Toronto Varsity Blues Celebrate Top Athletes of 2025
TORONTO – Swimmer Nina Mollin and hockey player Owen Robinson have been named the University of Toronto Varsity Blues’ T-Holders’ athletes of the year for 2025. The university also recognized badminton star Jacqueline Cheung and baseball pitcher Kevin Angers as the Frank Pindar athletes of the year. Additionally, Brandon Tang and Voke Ewhrudjakpor received accolades for their achievements in track and field, while Kaira Xuan and Nathan Thomas were named the Varsity Blues rookies of the year.
Nina Mollin and Owen Robinson Crowned T-Holders’ Athletes of the Year
Nina Mollin dominated the pool, securing the Varsity Blues women’s swimming team’s 11th consecutive OUA championship title and a fourth-place finish at the U SPORTS national championships. Mollin won U SPORTS national gold in the 100-meter butterfly, 200-meter butterfly, and 200-meter individual medley (IM), earning U SPORTS first-team All-Canadian honors. She also captured a national relay bronze in the 400-meter medley relay.
Provincially, Mollin earned four individual gold medals in the 200-meter butterfly, 200-meter breaststroke, 200-meter IM, and 400-meter IM, along with a relay gold in the 400-meter freestyle relay. her performance led to OUA first-team All-Star status, the OUA IM Excellence Award, and OUA Swimmer of the Year honors.
Owen Robinson led the Varsity Blues men’s hockey team. He finished first in the OUA scoring race and eighth in U SPORTS with 38 points (15 goals, 23 assists). Robinson was named a U SPORTS first-team All-Canadian and OUA Player of the Year, also earning OUA first-team All-Star recognition. He also ranked among the top 10 in the province in assists (23), power-play goals (5), and game-winning goals (4). Following the season, Robinson signed a professional contract with the Indy Fuel of the ECHL.
Jacqueline Cheung and Kevin Angers Named Frank Pindar Athletes of the Year
Jacqueline Cheung was instrumental in the Blues badminton team’s undefeated season and gold medal win at the 2025 OUA badminton championships. Cheung’s strong performance in both women’s and mixed doubles earned her OUA all-Star and OUA MVP honors. She also secured women’s doubles silver and mixed doubles bronze at the 2024 Canadian International Challenge.
Additional Awards Celebrate Excellence
Brandon Tang and Voke Ewhrudjakpor were recognized with the George M. Biggs Trophy and Dr. Clara Benson Honor Award, respectively, for their athletic achievements, scholarship, and community service at the University of Toronto. Kaira Xuan and Nathan Thomas were named the Varsity Blues Rookies of the Year.
Varsity blues Athletes Honored for Excellence in Sports and Academics
Several Varsity Blues athletes have been recognized for their outstanding achievements in athletics, academics, and community involvement. From badminton to baseball to track and field and tennis,these students have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill.
Baseball Star Kevin Angers Named OUA Most Valuable Pitcher
Kevin Angers,a veteran pitcher for the Varsity Blues baseball team,has been named the OUA’s Most Valuable Pitcher. Angers played a crucial role in the Blues’ second consecutive OUA championship title, achieving four regular season victories and two postseason wins as a starting pitcher. The team recorded a 10-4 regular season and a 6-0 postseason record.
Angers posted a 2.05 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 26.1 innings during the regular season. He had a 13-strikeout game over York during the OUA regionals and pitched 6.2 innings with six strikeouts in a semifinal victory over Queen’s.
Brandon Tang Receives George M. Biggs Trophy & Clara Benson Honour Award
Brandon Tang,a member of the Varsity Blues track and field team and a computer science student,has been honored with the George M. Biggs Trophy and Clara Benson Honour Award. Tang has achieved academic success as a U SPORTS academic all-Canadian multiple years and received a Rhodes Scholarship nomination, the CIE international Experience Award, and the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD.
Tang ranks fourth all-time on the university’s 60m record list, claimed OUA 60m bronze in 2024, and is a three-time OUA relay medalist. He is also a team captain and recipient of the OUA track and field community service award in 2024.
tang’s community involvement includes membership in the BIPOC Varsity Association (BVA), director of community engagement with the U of T AI Club, and team lead for Project X.
Voke Ewhrudjakpor Recognized for Contributions On and Off the Field
Voke ewhrudjakpor, a member of the Varsity Blues women’s track and field team, has been honored for her extensive involvement across the University of Toronto campus and community. She has earned scholarships such as the University of Toronto National Scholarship, the henkel diversity Scholarship, and the Phyllis Velona Walker Award, and has been a U SPORTS academic all-Canadian three times.
Ewhrudjakpor has competed at the OUA and U SPORTS Championships, ranking in U of T’s all-time Top 6 for both weight throw and shot put events. She has also served as team captain.
Her community involvement includes roles such as Vice President of Leadership Growth with Varsity Board, Equity Commissioner with the Woodsworth College Students Association, and assistant coach with Kelvin High School track and field.
