Posted on Canadian Rugby Foundation
The 2025 Lt. Colonel W.D.C. Holmes University Awards were presented in November at the U SPORTS Women’s Rugby National Championship in Vancouver, BC, and the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship in Montreal, QC.
The Lt. Colonel W.D.C. Holmes University Awards were established by Foundation Chair Mike Holmes to honour his late father W.D.C. “Desmond” Holmes who won the sword of honour at RMC in 1942 before embarking on a distinguished career in the British Army during and after World War II, during which time he was awarded the Military Cross.
At each of the Canadian University Men’s Rugby Championship and the U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Nationals, 8 rugby student-athletes are recognized for their off-field contributions to the game of rugby at their university and community in the past year, and awarded $500 towards their Athletic Financial Award (AFA) from the Canadian Rugby Foundation’s For the Love of the Game Fund. Examples of factors to be considered include organizing community events involving the team, mentoring younger players, volunteering with their home rugby club or at the community in which the university is located, volunteering as a club executive or an official at any level, and providing off-the-field leadership on the university team. The selections are based on the nomination by the head coach of each of the 16 participating teams and presented at the two tournaments at the awards banquet or whenever is deemed most practical by the host organizing committee.
WOMEN’S AWARDS
Presenter Chanell Challenger with the eight Women’s Holmes Award
winners at the U SPORTS Awards Banquet in Montreal
Teya Ashworth – UBC
Teya is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever come across, both on and off the field. She never sits and talks when work needs to be done; instead, she gets on with getting the equipment out or doing other jobs that are required. She leads by doing. Teya is one of the most physical and hardworking players on the team. She leads by doing, letting her actions speak for themselves. She never needs to be told what to do; if she knows a job needs to be done, she does it. Teya gives 100% in everything she does for UBC women’s rugby. Teya is extremely deserving of this award. Teya would be someone I would love next to me when a job needs to be done.
Corinne Fréchette – Laval
Corrine a été extrêmement dynamique pour continuer le développement du rugby dans la région de Québec. En plus de coordonner les activités d’académies durant l’hiver et l’été. Ces académies permettent à des jeunes filles de 6 à 17 ans de développer au rugby. Elle a également chapeauté un camp de perfectionnement adressé spécifiquement aux joueuses collégiales. Ses initiatives pendant son passage au Rouge et Or ont largement contribué au développement de notre sport.
Sarah Gunn – Acadia
Sarah is very active with our local rugby club (VRU – Valley Rugby Union) in the Annapolis Valley of NS. Sarah is also active as a provincial coaching the NS Keltic U17 girls team.
Chloe Hill-Huse – Victoria
Chloe is passionate about youth development, community outreach, and growing the women’s game by giving back to grassroots rugby. She finds purpose in creating opportunities for young athletes to discover confidence, leadership, and connection through sport. In August 2025, Chloe travelled to Sunderland, UK, as the Canadian representative at the Grassroots to Global Connect 2025 conference leading up to the Rugby World Cup. As part of a delegation of over 70 young women from 34 countries, she collaborated on community-based and global initiatives to promote gender equity in rugby and strengthen female participation worldwide. Directly interfacing with senior stakeholders at the Community Coaching Round Table to advocate for equitable opportunities in coaching and participation.
For the past two years, Chloe has served as the Community Lead for the University of Victoria Women’s Rugby Team, leading outreach and engagement with the community. She ensured that every school has a coach for their girls’ rugby programs, helping grow the game and increase access to female coaches. She also organized club and school visits while the UVic team travelled for U SPORTS tournaments and international tours (such as New Zealand), strengthening ties between university athletes and local youth programs. Chloe volunteers as a youth rugby coach, contributing to the Vancouver Island Girls XVs and 7s teams in addition to youth club programs.
Across all her volunteer commitments, Chloe has demonstrated strong leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to empowering young female athletes and growing girls’ rugby on Vancouver Island and beyond. As a graduating athlete, Chloe strives to leave the jersey better than she found it—by giving back to the sport that shaped her and helping others find the same sense of belonging and strength through rugby.
Tattyannah Jackson – Queen’s
Tattyannah Jackson has been a cornerstone of our team’s off-field growth and development, as well as a driving force within both the Queen’s and Kingston communities. Her mentorship of younger teammates and dedication to fostering inclusive, welcoming environments have had a lasting impact on our program and campus. Through her leadership role with the Queen’s BIPOC Student-Athlete Committee, Tattyannah continues to inspire meaningful change and empower others. Beyond the university, she’s a respected coach and a key contributor to local community and high school development programs. Congratulations, Tattyannah — your leadership, passion, and commitment make a difference every day!
