The York University Lions field hockey team has been one of the perennially-potent programs in the country, and once again reeled in several conference awards.
Goalkeeper Jade Lew, one of York's two graduating athletes, was the lone major award-winning Lion this year. Lew was named the Gail Wilson Outstanding Contributor Award, which is presented annually to an individual who displays exceptional leadership and performance while exemplifying the conduct expected of an OUA field hockey student-athlete.
The fourth-year biology major has been terrific in goal for the Lions since taking the starting job at the beginning of the 2023 season. She has posted nine clean sheets over the last two seasons (including postseason), and led the OUA in save percentage this season (.833), whle giving up the fewest goals in the conference (2).
Off the field, Lew has been equally as invaluable to the York community. She is in her third season as President of York Sport Council, undertaking and overseeing initiatives such as York's HEROS program, where youth from the community attend Lions games and get a glimpse into the day in the life of a varsity athlete, as well as Relay for Life, where 12 hours of physical activity raised funds for cancer support, among other student-athlete-led engagements.
Meanwhile, the Lions had a pair of OUA all-stars. Third-year midfielder Abby Thompson was named an all-star for the first time. The commerce major from North Vancouver, B.C., scored a goal and added two assists during the regular season, but showed up with a pair of big goals in the playoffs. She scored the penalty shootout winner in York's OUA bronze medal match victory over the Toronto Varsity Blues, while also scoring in the opener of the Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS Invitational Championship, a 5-0 win over the UPEI Panthers.
The Lions other all-star in 2024 was second-year midfielder Elise Piper. The Ajax, Ont., native – a kinesiology & health science major –  scored a pair of goals this season. Both of those came in a dominant 5-0 win over the Western Mustangs on Sept. 27.
