The Department of Athletics and Recreational Services would like to honour the hard work and dedication of the Lancers student staff.
 
Traditionally, our students are recognized at the Blue & Gold Student Appreciation Luncheon which highlights all the areas within the department including the St. Denis Centre, Lancer Recreation, aquatics, student managers and therapists, and the Lancer home event staff.
 
However, during these unique and challenging times, we did not want to miss the opportunity to thank our amazing student staff for their tremendous work throughout the 2020-21 season and take the opportunity to announce the winners of the student staff awards!
 
VIEW BLUE & GOLD APPRECIATION CEREMONY
 
Rick Mallat ARS Student Employee of the Year – Tereza Fountain & Cailey Theos
 
Tereza
Tereza has held a number of positions with Athletics and Recreation over her time at the University of Windsor– Customer Service, Concessions, Facility Supervisor, Lancer Rec Program Supervisor, Summer Camp Supervisor, Special Events staff and anything else in between! The best leaders bring out the best in those around them.  Being able to inspire co-workers, participants and campus partners toward new and creative initiatives is a skill that Tereza demonstrates. Tereza personal values always aligned with those of Athletics and Recreation allowing her to support and work toward our common Lancer Recreation goals.
 
Cailey
Whether it's behind a zoom screen, on a mic in front of hundreds of fans or in a one on one interview, Cailey captures the attention of others with her voice, presence, knowledge of sport and confidence.  She is literally a force.  Her commitment to all facets of sport, on and off the field of play, are second to none.  She has a constant thirst for sport industry knowledge and does everything in her power to use her knowledge to compel our Lancer fans to stay engaged.  She lives, breaths and eats Lancer athletics and we are so proud to have her part of our Lancer family. 
 
St. Denis Centre Employee of the Year – Rachel Stone
 
We have been very fortunate to have Rachel on our team for the last two years.  Over that time, she has proven herself to be dependable, trustworthy and always willing to step in when needed.  She has worked early mornings, late nights. She has been here for our busiest of times and been the lone soul in the building to stand watch. We appreciate everything Rachel has done for us and for "our home" at the St Denis Centre.  We have enjoyed working with her and are happy to have her as a member of the Lancer Family.  . 
 
Lancer Recreation Employee of the Year– Lydia-Jane Thuss
 
This past year due to the pandemic the department required an immediate response to how we deliver our recreation and fitness services. Having Lydia on our team, allowed Lancer Rec and the Forge Fitness Centre to adapt to this change and all the unexpected hurdles. Her optimistic attitude refreshed our tired minds, provided new perspectives on how to adapt to unforeseen complications and allowed for a seamless transition of our fitness facilities and services into the fieldhouse and into the virtual world.
 
Intramurals Employee of the Year – Mitchell Benn
 
Mitchell was an essential part in helping start our first ever intramural esports league. Very knowledgeable about his work and always someone you cand depend on. During some unprecedented circumstances over the past year, Mitchell was a key part of our Lancer Rec team. Congrats Mitch and thank you for all of your great work!
 
Fitness Employee of the Year – Cam Rios
 
Fortunately for Lancer Recreation, when you have an employee like Cam that has the initiative to grow and change as the environment changes, you are able to adapt and grow the organization as well. Cam successfully moved our in-person fitness services into the virtual world. Lancer Rec Workouts of the week, health and wellness education and so much more rolled out though Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and even Tik Tok. Cam is detail-oriented employee, she was able to balance the little details, key details and big-picture focus of what we wanted to accomplish virtually to engage our campus community.
 
Outstanding Customer Service Award – Lauryn Rogers
 
Lauryn built a reputation for herself for getting things done! She is always willing to put in extra hours to support the wider goals of Lancer Rec and our new online fitness platform LancerRecConnect. Lauryn would go the next step and always demonstrated  the willingness to undertake new challenges and an openness to learn new technology on the horizon. She is an employee who always does their utmost to ensure key tasks are completed correctly, on time and within the constraints of the environment.
 
Instructional Award – Bella Mancina
 
Bella brought her energy and enthusiasm to our virtual fitness classes offering dance, stretch & strength and Body Barre classes. In addition, Bella was involved in the Lancer Rec Summer Virtual Summer Camp program engaging community youth in fun dance and activity-based classes. Throughout all the ups and downs of the pandemic Bella was dependable. Her attitude, willingness to contribute and flexibility to fulfill the needs of the workplace with skills and resources that are not always in your job description is what sets Bella apart from the rest.
 
Lancer Engagement Award – Connor Sykes
 
Whether it's the music he selects, or the action shots he includes or the special effects he incorporates, no one can evoke emotions through video like Connor. The thrill of victory; the agony of defeat; the tears of joy; the quest to be stronger, faster, better; the compassion behind #Lancers4AntiRacism, the excitement of competition, the inner drive to stay motivated and the bond of our Lancer Family.  Connor's videos capture all of these emotions and display our blue and gold blue, sweat and tears.
 
Lancer Leader Award – awarded to graduating student employees who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, who has served in a variety of leadership capacities and dedicated a number of years to Athletics and Recreational Services. This year, the department of Athletics and Recreational services would like to congratulate:
 
Drew McLenaghan, Katarina Thoms, Eva Ou, Andrew Papadopoulos, Steven O'Donnell, Kaitlyn Guernsey, Sophie Osso, Renee Goodman, Jessica McCormick, Taylor Kewley, and Allie Hoegl.
 
The Athletic Department would like to congratulate all the award recipients and thank everyone for all of their hard work and dedication through out the year.