The past year has been nothing short of impressive for our clubs. Over the Spring and Summer, Women’s Ultimate won the USA Ultimate Division 1 College Championship for the first time in TSC history, Triathlon won the Canadian Collegiate Championship for the second year in a row, and Men’s Tennis took home silver at the U Sports Championship. This season our Thunderbirds Sport Clubs have continued to shine, with Sailing capturing its first National Championship since 2018, Men’s and Women’s Tennis winning their respective Western Championships to Qualify for U Sports Nationals, and Equestrian qualifying a full team to the IHSA Zone Championship for the first time ever. Numerous other teams have represented UBC proudly at their National Championship in the past year, including Artistic Swimming, Cycling, Equestrian, Nordic Skiing, Quadball, and Men’s Ultimate. It has been wonderful to see all our clubs continue to represent UBC with the pride and honour we have come to expect!
On April 9, 2026, we held our annual TSC Year End Event to celebrate the achievements of our exceptional athletes and teams this past year. Read below for the award winners!
Table of Contents
Rookie of the Year
Awarded to the top student-athletes who demonstrate extraordinary athletic performance in their first year of intercollegiate competition
Student Leadership Award
Presented to the individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership towards their sport club
Athlete of the Year
Awarded to the top student-athletes who demonstrate extraordinary athletic performance in their given discipline this season
TSC Legacy Award
Presented to TSC’s outstanding graduating athletes, who have left a lasting impression on their team and the program during their career
Executives of the Year
Awarded to the team of executives that presented themselves as unified leaders, progressing their sport club both administratively and competitively
Team of the Year
Awarded to the team that exemplifies the spirit of TSC and saw success at all levels – in training, competition, academics, and team culture
Rookie of the Year
Scotty Su, Men’s Tennis
Scotty Su has had one of the most remarkable rookie seasons in UBC Men’s Tennis history. In his first year, he became the program’s first‑ever rookie to play number 1 singles at the Canada West Championships—and he won, clinching UBC’s berth to Nationals in the highest‑pressure moment of the season. Beyond his historic performance, Scotty stands out for his humility, professionalism, and team‑first attitude. Despite being the top player in the lineup, he remains grounded, low‑ego, and deeply supportive of his teammates. His work ethic, consistency, and character make him an outstanding Rookie of the Year candidate.
Kirsten Kam, Women’s Tennis
Kirsten has been an exceptional addition to the UBC Women’s Tennis Team, bringing rare competitiveness, grit, and composure for a first‑year athlete. She made program history by securing the team’s first‑ever clinch win against the University of Alberta, handling the pressure with maturity beyond her years. Throughout the season, she was a consistent contributor in both Exhibitions and Westerns, demonstrating strong commitment with one of the highest attendance rates. Beyond performance, Kirsten stands out as a kind, resilient, and positive teammate whose sportsmanship and humility make her widely trusted. Her leadership potential is clear as she steps into the finance executive role next year. She perfectly exemplifies a Rookie of the Year.
Student Leadership Award
Isabella Bauman, Equestrian
Bella has provided exceptional leadership this year, planning and hosting our first-ever solo U.S. show while recovering from surgery—an incredible display of dedication. She coordinated every detail, handled challenges professionally, and consistently guided the team with clarity, empathy, and strong sportsmanship. Under her leadership, UBC qualified for Zone Championships at Stanford for the first time, despite being the only Western Canadian IHSA team. Bella responds quickly, listens thoughtfully, and works tirelessly behind the scenes. She repaired relationships with IHSA, unified the team, and transformed the program over her three years as Club Lead. Her impact is irreplaceable, and her leadership, extraordinary.
