56th Annual Varsity Awards Banquet

Conestoga's Athletics & Recreation recognized the college's top student-athletes at the annual Varsity Awards Banquet on Wednesday, April 3^rd, 2024.

Hosted at the Student Recreation Centre at the Kitchener-Doon campus, the event celebrated Condor athletes' leadership, excellence and academic achievement.

Athletes of the Year

Malachi Ramsay of Men's Soccer, Rachael O'Dell of Women's Volleyball, and Ekam Lally of Valorant Gold (Esports) were named Athletes of the Year. Athlete of the Year recognizes the highest level of performance in and out of sport while exemplifying what it means to be a Conestoga varsity athlete in all aspects of the program.

Rachael O'Dell - Women's Volleyball

Rachael has been pivotal in maintaining competitiveness within the Condors Women's Volleyball Season. Rachel stepped up to fill critical roles and was an offensive powerhouse. Her dominance in the OCAA was evident in her statistics, excelling in attacking, serving, and blocking.

Off the court, she has excelled in academics as one of the top scholastics, and, outside of being an All-Canadian, she has won just about everything an athlete can win in their rookie season. This year alone, she was the OCAA Rookie of the Year, OCAA West Scoring Champion, OCAA 1st Team and All-Rookie team, set four new season records for the program and was a CCAA and OCAA All-Academic.

Malachi Ramsay - Men's Soccer

Malachi's journey as a condor is a testament to relentless dedication and unparalleled leadership. With a remarkable track record of achievements in previous seasons, this team captain's legacy continued to grow with each passing year. Under his guidance, his team achieved provincial glory and national excellence. As he concludes his athletic career as a Condor, his legacy serves as an inspiration to all.

Ekam Lally - Valorant Gold (Esports)

Ekam has been the cornerstone of the Valorant Gold team since 2022. With exceptional combat skills and a stellar K/D ratio, Ekam's leadership propelled the team to new heights, including a top-three ranking in Canada. His achievements include a 13-2 record in the Fall League, reaching the semi-finals in prestigious tournaments like the Red Bull Campus Clutch and Canadian Nationals, and securing 2nd place in the NECC Champions Division. Coach Will describes him as a reliable teammate with a light-hearted demeanour. Ekam's dedication and skill make him a vital asset to his team's success, and his contributions and hard work will be an important part of Valorant Gold's climb for #1 in Canada.

Athletes of Distinction

Four athletes were awarded our Athlete of Distinction award, our highest graduating athlete award and are honoured to 2nd to 5th-year athletes who have enriched the Conestoga Condor varsity program through achievement, leadership, greater Condor community involvement and academics.

Josip Stojanovic - Men's Soccer

Josip Stojanovic emerged as a transformative force the moment he became a Condor during the 2022/2023 season. In just two years, his impact on the Men's Soccer program has been monumental, elevating both the team's performance and culture. Josip's unwavering commitment to excellence and relentless pursuit of victory have inspired his teammates to strive for greater heights. His professionalism and dedication have not only enhanced the team's performance but have also instilled a sense of accountability among younger players.

Josip is a two-time CCAA Academic All-Canadian and CCAA National Scholar, OCAA Rookie of the Year OCAA All-Star and CCAA Championship All-Star. Moreover, his integral role in securing OCAA and CCAA medals underscores his exceptional contribution to the team's success.

Devika Santhosh Kumar - Badminton

As the captain of the Badminton team, Devika Santhosh Kumar exemplifies true leadership. She has demonstrated unparalleled commitment throughout her time as a Condor, leading by example and inspiring her teammates to excel.

Devika's adaptability was a key strength, as they seamlessly transitioned between three different disciplines and partnered with rookies, guiding them through the challenges during the season. Her influence extended beyond the court, inspiring female athletes to step out of their comfort zones and strive for greatness.

Despite facing setbacks such as injury during playoffs, Devika's unwavering belief in herself and her team has been a source of inspiration for the entire program. During her successful athletic career at Conestoga Devika received the following accolades: 22-23 OCAA Women's Single Gold Medalist and 22-23 CCAA Women's Singles Bronze Medalist, 22-23 and 23-24 OCAA West Regional All-Star, 22-23 and 23-24 OCAA All-Academic and CCAA Academic All Canadian, CCAA National Scholar her leadership, perseverance, and ability to inspire others make her a true asset to the Condor community.

Malachi Ramsay - Men's Soccer

Malachi Ramsay's journey with the Men's Soccer program is synonymous with resilience, leadership, and excellence. Since joining in 2018, Malachi has been instrumental in the program's transformation, propelling it to provincial and national excellence. His leadership on-and-off the field has been pivotal in shaping the team's culture and performance.

With an impressive array of accolades, including six OCAA All-Star selections, multiple MVP awards, and various academic achievements, Malachi's impact transcends statistical measures. He embodies the values of a true Condor athlete, exemplifying respect, dedication, and leadership. Simply put, the Conestoga Men's soccer program would not be where it is today without Malachi.

Justin Langevin - Valorant Gold (Esports)

Justin Langevin's contribution to the Condors Esports program is nothing short of exceptional. As the leader of the Valorant Gold team, Justin has spearheaded the team's success, guiding them to prominence both nationally and internationally. His leadership qualities, coupled with his unwavering commitment to improvement, have been instrumental in the team's continued success.

Justin's role as Team Captain exemplifies his dedication and passion for the sport. Described as a calm and consistent leader, he has earned the trust of his teammates and coaches alike. Beyond his impressive in-game skills, Justin's impact on the program extends to his role as a mentor and role model for aspiring esports athletes. His contributions to the Condors Esports program have solidified its position as a top contender in Canada, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.