the Year: Payton Baker (Women's Volleyball)

Male Rookie of the Year: Sam Mustapha (Men's Football)

Coach of the Year: Megan Dubas (Women's Hockey)

Team of the Year: Women's Hockey

Top Performing International Athlete: George Limb (Men's Football)

G.R. Hodgson Award: Liz Gavey (Women's Volleyball) & Brodie McLeod (Men's Hockey)

Gerry McGuire Cougar Contributor Award: Emilia Russell

Cougar Pride Award: Emma Lee (Women's Hockey) & Erron Beachey (Men's Football)

Team MVPs:

Women's Curling: Jenna DiVincenzo

Men's Curling: Justin MacKay

Women's Volleyball: Darby Sewell

Men's Hockey: Nick Jameus

Women's Hockey: Farrah Farstad

Men's Baseball: Diego Martinez-Elizondo

Men's Football: Jaidan Trudeau

Season Accomplishments

All OFC Conference Football Award Winners: Will Brine, George Limb, Jaidan Trudeau, Grant Mathewson, Sam Mustapha, Daikaden Gauthier

Unanimous OFC Rookie of the Year: Sam Mustapha

OFC All-Star: Sam Mustapha

CJFL Rookie of the Year: Sam Mustapha

OCAA Gold Medalists: Men's Curling

OCAA Coach of the Year: Dan Lemieux (Men's Curling)

OCAA Men's Curling MVP: Evan Robert

First Team All-Star: Justin McKay (Men's Curling)

First Team All-Star: Jake Clouthier (Men's Curling)

Second Team All-Star: Ben Appleton (Men's Curling)

OCAA West Division All Rookie Team: Payton Baker (Women's Volleyball)

ACHA D2 National Champions: Women's Hockey

ACHA D2 National Tournament MVP: Payton Stos

CCWHA All-Conference First Team: Katelynn Jaqcues

CCWHA All-Conference Rookie Team: Abygail McDonald