Gryphons standout takes home most valuable player honours once again

Burlington, Ont. - In a season that showcased both veteran leadership and strong rookie talent, Guelph Gryphons’ Abby Warriner headlines the elite class of Ontario University Athletics (OUA) field hockey award winners and all-stars for the second year in a row.

Most Valuable Player Abby Warriner, Guelph Gryphons

Warriner has added another element to her game this season as she's become a top-level goal scorer in the conference. The Newmarket, Ont. product notched a career high and led her team with seven goals through eight games.

In her fifth year studying biomedical engineering, Warriner is the heart and strength of the Gryphon midfield. She is a precise tackler and exceptional at maintaining possession to allow her side to drive on the attack.

Adding another OUA most valuable player honour to the Gryphons’ nine to date, Warriner continues to collect the hardware. As reigning OUA MVP and U SPORTS most valuable player, she also has three straight provincial all-stars awards to her name.

Rookie of the Year - Maeve Turner, Waterloo Warriors

It was a rookie season to remember for Turner. Joining the defending champion Waterloo Warriors, the midfielder made an immediate impact on the offensive line. The Baden, Ont. product owned the outside midfield position and spent time on forward line. Coming up clutch for her team, she has scored three key goals in three different outings and played a strong part in the Warriors’ undefeated season.

Her game sense and speed on the ball set her apart from fellow her rookie competitors across the conference. The first-year therapeutic recreation student has earned the respect and trust of her teammates through her effort on the field and genuine team spirit.

Goalkeeper of the Year - Mary Yang, Toronto Varsity Blues

In her debut season, Yang made her presence felt in net for the Varsity Blues. The first-year kinesiology student started in eight games, earning four wins and an impressive six clean sheets. Yang was a defensive wall, only allowing three goals in the regular season.

The goalkeeper from Calgary Alta. has also represented Canada on the national stage multiple times, including with the Junior Women’s National Team. She was a member of U18 Team Canada’s outdoor squad on their 2025 tour to France, and the U18 Indoor Team Canada roster for their 2024 tour to Philadelphia.

Adding to her loaded resume, she also co-captained U16 Team Canada on their 2023 outdoor tour to the Netherlands.

Gail Wilson Outstanding Contributor - Avery Berry, McGill Martlets

Berry has made an exceptional impact on the McGill field hockey program through her commitment, leadership, and dedication, both on and off the field. She consistently goes above and beyond her role as a player, contributing to the success, culture, and overall growth of her team.

Coming from Vancouver, B.C., the second-year midfielder’s work ethic and positive attitude set a standard for others. She is often the first to arrive and the last to leave, always ready to help teammates with drills, organize team activities, or provide support and encouragement. Her dedication is unmatched, and shown on the field by taking a starting position in every game of her two seasons.

Beyond her athletic ability, she embodies the values of teamwork, respect and responsibility, which define what it means to be part of the McGill community.

This marks the fourth time that a McGill player has merited the Gail Wilson Outstanding Contributor award.

Champion of EDI - Grace Hodges, McGill Martlets

A veteran defender from New Westminster, B.C., Hodges has been recognized for her leadership and advocacy on and off the field, promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment for teammates of all backgrounds.

"Grace has been an outstanding role model, leading by example and encouraging open discussions about belonging," says McGill head coach Sharan Gill. "She has been especially helpful for our many out-of-province players to ensure that team activities and communications reflect the group’s diversity. She consistently demonstrates respect, empathy, and leadership, creating a welcoming and supportive environment. She fosters team unity by recognizing cultural differences as strengths. Her kindness and commitment to fairness have made a lasting impact on the team’s culture."

Hodges is the second McGill player in three years to merit the champion of EDI distinction, presented since 2023 for fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion. She joins former McGillian Ada Collins who won the inaugural honour.

Coach of the Year - Zeeshan Minhas, York Lions

Minhas led the York Lions to a stellar 7-1-2 record this year, to grab top spot in the OUA East standings.

Under his guidance, York’s seven wins were all shutouts. Adding to the Lions’ impressive season with Minhas at the helm, the team only allowed three goals while collecting eight clean sheets on the year, the most in program history.

This is not the first conference coach of the year nod for Minhas, as the Toronto local was also honored with the award in 2016, also picking up the national award in the same year.

Most Valuable Player - Abby Warriner, Guelph Gryphons

Rookie of the Year - Maeve Turner, Waterloo Warriors

Goalkeeper of the Year - Mary Yang, Toronto Varsity Blues

Outstanding Contributor - Avery Berry, McGill Martlets

Champion of EDI - Grace Hodges, McGill Martlets

Coach of the Year - Zeeshan Minhas, York Lions

Umpire of the Year - Denise Pelletier

OUA All-Stars

Abby Warriner, Guelph Gryphons

Kathryn Carlow, York Lions

Maggie Mullins, Toronto Varsity Blues

Meagan Hobson, Waterloo Warriors