Joshua Goh, Nordic Skiing
Josh has been a cornerstone of the Nordic team, bringing positivity, leadership, and deep passion for the sport. As an executive, he played a key role in planning team trips and regularly led practices, offering guidance and encouragement to rookie and veteran athletes alike. His support made new members feel welcome, inspiring some to return to skiing after years away. Over four years on the team and two as travel and safety exec, Josh has shaped team culture through dedication, strong work ethic, and a vision for improvement. Whether offering race advice, organizing logistics, or helping with waxing, he consistently puts teammates first.
Athlete of the Year
Justin Podnar, Men’s Ultimate
Calling Justin Podnar Athlete of the Year feels almost insufficient, because his impact this season has gone far beyond excellence. Justin hasn’t just been the best player on the field—he has redefined what it means to lead, compete, and elevate an entire team. Every time he steps on the line, he brings a presence that shifts the game: relentless intensity, unmatched focus, and a drive that raises the standard for everyone around him.
Mika Kurahashi, Women’s Ultimate
Mika stands above the competition as the 2025 D‑1 Women’s Player of the Year, the most prestigious honor awarded by Ultiworld to the top performer of the college season and the highest All‑American vote‑getter. She also earned a place on the 2025 D‑1 Women’s All‑American First Team, recognizing the division’s top players throughout the year. Her defensive and offensive impact were “overwhelmingly responsible for UBC’s title,” highlighted by her late‑game heroics in the final. This marks her third straight All‑American selection and her second First Team appearance, cementing her as one of the division’s most influential players.
TSC Legacy Award
Isaac Qi, Quadball
Isaac has been a transformative leader for UBC TSC Quadball since joining in 2022. A standout athlete from the start, he earned Chaser of the Year as a rookie and Keeper of the Year the following season. As captain, he rebuilt the program from four returning players to a Nationals‑qualifying roster of 19, earning the TSC Leadership Award. His influence extended nationally through his role on the Quadball Canada Board, where he advocated for university teams and Western programs. Under his leadership, UBC became known for competitiveness, sportsmanship, recruitment strength, and athlete wellbeing. Isaac’s dedication, vision, and service define a true legacy.
April St. Pierre, Triathlon
April is the longest‑standing athlete in TSC history, completing her eighth year on the UBC Triathlon Team and leaving a legacy that shaped the program. A six‑year executive and two‑term president, she helped build a supportive, welcoming environment while guiding the team’s long‑term growth. She has mentored countless athletes, offering equipment, training advice, and encouragement through challenging workouts. April is also an elite competitor: BC Half Distance Champion (2024), runner‑up (2025), second at Collegiate Nationals (2025), and multiple TriDu podiums. Her leadership, positivity, and unwavering dedication have defined the team’s culture and will continue influencing it long after her final season.
Executives of the Year
Nordic Skiing – Erika Peterson, Parker Munroe, Joshua Goh, Paige Saravanamuttoo, Chloe Walc & Reid Wilson
Over the past two years, Nordic skiing has transformed from a small group attending occasional races to a thriving team of 20+ athletes regularly competing at BC Cups and Nationals. This year’s exec team—its first without members of the original rebuilding group—continued that momentum, organizing the team’s first Nationals trip to Quebec City, increasing on snow practices with a new coach, and raising nearly $7,000 in the annual auction. They navigated challenges like a lastminute training camp cancellation, maintained an inclusive team culture while supporting competitive success, and consistently stepped up for one another. Their dedication, growth, and teamwork shaped the program’s strongest year yet.
Team of the Year
Women’s Ultimate
The Women’s Ultimate Team had an extraordinary season, highlighted by winning the 2025 USAU D‑I College Championships—their first national title since 2008—finishing 27‑1 and earning the No. 1 national seed out of 180+ programs. In 2026, they continued their excellence with a 2nd‑place finish at Santa Barbara Invite, 4th at President’s Day Invite, and another Dogwood Bowl victory over UVic. Their success is driven by countless weekly hours of practice, gym work, film study, scouting, and mental training, all while maintaining a team GPA above 80%. Their inclusive, motivated team culture makes excellence a shared goal and fosters lifelong friendships.
