After contributing to the Marauder women's volleyball team and featuring in a tense nationals game, first year Lucie Shaver shares her perspective and excitement for whats to come
Among the success and growth of McMaster women’s volleyball this season, first year Lucie Shaver has had the unique task of transitioning from high-school to Ontario University Athletics volleyball. With this, she’s been in many exciting positions throughout the season, including a tense U Sports quarterfinals match.
For Shaver, the transition to OUA athletics has been one filled with learning. She noted the increased speed and power of play that happens in university volleyball.
“The biggest thing I notice is that the game is very much faster. It's much faster. Everybody hits the ball harder, everybody moves faster and the moves are a lot more crisp and more precise. One thing I found in high school was like there's often like two or three good players on the team that have to carry a lot of weight but that is not really the case here,” said Shaver.
Despite the high level of play, Shaver have risen to the occasion this season. The team ended the OUA season by winning the Quigley Cup against Brock University. Shaver has attributed part of the team's success this season to head coach Nathan Janzen.
“Nate's also very like a statistical coach. He's big into stats, so he looks at patterns of the other team and he'll even map out where the other team's hitters hit most and like he'll do like serving charts. So you see like, oh they serve from this angle to this side of the court . . . you can see if they mix up the depth of their serves as well or if they're all serving all long or all super short,” said Shaver.
The team’s achievements this year brought the Marauders to the U Sport’s nationals
In this game, the Marauders lost their first set against the Carbins but impressively won sets two and three. In the game’s fourth set, it seemed as though Janzen wanted to change things up, as the team was struggling to put points up. This is when Shaver entered the match.
As such a young player in a team full of veterans like Sullie Sundara and Emma McKinnon, Shaver is not always put on the court. But, Janzen still had trust in Shaver's abilities and this trust was on full display when he subbed her into such a close match on the national stage. Shaver describes how this moment felt and how it influenced the rest of the tournament for her.
“Yeah, well, there have been a few times throughout the season where Nate's kind of put me in a few high pressure moments and so like going in I was definitely nervous, really nervous. But I kind of knew I could do it, just had to put some serves in. Then when I got subbed in for the rest of the tournament, I was kind of like, okay, I've got a sense of it and I was having a lot more fun,” said Shaver.
The Marauders managed to score a few more points with Shaver in the fourth set, but ultimately lost the it. They then lost the crucial fifth set against the Carabins, losing the game.
This loss put the Marauders into the consolation bracket of the tournament with the chance to finish in fifth place if the team won two consolation games.
“It was definitely upsetting, but I think the biggest takeaway is that we still wanted to finish the season on a high note, especially for our seniors who were leaving, and I think that was just the most important thing for the rest of the tournament,” said Shaver.
. . . we still wanted to finish the season on a high note, especially for our seniors who were leaving, and I think that was just the most important thing for the rest of the tournament
Lucie Shaver, Outside Hitter
McMaster Women's Volleyball
The team did just that; they defeated both Memorial University in the first match and Saint Mary’s University in the second consolation match, earning the Marauders a fifth-place finish. Shaver was able to play in these matches and highlighted how she felt during the games.
“On the times that I did go into the court for the other two games, I was kind of just happy to be there and happy to be playing. It just made me really excited for next season as well to keep playing,” said Shaver.
I was kind of just happy to be there and happy to be playing and then yeah, it just made me really excited for next season as well to keep playing.
Lucie Shaver, Outside Hitter
McMaster Women's Volleyball
As the year has wrapped up, Shaver’s first season has turned out to be one she is happy with. Volleyball fans and the sports community at McMaster will look to see what lies ahead for her and the rest of her teammates in their next season.
After 29 seasons of head coaching the McMaster women’s basketball team, Theresa Burns reflects on her long career after deciding to retire
One of McMaster’s most long-standing and successful head coaches has been Theresa Burns. She has been at the reins of the Marauders women’s basketball team since 1992. Along the way, she has won five Ontario University Athletics titles.
Burns began her career coaching at McMaster after a stint at Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly known as Ryerson University. After this, she began her journey at McMaster University.
Burns recounted her introduction to McMaster Athletics and the interpersonal relationships that kept her at McMaster for such a long duration of time.
“McMaster just felt right. I think there's a real collegiality amongst the coaches here, amongst our McMaster coaches, there's a real sense of family, when I came here. Also amongst the athletic departments, so just a really nice environment to be in,” said Burns.
