U SPORTS will recognize the nation’s most accomplished student-athletes as it celebrates the 2024-25 U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadians, Jan. 27–28 in Ottawa.

The national governing body for university sport in Canada unveiled its 2024-25 U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadians:

Clara Gascoigne, Saint Mary’s University (women’s basketball)

Jacob Benoit, Dalhousie University (cross country/track and field)

Madalyn Weinert, Brock University (women’s basketball)

Mathias Onuska, University of Waterloo (men’s hockey)

Étienne Cloutier, Université Laval (football)

Corinne Fréchette, Université Laval (rugby)

Isaac Heslinga, University of Alberta (men’s volleyball)

Gabriela Cross, University of Calgary (wrestling)

The eight laureates—selected by their respective conferences as the best and brightest academic student-athletes during the 2024-25 season—will be honoured across two days of national recognition. As part of the celebration, the Top 8 will be guests of The Honourable Francis Scarpaleggia, Speaker of the House of Commons, for a luncheon reception on Wednesday, Jan. 28, and will also participate in a meeting with Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.

The U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadians are presented by Sherrard-Kuzz, LLC with each laureate receiving a commemorative ring from Baron Rings, the official provider of U SPORTS celebratory jewellery.

The Top 8 distinction represents the highest individual academic honour bestowed by U SPORTS. During the 2024-25 academic year, more than 5,600 U SPORTS student-athletes earned Academic All-Canadian status by maintaining an academic average of 80 per cent or higher while competing in university sport. From that group, eight student-athletes are selected to represent the pinnacle of academic achievement and athletic excellence.

Together, the 2024-25 Top 8 Academic All-Canadians exemplify the balance, discipline and leadership that define university sport in Canada.

“The Top 8 Academic All-Canadians represent the very best of U SPORTS. These student-athletes have demonstrated that excellence in the classroom and excellence in competition are not competing priorities, but complementary pursuits. Their recognition in Ottawa—alongside leaders of our country—is a powerful reminder of the role university sport plays in developing thoughtful, disciplined and engaged leaders for Canada’s future,” said U SPORTS Chief Executive Officer Pierre Arsenault.

Above Photo: Mathias Onuska — Waterloo (Photo courtesy U SPORTS)
Program: Honours Health Science
Year: Third year
Sport: Men’s Hockey
Average: 96.7%

Mathias Onuska has emerged as one of the nation’s premier goaltenders while setting an exceptional standard in the classroom.

In 2024-25, the third-year Honours Health Science student recorded a remarkable 96.7 per cent academic average, earning recognition as one of Waterloo’s top undergraduate student-athletes for a second consecutive year.

On the ice, Onuska delivered a season for the ages. He led the country with a .941 save percentage and posted a 2.18 goals-against average, earning both OUA and U SPORTS Goaltender of the Year honours. His performances anchored Waterloo’s success throughout the season and culminated in his receiving the Totzke Trophy as the Warriors’ men’s athlete of the year.

Equally impactful away from competition, Onuska is deeply engaged in his community. He volunteers with KW Habilitation Farm, supports Indigenous hockey initiatives, assists with summer hockey camps, and serves as a Rise-Up Peer Mentor, helping first-year student-athletes transition into university life.