Three University of Victoria student-athletes are named recipients for this year's three GVSHOF awards. 

The University of Victoria Department of Athletics and Recreation and Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame (GVSHOF) are proud to recognize first-year student-athletes Malia Phelan, Kate Watson and Quinn McCoy as the 2024-25 recipients of the GVSHOF awards presented annually to support to local varsity athletes pursuing their education at UVic.

Bate Family Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Award

Malia Phelan, a first-year women's soccer player, is the 15th recipient of the Bate Family Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Award. A Stelly's High School graduate, Phelan stands out because of her technical abilities, composure under pressure, and commitment to fair play. Phelan made an immediate impact as a first-year player on the women's soccer team, dressing for every game and contributing with two goals and two assists in the 2024-25 season.

Off the field, Phelan demonstrates the same dedication to her community. She has volunteered with organizations like Our Place Society and Jeneece Place as well as participated in international agricultural projects. Her reliability and leadership are always on display as a coach of the Vikes mini camps, where she works patiently and compassionately with young athletes. Phelan's humility, responsibility, and all-around excellence make her a deserving recipient of this award.

"When Malia chose to study at UVic, I was delighted. She has a tremendous work ethic which was evidenced during our pre-season fitness testing in August, where she ranked among the top athletes in the intermittent fitness test and speed test. Malia is also responsible and commits to everything that our team does in terms of community involvement and fundraising," said Tracy David, women's soccer head coach.

Sybil Verch Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Award

Kate Watson, a first-year women's rower, is the recipient of the fifth annual Sybil Verch Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Award. Graduating from Claremont Secondary School in 2024, Watson has seamlessly transitioned into the academic and athletic demands of university life, excelling as a student-athlete. A computer science major with aspirations of a sports data science and analytics career, Watson embodies the drive, leadership, and commitment that the Sybil Verch Award recognizes. Her academic record speaks for itself—she maintained a perfect GPA throughout high school while completing advanced courses like AP chemistry and AP physics and earning the Citizenship Award at Claremont.

On the water, Watson's accomplishments are equally impressive. She entered UVic fresh off a national championship title in the U19 women's pair and a fifth-place finish at the Junior World Rowing Championships as the stroke seat in the U19 women's coxed four (4+). She has already proven herself as a Vike, earning spots in the lightweight varsity four (4+) and the pair (2x), contributing to UVic's Canadian University Rowing Championship-winning crew. A dedicated teammate and natural leader, Watson's work ethic, humility, and enthusiasm inspire those around her. Beyond competition, Watson gives back to her sport, volunteering as a coach for novice rowers and assisting at regattas through her years with the Victoria City Rowing Club.

"Kate has a very positive attitude that was immediately evident upon joining the team. As a first-year athlete, she seamlessly made the transition from high school to varsity and began progressing immediately. She also had an incredible summer competing on the world stage and has demonstrated that her hard work not only pays off on the water, but in the classroom as well," said Jane Gumley, women's rowing head coach.

Simon Keith Foundation Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Award

Quinn McCoy, a first-year member of the Vikes men's rowing team, is the recipient of the fourth annual Simon Keith Foundation Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Award. A Claremont Secondary School graduate now studying biology at UVic, McCoy's work ethic and dedication as a student-athlete have already set him apart. On the water, he has built an impressive resume, representing Canada internationally as a U19 men's eight (8+) member at the Junior World Rowing Championship. Since entering UVic, he has continued his upward trajectory, securing a spot in the varsity boat and achieving an elite-level six-kilometre erg time of 19:56.4—a mark typically reserved for national team athletes.

McCoy's ultimate goal is to represent Canada at the Olympic Games while pursuing a career in medicine, and he credits UVic's academic and athletic culture for fostering both passions. Beyond his athletic pursuits, McCoy contributes to the program's success by volunteering with the men's rowing recruitment committee, helping identify and support future Vikes rowers. Known for his professionalism, integrity, and determination, McCoy exemplifies the attributes celebrated by the Simon Keith Foundation.

"As a student at Claremont Secondary School, Quinn consistently demonstrated leadership, a strong work ethic and a passion for rowing. His commitment to training and competition is unparalleled, and his dedication to improving his skills is evident in every aspect of his athletic pursuits," said Aalbert Van Schothorst, men's head rowing coach.

"We are grateful to the support of the GVSHOF for helping keep talented athletes like Quinn local."

Bate Family Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Award: Awarded to an undergraduate student entering the University of Victoria directly from a secondary school in the Greater Victoria region who competes on a Vikes varsity team.

Sybil Verch Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Award: Awarded to an undergraduate woman student entering UVic from a secondary school in the Greater Victoria region who competes on a Vikes varsity team.

Simon Keith Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Award: Awarded to an undergraduate student whose life has been directly impacted by organ donation entering the University of Victoria directly from secondary school in the Greater Victoria region who competes are a Vikes varsity team.

Eligible students are required to submit an application by the specified date to the senior director of Athletics & Recreation. Award recipients must meet all U SPORTS and/or NAIA eligibility requirements and are selected on the basis of work ethic, commitment and performance criteria.

Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame award winners – past recipients:

• 2023-24: Anais Chace, women's field hockey, Sadie Schneider, women's rugby, Adriana Hilton, women's soccer
• 2022-23: Tion McLeish, men's track and cross country, Katie Bentley, women's field hockey, Grant Barkway, men's rowing
• 2021-22: Marina Skakun, women's rugby, Charisse Faubert, women's rowing, Brooke Taylor, women's field hockey
• 2020-21: Jack DesBrisay, men's rowing & Mareya Valeva, women's swimming
• 2019-20: Janet Dawson, women's field hockey
• 2018-19: Lockie Kratz, men's rugby
• 2017-18: Shaye Tudor, men's rugby
• 2016-17: Brayden Tate, men's rugby
• 2015-16: Harbir Sidhu, men's field hockey
• 2014-15: Michael Baart, men's soccer
• 2013-14: Stephanie Polomark, women's rowing
• 2012-13: Sarah Douglas, women's soccer
• 2011-12: Patrick Psotka, men's track
• 2010-11: Julia Schmidt: women's swimming