McMaster just felt right. I think there's a real collegiality amongst the coaches here . . . just a really nice environment to be in.
Theresa Burns
Former Head Coach, McMaster Women’s Basketball
Despite these positive feelings, Burns feels that the timing is now right for her to move on from coaching the women’s basketball team. She began thinking about retirement earlier this year and finally decided to go for it after the end of this year’s OUA season.
“It's just time. You know you start thinking about it and I kind of gave myself this year to think about it. And then once we hit the end of the season, I just felt like, yeah, this is probably the best time,” said Burns.
For Burns and her team, the past season has been strong. The team made it to the OUA quarter-finals, before being beaten by Carleton University. For Burns, she believes the team’s current athletes will carry the team forward after she leaves.
“So I think that leadership that they've sort of shown to the group will now be there and now the younger ones who are moving up are going to have that knowledge and experience to draw on. So I think they just left a really beautiful legacy for the athletes coming behind them and that was one of the most special parts of it,” said Burns.
Burns discussed she will be taking time to reflect on what she wants for her future and fondly acknowledges the memories she has made from her tenure as head coach.
“I'm gonna sit down over the summer and catch my breath and like I said, I've got a wealth of memories to keep me company all summer and as I sit back and reflect. And then like no firm plans for what's next yet, but I think I just need a little bit of quiet headspace to start thinking about that and so I'm gonna take that for myself this summer,” said Burns.
I've got a wealth of memories to keep me company all summer . . . I just need a little bit of quiet headspace to start thinking about [what’s next].
Theresa Burns
Former Head Coach, McMaster Women’s Basketball
Who will lead the McMaster women’s basketball team after Burns is yet to be announced. Though, Burns rests assured that the skills she has left her team with will prime them for success regardless
In a rematch of last year's OUA championship final, the women's volleyball team emerge as OUA champions in final match against the Brock Badgers
In the first season under the reins of new head coach Nathan Janzen, the Marauders women’s volleyball team had a season filled with ups and downs. They ended the 2024 calendar year on a four-game losing streak.
Janzen weighed in on some of the reasons the team went on that losing streak before the turn of the new year.
“In that first game against Western, one of our best players, Sullie [Sundara], got hurt so she didn’t play in those four games leading up to Christmas. It forced us to adapt and it took a bit of time for sure,” Janzen said.
Janzen also spoke about a special training endeavour the team embarked on during the winter break—the first of its kind since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Over New Year’s we did a training camp in Florida where we practised on the beach all day. We did a bunch of team building and talked a lot about who we are, what we wanted to be and what our goals were. The girls also did a bunch of team-building activities,” said Janzen.
“It was a really phenomenal trip. I think coming out of that trip we were way better prepared both technically and tactically as a team, but also in terms of our culture, we were ready to put a run together,” said Janzen.
It was a really phenomenal trip . . . in terms of our culture, we were ready to put a run together.”
Nathan Janzen, Head Coach
McMaster Women’s Volleyball
Following the training retreat, the Marauders went on an 8–2 run to end the regular season before the commencement of the Ontario University Athletics championships.
Janzen touched on some of the preparations the team undertook before the OUA playoffs.
“We didn’t do much different compared to the regular season, but the team was definitely more nervous,” said Janzen.
However, this team apparently thrives under pressure.
“This bunch of girls are high competitors. These are the high-pressure moments they are looking for. They love these moments,” said Janzen.
These are the high-pressure moments they are looking for. They love these moments.
Nathan Janzen
Head Coach, McMaster Women’s Volleyball
To start their OUA championship run, the Marauders secured a narrow win against the Waterloo Warriors on Feb. 21, before sweeping the Toronto Varsity Blues on Feb. 28 in a dominant win at home.
They then faced the Brock Badgers on Mar. 7—familiar foes. The Badgers had won the past three OUA championships and were looking to win their fourth in a row. The Marauders lost to Brock in last year’s OUA final but defeated them at U Sports in a consolation semifinal.
“. . . going into the final this year, our athletes were driven and excited to get the chance to go again. There was definitely that hunger within the team,” said Janzen.
This year at the OUA championships, the Marauders didn't just beat the Badgers—they swept them 3–0.
“We never expect to sweep anybody. We’re always expecting the game to be a two-and-a-half-hour battle going straight down to the wire. Even when we were up 24–17, there was definitely an urgency among us that the game was not done yet,” said Janzen.
