2026 Sports & Recreation Annual Student Staff Awards
Western Sports & Recreation is proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of our student staff through the 2025-26 Student Staff Awards. These awards celebrate individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment, and passion in supporting our programs, services, and community.
Our student staff are at the heart of everything we do. Whether they are leading programs, supporting participants, enhancing the student experience, or working behind the scenes, their impact is felt across campus every day.
"Our annual Student Staff Awards Banquet is a celebration of the people who truly power Sports & Recreation. Our student staff are the heartbeat of our operation and without their energy, commitment, and care, we simply couldn’t function. Their passion and teamwork build an environment where people feel valued, included, and inspired. This evening is a chance to recognize their incredible contributions and the lasting impact they have on our community." Steve Barry, Director, Recreation & Active Well-being, Western Sports & Recreation
Award Recipients
This year’s award winners, recognized at the student staff award banquet on April 10, 2026, represent excellence across a wide range of roles within Sports & Recreation:
- Personal Trainer of the Year: Abby Keunecke
- Fitness Centre Shift Supervisor of the Year: Kayli Machura
- Fitness Centre Attendant of the Year: Justin Turcato
- Fitness Instructor of the Year: Dianna Borowiecki
- IMS Official of the Year: Sam Morrow
- IMS Convenor of the Year: Benton Degurse
- Sports Information Staff of the Year: Nathan Gatt
- Communications Staff of the Year: Julia De Marinis
- Membership Services Shift Leader of the Year: Halle Tovell
- Membership Services Associate of the Year: Tom Horn
- Aquatics Head Guard of the Year: Matt Bartsch
- Aquatics Lifeguard of the Year: Megan Driver
- Aquatics Instructor of the Year: Nimer Renno
- Mustangs TV Crew Staff of the Year: Ian Waiting
- Mustangs TV Director of the Year: Rao Ihtisham Ahmed
- Mustangs Events Staff of the Year: George Triantafillakis
- Mustangs Events Supervisor of the Year: Morgan Lambert
Award of Excellence
The highest honour given to student staff by Western Sports & Recreation is the Award of Excellence. This award is presented to an individual who exemplifies leadership, initiative, and a commitment to enhancing the student experience across Sports & Recreation.
- Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Sports & Recreation Award of Excellence: Sonia Nguyen
"Sonia has made an big impact at Western through her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Mustangs Events. Her ability to support colleagues, and consistently go above and beyond sets a standard of excellence that truly reflects the values of Western Sports & Recreation. We are proud to recognize Sonia’s outstanding contributions and grateful for the positive difference she has made every day at work." - Dan Durack, Mustangs Events and TV, Western Sports & Recreation
Celebrating Student Leadership
Each of this year’s recipients has gone above and beyond in their role, consistently demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and a commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. From supporting daily operations to delivering exceptional service and leadership, these individuals help shape the vibrant community within Western Sports & Recreation (S&R).
We thank all of our S&R student staff for their dedication and contributions throughout the year and congratulate our award winners on this well-deserved recognition.