Tennis Standout Kaira Xuan Named Rookie of the Year
Kaira Xuan, a first-year player on the women’s tennis team, has been named OUA Rookie of the Year. Xuan was undefeated in both women’s doubles and singles matches during the regular season, contributing to the Blues’ perfect 8-0 record. She remained undefeated at the OUA championships and helped the team win their second consecutive provincial title.
University of Toronto Announces Top Athletes of the Year
TORONTO (AP) — The university of Toronto has announced its major athletic award winners for the 2024-25 season, recognizing outstanding achievements in varsity sports. Among the honorees are Athletes of the Year, Rookies of the year, and recipients of prestigious awards recognizing leadership, sportsmanship, and performance.
Owen robinson and Nina Mollin Named T-Holders’ Athletes of the Year
The T-Holders’ Athletes of the Year, awarded to the top male and female U of T athletes, were presented to hockey player Owen Robinson and swimmer Nina Mollin. This award recognizes the highest degree of excellence in athletics.
Kevin Angers and Jacqueline Cheung Honored as Frank Pindar Athletes of the Year
Baseball player Kevin Angers and badminton player Jacqueline Cheung were named the Frank Pindar Athletes of the Year. This award celebrates athletes who demonstrate exceptional performance in sports with OUA or university-recognized championships.
Brandon Tang and Voke Ewhrudjakpor Receive leadership Awards
Brandon Tang (Track & Field) received the George M. Biggs Trophy, awarded to the graduating undergraduate male student-athlete who has contributed most to university athletics from the standpoint of leadership, sportsmanship and performance.Voke Ewhrudjakpor (Track & Field) earned the Dr. Clara Benson Honour Award,which recognizes the graduating undergraduate female student-athlete who has similarly contributed to university athletics through leadership,sportsmanship,and performance.
Nathan Thomas and Kaira Xuan Crowned Rookies of the Year
Nathan Thomas (Swimming) and Kaira Xuan (Tennis) were named Rookies of the Year. Thomas, a breaststroke specialist, had a stellar debut season, earning OUA Rookie of the Year and U SPORTS Rookie of the Year honors. He clinched gold in the 200 breaststroke at the OUA championships and contributed to record-breaking relay performances. At the U SPORTS national competition, he secured silver in the 200 breaststroke and 400 medley relay, and bronze in the 100 breaststroke.
Based on the provided text, here are two Potential Audience Questions (PAA) suitable for the title “Toronto Varsity Blues Athletes of 2025: Q&A”:
Toronto Varsity Blues Athletes of 2025: Q&A
This article celebrates the outstanding achievements of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues athletes in 2025. From swimming to hockey, baseball, badminton, track and field, and tennis, these athletes have demonstrated extraordinary skill, dedication, and leadership. Here’s a Q&A to delve deeper into their accomplishments.
Who are the T-Holders’ Athletes of the Year?
Nina Mollin (Swimming) and Owen Robinson (Hockey) were named the T-Holders’ Athletes of the Year. This award recognizes the top male and female athletes at the University of Toronto for their exceptional athletic performance.
Nina Mollin: Dominated the pool, winning multiple gold medals in the U SPORTS national championships and OUA championships. She also earned U SPORTS first-team All-Canadian honors.
Owen Robinson: Led the men’s hockey team, finishing first in the OUA scoring race and earning OUA Player of the Year and U SPORTS first-team All-Canadian recognition. He is now playing professionally.
Who received the Frank Pindar Athletes of the Year award?
Jacqueline Cheung (Badminton) and Kevin Angers (Baseball) were honored as Frank Pindar Athletes of the Year. This award celebrates athletes who excel in sports with OUA or university-recognized championships.
Jacqueline Cheung: Instrumental in the Blues’ undefeated badminton season, earning OUA All-Star and MVP honors, and securing medals at the Canadian International Challenge.
Kevin Angers: Named the OUA Most Valuable Pitcher, leading the baseball team to their second consecutive OUA championship with a strong pitching record.
what are the George M. Biggs Trophy and Dr. Clara Benson Honor Award?
These awards recognize graduating student-athletes for their contributions to university athletics through leadership, sportsmanship, and performance, as well as their academic achievements and community involvement.
Brandon Tang (Track & Field): received the George M. Biggs Trophy. he is a computer science student, U SPORTS academic All-Canadian, and a Rhodes Scholarship nominee. he is also recognized for his community service through the BIPOC Varsity Association and the U of T AI Club.
voke Ewhrudjakpor (Track & Field): Earned the Dr.Clara Benson Honour Award. she is a three-time U SPORTS academic all-Canadian, and has demonstrated leadership as team captain, as well as extensive campus and community involvement.
Who are the Rookies of the Year?
Kaira Xuan (Tennis) and Nathan Thomas (Swimming) were named Rookies of the year, recognizing their outstanding performances in their debut seasons.
Kaira Xuan: Was undefeated in both women’s doubles and singles matches, contributing to the Blues’ perfect season and winning the OUA championship.
Nathan Thomas: A breaststroke specialist, earning OUA and U SPORTS Rookie of the Year honors. He won gold in the 200 breaststroke at the OUA championships and secured silver and bronze at the U SPORTS national competition.
The success of these athletes highlights the commitment and talent within the Varsity Blues program. their achievements inspire future generations of student-athletes.