Janzen also discussed some of the tactics that worked well this time against the Badgers.
“We served and blocked really well, and it was really important for us to defend strongly since we’re a good block-defence team,” said Janzen.
Following their OUA win, Janzen hoped the team could take home a medal from the U Sports championship over the weekend of Mar. 15.
“A medal would be nice. It would be the best result this program would’ve ever had, so if we can compete for a medal, we will be thrilled,” said Janzen.
For this year's U Sports competition, the Marauders travelled to Winnipeg and lost to eventual silver medalists, the Montréal Carabins, on Mar. 14. Despite not medaling, they bounced back on Mar. 17, coming out victorious in a close match against Saint Mary’s University to secure a program-best fifth-place finish at U Sports.
O'Brien shined in his first year for the Marauders, but he still has more he wants to accomplish
On Tuesday, Mar. 4, 2025, rookie men’s volleyball star and first-year commerce student Seth O’Brien was named to the OUA All-Rookie Team. The team comprises some of the best rookies from the OUA season.
O’Brien, an opposite hitter, finished with the second-highest number of kills and points for the team.
“Making OUA First Team rookie honours hit home and made me realize that the opportunities I got to show were for a purpose. It was a great feeling to know all the hard [work] paid off and went towards something,” said O’Brien.
Earlier in the season, O’Brien spoke to The Silhouette after performing greatly at competitions shortly after joining the team. Reflecting on where he began and his journey up until now, he commented on how far he has come.
“I said I wanted to go out there and show my abilities. The progression I’ve seen from myself was something I didn’t expect was going to happen. Being able to progress from that first interview we had to now making First Team All-Rookie OUA honours was definitely something I didn’t have in mind, especially going from starting a few games to now being one of the main starters,” said O’Brien.
The Marauders men’s volleyball team did not finish this season with eight wins to 12 losses and fell short of winning their fourth OUA title in a row. But O’Brien looks back at his first year with the team as a great experience.
“To get in the gym and play, practise and socialize with the team was amazing. To be a part of such a great group, as much as we fell short of our goal, meant a lot to me. I can confidently say this year was my favourite year for sports and I’ve been playing sports since I was four. I love these guys,” said O’Brien.
This year was my favourite year for sports and I’ve been playing since I was four. I love these guys.
Seth O’Brien
Opposite Hitter, McMaster Men’s olleyball
O’Brien looks forward to returning to the court next year and improving his technique. He especially wants to be a better mentor for next year’s rookies.
“Moving to second year, helping the new guys come in, being more of a role model would be something I’d love to do. On the physical side of the game, I’d like to play smarter in terms of the shots I take and where I hit my serves. This summer I am going to focus on hitting the correct shots,” said O’Brien.
Reflecting on the season, O’Brien said the sense of camaraderie felt on the team is unlike anything he has experienced before.
“Our team this year, we were all so close and shared so many bonds . . . This has been the best team I’ve probably ever been on,” said O’Brien.
To sum up his season, O’Brien had one word that he felt best described the year he had: cohesiveness. Coming off a great rookie season, O’Brien is prepared to be a focal point of the team for next year. When asked if there’s any pressure that comes with it, he said he is not going to back down.
To sum up his season, O’Brien had one word that he felt best described the year he had: cohesiveness.
Despite disappointing results for men’s volleyball this season, McMaster’s athletics administration maintains support for head coach Brad Douwes
For the first time in many years, the Marauders men’s volleyball team has failed to qualify for the Ontario University Athletics playoffs. This comes after a season of disappointing results, with the team winning only eight games and losing 12.
For head coach Brad Douwes, this follows a strong first year leading the team. Douwes took over the program from Dave Preston, who served as head coach from 2002 to 2022.
Last year, Douwes and his team captured an OUA championship title after winning 16 games in the regular season. This marked the third consecutive OUA title for the Marauders, reinforcing their dominance in the league.
However, this season was a different story. The Marauders won only eight regular-season games and lost 12, ultimately failing to qualify for the OUA championship playoffs.
Throughout the season, the Marauders also lost key players. Setter Robbie Fujisawa, who played earlier in the season, was absent from the final games. Similarly, middle blocker Haben Yohannes did not feature after the winter break.
Despite this season's results, Eric Bourque, associate director of McMaster Athletics, expressed full confidence in Douwes and the direction he is taking the program.
