(SAINT JOHN, N.B.) The University of New Brunswick Saint John Seawolves Athletics Department announced its major award winners for the 2025–26 season, recognizing excellence in athletics, academics, leadership, and community involvement. Badminton standout Vaibhav Bhatta and women’s volleyball student-athlete Emily Robichaud were named the Seawolves’ Athletes of the Year, leading a group of recipients recognized for their contributions across multiple areas of their sport in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association. 

Bhatta continued to build on an already decorated career, delivering one of the top individual seasons in recent program history. The third-year business student-athlete helped guide the Seawolves to a second-place finish at the ACAA team championships while going undefeated in his matches. He was later named the ACAA Male Player of the Year, becoming the first Seawolves athlete to earn the honour. Bhatta also secured his place as the ACAA representative in men’s singles following another undefeated performance at the national qualifier.

Robichaud put together one of the most complete seasons in the ACAA, appearing in and starting all 20 matches while recording 220 kills, 3.24 kills per set, 34 service aces, 234 digs, and 269.5 total points. Her performance earned First Team All-Conference recognition and helped lead UNB Saint John to the ACAA championship final. A consistent presence throughout the season, she contributed on both sides of the ball while providing leadership to one of the program’s top teams.

The Dr. Ann Gorman Condon Academic Athletic Achievement Award was presented to Ainsley Green of women’s basketball and Trystan Burnham of men’s soccer.

Green delivered one of the top seasons in the conference, averaging 14.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game while ranking among league leaders in scoring, rebounding, and blocks. A First Team All-Conference selection, she helped guide the Seawolves to a playoff berth and a semifinal appearance, providing a consistent presence on both ends of the floor.

Burnham was a key piece of the Seawolves men’s soccer program, recognized for his defensive ability, leadership, and academic success. While his statistical output may not fully capture his impact, his presence was evident throughout the season. An ACAA First Team All-Conference selection, Burnham anchored a team that advanced to the conference final, earning a semifinal victory before competing in a tightly contested championship match that extended to double overtime.

The Dave Munro Sportsmanship Award was presented to Ava Sprague of women’s basketball, while Paige Hobeyn of women’s volleyball received the Jennifer Huttges Spirit Award.

Sprague led her team in minutes played and ranked among the conference leaders in assists, serving as a steady and reliable presence throughout the season. Her approach to the game and respect for competition made her a fitting recipient of an award recognizing character and sportsmanship.

Hobeyn’s selection reflected her consistent energy and support for teammates, as well as her involvement across the Seawolves community. Her contributions played an important role in maintaining a positive team environment throughout the season.

Additional major awards included the Founder’s Award, presented to Haley Wilson of women’s volleyball, the Devin O’Brien Leadership Award, presented to Emily Robichaud, and the Seawolves Family Award, presented to AJ Nash of men’s basketball.

Wilson was a key contributor at the net for the Seawolves, finishing the season with a .341 hitting percentage and 51 total blocks. Her performance earned First Team All-Conference recognition and played an important role in the team’s run to the ACAA final.

Robichaud’s second major honour recognized her leadership both on and off the court, as she combined strong on-court performance with a commitment to academics and team culture throughout the season.

Nash led the Seawolves men’s basketball team with an outstanding season, averaging 18.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. He shot 59.2 percent from the field and recorded the top assist-to-turnover ratio in the conference, earning First Team All-Conference recognition. His performance helped guide UNB Saint John to a playoff berth and a semifinal appearance.

The Department Appreciation Award was presented to Gil Breau in recognition of his continued support and contributions to Seawolves Athletics.

TEAM AWARDS

Women’s Soccer                                                                  

Most Valuable Player - Scarlette McDonald

Rookie of the Year - Lily Karns                

Men’s Soccer                                                                         

Most Valuable Player - Trystan Burnham 

Rookie of the Year - Keanu Pereira

Women’s Basketball                                                          

Most Valuable Player - Ainsley Green

Team Spirit - Jill Campbell

Men’s Basketball                                                                   

Most Valuable Player - AJ Nash

Defensive Player of the Year - Ethan Szemerda

Women’s Volleyball                                                           

Most Valuable Player - Emily Robichaud

Rookie of the Year - Kyra McCord

Men’s Volleyball                                                                    

Most Valuable Player - Adam Gauthier

“Mr. Big” - Jackson Ramier

Badminton

Male MVP - Vaibhav Bhatta

Female MVP - Addison McClune

Rugby 7s

Rookie of the Year - Blessing Ajayi

Most Valuable Player - Bridget Clark

The 2025–26 season marked continued progress for the Seawolves program, with strong representation in conference awards and multiple teams advancing into postseason play. Women’s volleyball reached the ACAA final, both soccer teams advanced to their respective championship matches, and both basketball teams qualified for the playoffs. These results reflect the depth of talent within the program and the continued development of a competitive environment at UNB Saint John.

---- Russell Malally, BSW ‘27 ----