Top Athletes Vie for Coveted Frank Pindar Award
Six extraordinary Varsity Blues athletes are in the running for the prestigious
Frank Pindar Award,recognizing the University of Toronto’s female athlete
of the year. The award, presented annually, honors an athlete competing in a
sport culminating in an OUA or other university-recognized championship
event. The Varsity Blues Awards Gala on Friday, April 4, will reveal the
winner.
Badminton Star Jacqueline Cheung Among Nominees
Jacqueline Cheung’s pivotal role in the Varsity Blues badminton team’s OUA
championship victory has earned her a nomination. Cheung secured eight wins
in women’s and mixed doubles, earning OUA all-star and MVP honors. Her
achievements extend nationally, with silver and bronze medals at the 2024
Canadian International Challenge. Cheung recently won the 2025 pan Am Team
Cup as a member of Team Canada and competed at the All England Open Badminton
Championships.
Tennis Ace Winnie Choi Leads Blues to Victory
Winnie Choi, the Blues’ No. 1 singles and doubles player, helped U of T secure
their second consecutive provincial title. Choi maintained a perfect 8-0
record in regular season matches, contributing to the team’s undefeated 3-0
performance at the OUA championships. Her stellar performance led to OUA
All-Star and Player of the Year recognition.
Golfer Anna Foley Swings to Success
In her second season, Anna Foley propelled U of T to wins at the Western and
Waterloo Invitational events, as well as the OUA Championships.Foley’s
two-day score of 148, featuring a season-best 71, secured the OUA Judy
McCrae Trophy as individual champion and helped the Blues clinch the team
title. She was also named an OUA first-team all-star.
Figure Skater Gabriella Guo Shines on the Ice
Gabriella Guo’s contributions to the Varsity Blues figure skating team led to
a silver medal at the OUA championship and gold at the Brock Invitational.
An OUA all-star, Guo won two gold medals at the OUA championship in the
Novice Short Program and Senior Couples Pairs categories, plus a bronze in
Fours Freeskate. She also secured three gold medals at the Brock Invitational.
Water Polo Goalie Hana truchla Stands Strong
Hana Truchla’s exceptional goaltending propelled the U of T water polo team to
another NCWP championship title. With a 9-0 regular season record, Truchla
and the Blues achieved a perfect 2-0 record at the provincial championship.
Truchla’s outstanding performance, allowing only three goals in two games,
earned her NCWP Outstanding Goalie and all-Canadian honors.
Softball Star Alexia Verches Powers the Blues
Alexia Verches, a catcher and power hitter, earned OUS Championship MVP
recognition for her role in U of T’s OUS championship victory. With a
team-high 27 RBI and a .417 batting average, Verches consistently delivered
extra-base hits, including four doubles, six triples, and four home runs.
Her clutch performance in the championship final, with three RBI and three
runs, underscored her value to the team.
Based on the article, which athlete received both OUA all-Star and Player of the Year recognition?
Top Athletes Vie for Coveted Frank Pindar Award
Six remarkable varsity Blues athletes are in the running for the prestigious
Frank Pindar Award,recognizing the University of toronto’s female athlete
of the year. The award, presented annually, honors an athlete competing in a
sport culminating in an OUA or other university-recognized championship
event. The Varsity Blues Awards Gala on Friday,April 4,will reveal the
winner.
Badminton Star Jacqueline Cheung Among Nominees
Jacqueline Cheung’s pivotal role in the Varsity Blues badminton team’s OUA
championship victory has earned her a nomination. Cheung secured eight wins
in women’s and mixed doubles, earning OUA all-star and MVP honors. Her
achievements extend nationally, with silver and bronze medals at the 2024
Canadian International Challenge.Cheung recently won the 2025 pan Am Team
Cup as a member of Team Canada and competed at the All England Open Badminton
Championships.
Tennis Ace Winnie Choi Leads Blues to Victory
Winnie Choi, the Blues’ No. 1 singles and doubles player, helped U of T secure
their second consecutive provincial title. Choi maintained a perfect 8-0
record in regular season matches, contributing to the team’s undefeated 3-0
performance at the OUA championships. Her stellar performance led to OUA
All-Star and Player of the Year recognition.
Golfer Anna Foley Swings to Success
In her second season, Anna Foley propelled U of T to wins at the Western and
Waterloo invitational events, as well as the OUA championships.Foley’s
two-day score of 148, featuring a season-best 71, secured the OUA Judy
McCrae Trophy as individual champion and helped the blues clinch the team
title. She was also named an OUA frist-team all-star.
Figure Skater Gabriella Guo Shines on the Ice
Gabriella Guo’s contributions to the Varsity Blues figure skating team led to
a silver medal at the OUA championship and gold at the Brock Invitational.
An OUA all-star,Guo won two gold medals at the OUA championship in the
Novice Short program and Senior Couples pairs categories,plus a bronze in
Fours Freeskate. She also secured three gold medals at the Brock Invitational.
water polo Goalie Hana truchla Stands Strong
Hana Truchla’s exceptional goaltending propelled the U of T water polo team to
another NCWP championship title. With a 9-0 regular season record, Truchla
and the Blues achieved a perfect 2-0 record at the provincial championship.
Truchla’s outstanding performance, allowing only three goals in two games,
earned her NCWP Outstanding Goalie and all-Canadian honors.
Softball Star Alexia Verches Powers the Blues
Alexia Verches, a catcher and power hitter, earned OUS Championship MVP
recognition for her role in U of T’s OUS championship victory. With a
team-high 27 RBI and a .417 batting average, Verches consistently delivered
extra-base hits, including four doubles, six triples, and four home runs.
Her clutch performance in the championship final, with three RBI and three
runs, underscored her value to the team.
Frank Pindar Award: Q&A
Q: What is the Frank Pindar Award?
A: It’s the university of Toronto’s most prestigious award, recognizing the female athlete of the year based on athletic achievements in an OUA or other recognized championship sport.
Q: Who was Frank Pindar?
A: Frank Pindar was a prominent alumnus of the University of Toronto, though further details about his life and contributions aren’t widely available. The award is named in his honor to celebrate athletic excellence.
Q: What are the OUA and NCWP?
A: OUA stands for Ontario University Athletics, the governing body for university sports in Ontario. NCWP is the National Collegiate Water Polo.
Q: Why are the achievements of the athletes so impressive?
A: These athletes have excelled in their respective sports,achieving championships,individual accolades (like MVP and all-Star),and even national and international recognition. They demonstrate the highest levels of skill, dedication, and sportsmanship.
Q: Where can I learn more about the Varsity Blues and their athletes?
A: Visit the official University of Toronto Varsity Blues website for schedules,results,and athlete profiles. You can also follow them on social media.
Q: When will the winner be announced?
A: The winner will be revealed at the Varsity Blues Awards Gala on Friday, April 4th.
Q: How can I follow the Awards Gala?
A: Check Varsity Blues social media or the official website for information on how to follow the event and see the winner announced live!
Cheer on your favorite athlete and join the excitement as the University of Toronto celebrates its top female athletes at the Frank Pindar Award Gala!