“I'm really confident in the direction that he [Douwes] is taking the program. He's brought a focus to analytics . . . making sure that he has a strong rationale for what he wants to do and how it's going to benefit the athletes and how it's going to benefit the program,” said Bourque.
I'm really confident in the direction that he [Douwes] is taking the program.
Eric Bourque, Associate Director
McMaster Athletics
Bourque added that this season reflects the challenges of a coaching transition.
“. . . I think for folks who are kind of keenly paying attention to sports, this isn't an uncommon transition when you're moving from one coach to another, especially if it's a long-standing coach and you've got different styles and different philosophies. So I think sometimes it takes a little bit for that coach [to] establish the new foundation for where they want to be taking things,” said Bourque.
This isn't an uncommon transition when you're moving from one coach to another, especially if it's a long-standing coach.
Eric Bourque, Associate Director
McMaster Athletics
Along with building a strong team, Bourque also commented on his role in shaping the student-athlete experience. He believes Douwes is the right coach to carry out this vision for the men’s volleyball program.
“We're focused on, as a department, trying to make sure that the experience is great all the way through and when they graduate from here, they [student-athletes] look back and they say, you know, wins or not, I had an awesome time and I wanna go back . . . I want to support the current student-athletes and I want to support the team,” said Bourque.
Whether Douwes’ coaching transition will ultimately benefit the men’s volleyball team remains to be seen. However, McMaster Athletics has made it clear that they remain firmly behind him as he continues to shape the future of the program
After a competitive season, the Marauders women's basketball team lost in the OUA quarterfinals to Carleton University
The Marauders women’s basketball team began their Ontario University Athletics championships performance with a win for the playoffs. For this game, the Marauders faced the Western University Mustangs on Feb. 19, 2025.
The game finished with a score of 55 to 47, pulling the Marauders ahead to the quarterfinals of the OUA playoffs. For this game, the Marauders faced a familiar opponent, the Carleton University Ravens.
The Marauders and the Ravens have a two year history of meeting in the OUA playoffs. In the 2022-2023 season, they faced each other in the tournament’s semifinals in which the Marauders lost with a final score of 69 to 55.
In the 2023-2024 season, the two teams met in the OUA quarterfinals. For the second time, the Marauders lost to the Ravens, that time with a score of 94 to 77.
This year’s OUA quarterfinals game took place on Feb 22., 2025 in Ottawa, Ont. Once again, the Marauders were not able to best the Ravens. They lost with a score of 98 to 45.
The Ravens outscored the Marauders in every quarter of the game. The Marauders were relatively slow to score in the beginning of the game, as they only put up 17 points in the first half of play.
In the third quarter, the Marauders picked up more points, scoring 21 in total. But, ultimately Carleton's Ravens slowed the Marauders down in the fourth quarter, in which they only managed to score seven points.
The loss of this game marked the end of the Marauder’s playoff campaign and their 2024-2025 season.
Though dating a teammate may cause some to raise an eyebrow, it may just be the key to winning for this couple on McMaster's rowing teams
For McMaster students and rowers Brooke McCoy and Trevor Tung, their journey as a couple started in a very unconventional way. It began in 2021 while McCoy was on the men’s team. She was the team’s coxswain, the boat’s director, while Tung was one of the rowers.
McCoy, who is now a graduate student, spoke about her first season on the team.
“Well, originally I was in the men's team with Trevor because I made the team as a coxie. So I didn't actually row physically. I was the person that sat in the boat and steered and called instructions at the rowers. So I was on the men's team, so making friends, I guess, well, maybe it was different for me because I was around a lot of guys, so I made good friends with the other coxie, Jackie,” said McCoy.
As McCoy settled in, she and Tung became much closer compared to their other teammates. They would often hang out through shared interests.
“I think we started rock climbing together and then none of our other friends really got into rock climbing. I think it's because it was expensive, but me and Trevor, we were a bit older than our friend Owen, so we had jobs and he was in first year, so we would buy monthly memberships and that was our, not excuse, but that's how we would hang out just us a lot more,” said McCoy.
Eventually, the two became much closer and decided to begin dating. However, this was not without apprehension. Although McCoy was planning to switch to the women's team, if she ended up staying on the men's team as a coxie it would be a clear conflict of interest for her to lead the boat Tung would be in
“I didn't know if the coaches would be okay with that, so I didn't want to risk my spot in case I didn't make it as a rower. I wanted to still be secure. Even if that wasn't the case, we kind of were more private people. And everyone talks in these teams because everyone is in each other's business,” said McCoy.