Lara Jorgensen – Guelph
Despite sustaining a season-ending injury in Week 3, Lara Jorgensen, a fifth-year captain at the University of Guelph, has continued to lead her team with unwavering commitment and resilience. Her presence off the field has been the glue holding the Gryphons together, offering support, strategic insight, and leadership from the sidelines. Lara’s ability to adapt and lead in a non-traditional role exemplifies her dedication to the sport and her teammates. Beyond her university team, Lara serves as a Student Athlete Mentor (SAM), supporting varsity athletes across all sports. She plays a vital role in helping first-year students navigate academic challenges and adjust to university life through structured mentorship, study sessions, and wellness workshops. Lara is also a certified rugby referee, dedicating her off-season to developing the next generation of players, and is deeply involved with her hometown Aurora Barbarians Rugby Club, where she coaches across multiple age groups in both girls’ and boys’ rugby. Her tireless efforts and passion for the game make her a deserving recipient of the W.D.C. Holmes University Award.
Ngozi Mosindi – Ottawa
Ngozi, now in her 5th year, has been a consistent leader in the Gee-Gees program. Since arriving, Ngozi was a real leader in growth and community development in the local area of Ottawa, where she herself grew up. Over her years, she has been a pivotal part to on and off field standards which has now resulted in her being co captain of the team. A true ambassador for the Gee-Gee program.
Val von Muehldorfer – St. FX
Val is a 4th year Arts and Science student in Climate and environment. Val is on the Dean’s list, StFX Merit Scholarship recipient and an Academic All–Canadian. A volunteer for past 10 years with Feed the Hungry in Calgary and in Antigonish Val volunteers with Motion Ball. She has served on the Student Union Board of Directors and was involved for the last two years with Puck for Purpose. Val was the MVP of this year’s AUS championship game. Val is a valuable leader on the field; she is a strong and steady influence on the pack and on the entire team. At home in Calgary, she has worked with her high school team and volunteers with her club and the Stampede 7’s.
MEN’S AWARDS
The eight Men’s Lt. Colonel W.D.C. Holmes University Awardees with Mike Holmes at the CUMRC Awards Brunch in Montreal
Axel Fin. Adjani – Montreal
To be added
Paul Ardittis – ETS
Paul Arditti, a passionate and dedicated student-athlete, is an exceptional candidate for the prestigious Lieutenant-Colonel W.D.C. Holmes Award. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in health technologies at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) in Montréal, Paul demonstrates excellence both on the rugby field and within his community.
James Biss – UBC
James Biss has made significant off-field contributions through his volunteer coaching with the Tsunami junior program and St. George’s School, mentoring young athletes and supporting community rugby development. His leadership, service, and commitment to growing the sport embody the values recognized by the Holmes Award.
Sully Curran – Victoria
Sully Curran is on the path to becoming a teacher and embodies the leadership and service this award celebrates. He takes initiative in mentoring younger players entering our program and has held key leadership roles within the team. Each summer, he gives back by coaching with his local club or regional programs, and he’s been a strong advocate for mental health awareness, helping foster a supportive and connected team culture
Declan Hearn – Dalhousie
Declan has been a leader on the Dalhousie rugby team and for his club team, the Halifax Tars, for the last 4 years. He consistently spends time mentoring young players, volunteering to organise events, and supporting community-based events through setup, management, and clean up. He brings a positive attitude alongside an intense competitive spirit to embody everything that makes the sport of rugby great.
Jackson Palmer – Queen’s
Jackson made an immediate impression in his first year in the program. His quiet leadership helped unite the group of first-year athletes, fostering a strong and cohesive team dynamic. He also played a key role in establishing our volunteer program with Martha’s Table, a non-profit community centre and restaurant in Kingston, Ontario, that provides nutritious, low-cost meals and social support to people in need.
Jakob Schultz – Guelph
Over the past year Jakob has taken a tremendous leadership role both with our team and in our community. Within the team, Jakob has been instrumental in leading and organising our team banquet, which has involved community outreach to secure sponsors and vendors. Additionally, this fall he served as assistant coach with our Development club (our third team). Jakob helped organise training, communicated with athletes and led our development of almost 50 players on a weekly basis.
R.J. Stone – UBC Okanagan
RJ is UBCO’s 2025 Nominee for the Lt. Colonel WDC Holmes Award. RJ has worked tirelessly to represent UBCO Men’s rugby both on campus and in the wider Okanagan community. In his role as vice captain, he has shown a natural ability to connect with his peers off the field and a willingness to set the tone on it. RJ has been a central component of the UBCO Jr Heat academy coaching grade 9-12 players. He has also stepped up to run the UBCO Heat Rugby Instagram account, helping to draw more eyes than ever to the continued success of our program.