For the second time in McMaster history, the U Sports MVP award will return to Hamilton
The awards continue coming for McMaster University’s women’s basketball team. Sarah Gates, who was named the provincial most valuable player award winner just one week ago, has now been named the U Sports Most Valuable Player as the best women’s player in the country.
Gates had an absolute breakout year where she finished with a stat line of 27.1 points per game on a 47.9 field goal percentage while averaging seven point six rebounds. She would also set the McMaster women’s basketball all time scoring record, and the single game scoring record over the course of the season.
Along with this honour, Gates was named to the first team All-Canadian. She was the driving force for the team on route to their 17 win and six loss record.
Despite the outstanding play from Gates, the team was only able to make it to the semi-final round of the provincial playoffs, where they were eliminated by the eventually championed Carlton Ravens. Gates put up 22 points in what would become the final game of her McMaster career, as she will be graduating at the end of the year alongside teammates Mia Spadafora, Arianne Soriano, Pietra Kamstra and Clare Sharkey.
After having led Canada in scoring, Sarah Gates has officially brought the MVP award back to McMaster
Marauders superstar Sarah Gates has just been named the Ontario University Athletics league women’s basketball MVP for the 2022-2023 season. Gates led the nation in scoring, finishing with a staggering 27.3 points per game, nearly five full points over the next leading scorer, while maintaining an efficient 48.4 field goal percentage.
Gates led the nation in scoring, finishing with a staggering 27.3 points per game, nearly five full points over the next leading scorer.
Gates becomes the first MVP winner for McMaster since Danielle Boiago in the 2016-2017 season. Boiago, now an assistant coach for the team, led the Marauders all-time in scoring until her record was broken earlier this season by Gates. Gates also set the single game scoring record this season with 47 in a game.
Arianne Soriano, a point guard for the team, also came away with some hardware after having won the Joy Bellinger Award for outstanding career contributions to OUA basketball.
The announcement comes a mere two hours prior to game time for the Marauders, who will be taking on the Carlton Ravens at 6:00 PM on Mar. 1 in Ottawa. Should Gates and the team win their game tonight, they will secure their spot in the provincial championship this weekend.
This behind-the-scenes group of McMaster athletes is addressing common concerns faced by student athletes
The Varsity Leadership Committee is a group of athletes from teams across McMaster University. The committee strives to advocate for McMaster teams, improve the student athlete experience and tackle some of the common challenges faced by student athletes.
This year, the committee is emphasizing equal exposure and support for all of McMaster’s sports teams.
Competitions for different university sports teams can be organized by U Sports, Ontario University Athletics or as club sports and competing in different governing bodies can mean entirely different experiences.
Christina Stratford is one of the co-presidents of this year’s Varsity Leadership Committee and a member of the McMaster women’s volleyball team. As a U Sports player, Stratford acknowledged the challenges faced by other OUA and club athletes.
“Last year, it kind of brought to light the different treatment and the different opportunities [outside of] U Sports teams. Our big goal is to help get that exposure and hopefully start to get the opportunities that U Sports athletes get for athletes on those OUA or club teams,” said Stratford.
Last year, it kind of brought to light the different treatment and the different opportunities [outside of] U Sports teams. Our big goal is to help get that exposure and hopefully start to get the opportunities that U Sports athletes get for athletes on those OUA or club teams.
Christina Stratford, co-president of the Varsity Leadership Committee and a member of the McMaster women’s volleyball team
In the past, the committee increased coverage by promoting all upcoming sport events on their social media. They also encouraged athletes to attend other McMaster games through contests or promotions.
The committee has plans to further bridge the gap between club, OUA and U Sports teams by encouraging interactions between athletes. Arianne Soriano, the other co-president of this year’s committee and a point guard on the McMaster women’s basketball team, is spearheading these plans to create new opportunities for athletes to meet and build relationships.
“Going into my first year, I had no idea that we had a sailing team. I didn’t know much about the lacrosse team [or] the field hockey team. Over my years, I was able to develop relationships with players on those teams and I think it’s what enhances the student-athlete experience even more,” said Soriano.
Mental health is another common concern of student athletes and the committee is also a strong advocate for intiatives aimed at improving athlete and student mental health.
“In general, a lot of times, as athletes we put a lot of stress on ourselves between school and performing well. [We focus on] that mental health piece,” said Stratford.
Previously, the committee organized multiple panels and workshops for athletes on Bell Let’s Talk Day, including one of which featured Canadian sports journalist and mental health advocate, Michael Landsberg.
In addition to their involvement in athlete mental health, the committee has also organized outreach events within the McMaster student population and local community to encourage folks to get involved with the athletics community. These events includes games dedicated to Bell Let’s Talk, a Pride Celebration game and toy drive for local organizations.
As part of building strng community realtions, the committee works closely with the McMaster Athletics Department and different coaches and members within the athletics community. As a student-run committee, they are able to offer a unique perspective on the student-athlete experience at McMaster.
“Speaking from my own experiences, there’s so many times where I just don’t feel like I can talk to someone. It’s such a different perspective being a student-athlete from what the department can see, and they don’t always know what to offer. I think it’s really important having a committee especially run by athletes, and the purpose [being] for athletes,” explained Soriano.
Overall, through their various initatives and outreach, the Varsity Leadership Committee strives to better support and meet the needs of fellow McMaster athletes.