But it eventually worked out, as McCoy made the switch to the women’s team as a rower and Tung maintained his place on the men's team. For the two, being on the same team has only improved life in sport
Tung, who is currently in his fifth-year at McMaster, shared that the sport allows them to spend more time together, even while doing mundane activities.
"Sometimes the training can get a little stale or boring. For example, I remember in the summers we'd sit on stationary bikes for hours at a time, so that could be annoying to do alone. But when you have someone who is like a built-in training partner, I feel that makes things more like enjoyable. So it makes the relationship feel more enjoyable and the training more enjoyable as well because it feels nice to accomplish things while you're spending time together,” said Tung.
. . . it makes the relationship feel more enjoyable and the training more enjoyable as well because it feels nice to accomplish things while you're spending time together.
Trevor Tung, Fifth-Year Rower
McMaster Men's Rowing Team
Even with the highs and lows that come with being involved in a sport, McCoy and Tung have also found that one another's success motivates them—they share in each other’s achievements.
“If you fail yourself or if you don't meet your goal then you still like to share in that achievement of your partner. . . All of our medals are on our shared shelf together. We know who's who for the Ontario championships, but we make jokes about how in 20 years maybe we'll have kids and then we'll be like we don't know whose medal this is,” said McCoy.
All of our medals are on our shared shelf together . . . we make jokes about how in 20 years maybe we'll have kids and then we'll be like we don't know whose medal this is.
Brooke McCoy, Graduate Student Rower
McMaster Women's Rowing Team
With both rowers nearing their final years at McMaster, they feel as though their relationship was given a great start by knowing each other from the team. The two have no fear that without rowing, their relationship will change.
“It [rowing] made us very close. I feel like it only brings us closer, but I don't think that means when rowing leaves us we'll get farther apart. I think it just gave us an irreplaceable foundation and an irreplaceable bond. Our friendship bond gave us this platform to have a really healthy and strong relationship and that friendship I guess came from rowing,” said Tung.
Though it may seem unconventional to date a teammate, McCoy and Tung seem to relish in all that the sport has brought them, with just one thing being their relationship.
A perspective from one of McMaster’s most recognized student-athletes on being perceived by others in the athlete spotlight
The McMaster men’s volleyball team has been characterized by winning. They are the reigning Ontario University Athletics champions and have been for the past three years.
The team’s success has in part granted them an increase in popularity. The Marauders men’s team is no stranger to selling out their home gym, the Burridge Gym, with many students attending the team’s games.
Maxime Gratton, a fifth-year outside hitter for the team, spoke about the experience of seeing the amount of people who attend the team’s games.
“There was a massive boom, regular season games were selling out. So you can't deny that there's people watching. I was lucky because I was one of the leaders on the court and I was playing pretty well," said Gratton.
Gratton discussed how the consistently large turnout of fans has helped to fuel him and his team in the previous year.
"On the court, when I was playing it was fun, it was fueling me. It was like people care about this, it's awesome. From my perspective I spent so much time struggling with this sport, I've had a really tough time with this sport. It's an up and down relationship for me, but last year was a breath of fresh air,” said Gratton.
The team's success and resulting popularity have led to individual players becoming popular amongst McMaster students. Gratton is no exception to this.
Gratton has been a key player for the Marauders. He has racked up numerous accolades such as OUA Rookie of the Year, OUA First Team All Star and USport’s First Team All Star.
These distinctions have granted him popularity in other areas, specifically on social media. Gratton has one of the highest Instagram follower counts of all current McMaster athletes, sitting at about 4,000 followers. He is also often featured on the team’s social media pages, which receive many views and likes.
Despite his social media presence, Gratton actually sees himself as quite reserved. He reflected on how different his life was growing up, compared to the life that has come with university volleyball.
“Until I went into university, I was very reserved and I was very introverted and kind of in my own world. Then, coming here and last year having all these eyes because, we had that going for the first two years, but it wasn't as big as when it really hit last year. That was something I really struggled with," said Gratton.
Gratton told the Silhouette that he reflects on how with all of this attention, many students likely have preconceived ideas about him without even knowing him personally.
