Alysha Corrigan captures Female Athlete of the Year award; while Carragher earns team's Rookie of the Year

In a celebration of UPEI's outstanding athletes, a pair of women's rugby players rose above the rest and took some hardware along with them.

In her final season as a Panther, Alysha Corrigan captured UPEI's prized Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year Award and deservedly so as she led her team with 40 points. During the season, the fullback was named an AUS All-Star and was a runner-up for the AUS Most Valuable Player. Her success was also recognized at a national level, as she was also named to the U SPORTS All-Canadian second team.

Meanwhile, Sophie Carragher captured the team award for Rookie of the Year. The young second row flanker made a quick impression on her coaches and will be vital piece to the Panthers' lineup in the coming years.

UPEI's Department of Athletics and Recreation celebrated the 2017–18 season at the 49th annual UPEI Athletic Awards Gala on Friday, April 6, recognizing outstanding student athletes who have excelled in sport, the classroom, and serving the community. Corrigan shared the award with Bailey Smith, a sprinter on the UPEI Track and Field Team. While men's hockey assistant captain, Ryan MacKinnon, was named the Male Athlete of the Year.

The event, held at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, included student-athletes, coaches, staff, along with members of the university community, alumni, donors, sponsors, and booster club supporters.

In addition to the Athlete of the Year awards, club and varsity team awards were presented. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Rookie of the Year award winners from each team include (note that the MVP is listed first followed by Rookie of the Year):

Women's Rugby: Alysha Corrigan, Sophie Carragher                                                                                                                                                                                            Men's Soccer: Sam Smiley, Neil Harte
Women's Soccer: Jen Balderson, Kami Chaisson
Women's Field Hockey: Hannah Gormley, Abby MacDonald
Men's Hockey: Ryan MacKinnon, Kam Kielly
Women's Hockey: Rachel Colle, Leah Byrne
Men's Basketball: Milorad Sedlarevic, Moshe Wadley
Women's Basketball: Kiera Rigby, Reese Baxendale
Swimming (women): Kelsey Bolivar, Julianna Doitte
Swimming (men): Kris Smith, Kris Smith
Cross Country (women): Emma Moore
Cross Country (men): Lee Wesselius, Ryan Merrett
Women's Volleyball: Laura Ready
Men's Rugby: Mark Lloyd, Ben Whalen
Track and Field (women): Bailey Smith, Danika Atchia
Track and Field (men): Damon MacDonald

Photo Credit: Mike Needham

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Media contact: 

Ron Annear

UPEI Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991, annear@upei.ca