“I have this sense that there are a lot of predisposed ideas of who I am, before actually getting to know me. I mean I guess it's whatever, because you know people talk, it is what it is. But yeah, I would agree with you that there's a sense that some people have made up their minds on some aspects of who I am," said Gratton.
“I have this sense that there are a lot of predisposed ideas of who I am, before actually getting to know me. I mean I guess it's whatever, because you know people talk, it is what it is."
Maxime Gratton, Fifth-Year Outside Hitter
McMaster Men's Volleyball Team
Many viral videos on social media feature Gratton's explosive playing style and high-energy celebrations. However, Gratton feels the player on the screen is not an indication of who he is day-to-day.
"When I play for example, I'm very, I call it, passionate. But it comes across as sometimes I'm very angry or some people can say that I'm a hothead or stuff like that. There's all these things, where when I'm outside of the court, I'm actually quite calm and I'm much more chill. I promise, it's just that the sport kind of brings that out of me and so that's an example of people maybe saying “oh really, you're not angry all the time.” I'm like, no, I'm not angry all the time." It's not who I am outside of the court. So yeah, there are some predisposed kinds of biases, I guess. But again, I just view it as normal and there's nothing you can really do about it,” said Gratton.
Gratton also reflected on how the thoughts of students who don't even know him have affected him. While this used to bother him, he feels as though he can better navigate these situations now.
"Some things that I was hearing were very nice, but there were also some things that I was hearing that messed with me, because they were taken out of context or sometimes just straight-up lies that are being told by people and in a harmful way . . . it was becoming kind of a problem, for me, just because I didn't know how to navigate this,” said Gratton.
Gratton shared that he feels his popularity with the student body has led people to view him as a persona, rather than a whole person.
“Like I said already, like this objective I think since some people view me as a superficial persona, then they're gonna treat me as such, then it's gonna be a little difficult for me to open up to them, or for them to open up to me,” said Gratton.
However, his rise as a popular student-athlete has not been entirely negative. Gratton described how people knowing him from sport has also helped him outside of his athletic career.
“It's facilitated me connecting with people because like let's say people do know that I'm on the volleyball team then I feel like they already know a pretty big part of my life. I've made some friends who the only thing they knew about me before was me playing volleyball and then coming from a background where I was a bit more isolated. It is like there's something to build from. It can be used as something a bit more superficial about me that we can build from. But then from there, we can branch out and actually I can get to know you, they can get to know me, on a different level,” said Gratton.
As Gratton continues his career at McMaster, he has gained a unique perspective from his time as a student-athlete.
For fifth year player Amy Stinson, keeping a defensive mindset will keep the McMaster women’s basketball team winning games as they look to end the OUA season on a high
The McMaster women’s basketball team has seen results less than what they had hoped for so far this season. They currently sit with a record of 10 wins and six losses in the Ontario University Athletics season, but have picked up in form after a losing streak.
The team’s losing streak began on Nov. 22, 2024 when the Marauders lost to the University of Ottawa Gee Gees. This was the first of five consecutive losses, before losing to Carleton University, Queen’s University, University of Guelph and Brock University.
Fifth year player Amy Stinson spoke about why the team struggled to win games during this time, “We had a rough stretch there for a bit starting in Ottawa. Then we were on a bit of a losing streak. Most of that was just attributed to our defense. So that's been a focus for us the last few games,” said Stinson.
We had a rough stretch there for a bit, starting in Ottawa. Then we were on a bit of a losing streak. Most of that was just attributed to our defense. So that's been a focus for us the last few games.
Amy Stinson, Fifth-Year Player
McMaster Women's Basketball Team
After the series of losses, the Marauders found themselves back on track after winning against the University of Waterloo on Jan. 18, 2025. Emily Frankovic and Grace Ammendolia led the Marauders performance, scoring 15 and 12 points, respectively.
The Marauders continued winning when they faced the Algoma University Thunderbirds on Jan. 20. The game finished with a score of 90 to 64.
On Jan. 25, the Marauders took on the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. The team came away with a convincing win, ending the game with a score of 86 to 49. To ensure the win, Stinson recalled the teams dedication to an effective defense after halftime.
“The first half I don't think our defensive effort was completely up to par. So at halftime we were like, all right, we've got to lock in here, focus, play this game like you would like to play your last basketball game, we need to bring this defensive intensity,” said Stinson.
The Marauders held the Blues to only 18 points total in the second half of play. Stinson highlighted how the team’s focus on defense in the second half helped them succeed.
“The second half, it was just there and the offense was seamless because of that defensive side. We're getting steals. Everyone was getting touches, defensively and offensively. It was a really good team win last night, and that came because of our defensive effort,” said Stinson.
The team has only five games before they enter the OUA playoffs, in what will likely be Stinson’s final season with the Marauders. As the season winds down, Stinson reflected on what it will take for the Marauders to finish strong.
“Honestly, when we are having fun playing basketball and we're playing together, we call it point and smile games because someone will score and we point at the person who passed to us. When we play those kinds of games and we're together and constantly lifting each other up on the court, that's the kind of basketball that we succeed with. So, the effort piece is one, the defensive piece is one, but it's just the togetherness that I really think helps us succeed,” said Stinson.
When we play those kinds of games and we're together and we're constantly lifting each other up on the court, that's the kind of basketball that we succeed with.
Amy Stinson, Fifth-Year Player
McMaster Women's Basketball Team
The women’s basketball team will take on Brock University in their next game on Feb. 8, 2025 as they take on their remaining games ahead of this year's OUA playoffs.
McMaster’s Varsity Leadership Committee's Mental Health Week offers activities for Marauder athletes to connect and discuss mental health and well being
On Jan. 22, 2025, the McMaster Varsity Leadership Committee kicked off their Mental Health Week with a mental health panel. This event took place in the David Braley Athletic Centre classrooms and featured a number of speakers discussing various topics in mental health.
The panel included McMaster athletics alumni Sam Cooper and Brandon Bernard. Current student athletes Jenine Alkhatib and Sammi Slater, as well as a speaker from the student wellness centre, Jin Byun, were also present. The speakers discussed a range of topics including how to take care of your well-being outside of sport and women’s health in sports.
McMaster VLC president Evan Mitchell spoke about his experience in helping to put together the event, “I was able to help create an environment where people could feel like they could share their story and not have any fear about what people were gonna think. It was a really great crowd that we had too and a good audience and some really good questions as well and some real raw emotion that kind of came out of like people just really like going into their story and it's like, like I loved it. I thought it was amazing.”
It was a really great crowd that we had too and a good audience and some really good questions as well and some real raw emotion that kind of came out of like people just really like going into their story and it's like, like I loved it. I thought it was amazing
Evan Mitchell, President
McMaster Varsity Leadership Committee
Proceeding the panel event, the VLC hosted a trivia night event at TwelvEighty Bar & Grill on Jan. 23, 2025. The event allowed student athletes from all sports to enjoy a dinner together and partake in trivia. Mitchell was shocked by the number of student athletes who attended.
“So it was special because we kind of knew what we were capable of, but when everyone comes together and is there for that, it's just like it just reminds you of that the sky's the limit with event planning for athletes because word of mouth spreads so quickly and if you catch a buzz like you're gonna get a lot of people to come out which is pretty cool,” said Mitchell.
Going forward, the success of this event may signal even bigger things for the VLC. Their original goal was to give better opportunities for the OUA and club sports at McMaster, compared to the USports teams. Mitchell believes this has been surpassed.
“I've seen so much change in the department with VLC and what we've been able to achieve. Now, our goal is to create a stronger sense of community amongst athletes and get everyone together more. You should be a Marauder alumni and be able to connect with any Marauder alumni. We want to create more opportunities for people to network and connect with one another,” said Mitchell.
I've seen so much change in the department with VLC and what we've been able to achieve. Now, our goal is to create a stronger sense of community amongst athletes and get everyone together more.
Evan Mitchell, President
McMaster Varsity Leadership Committee
Mitchell attributes the growth of the VLC and their ability to reach so many student athletes to its wide-reaching executive board, as well as their interpersonal relationships.
“The reason why I think the club has been so successful is because we're all friends. . .It's a big reason why the club is so integrated and we have so many sports like swimming, soccer, basketball, baseball and we used to have a couple others [on the executive board], but even that in itself, four or five sports within your club is huge because you reach like so many networks,” said Mitchell.
The VLC’s mental health week initiatives showcased the team’s commitment to connecting and providing spaces for McMaster student-athletes to make meaningful relationships.
Looking forward, the VLC looks to continue its growth, hosting a number of events including Marauder Momentum, a series of career development workshops. Information can be found here.
