Hansford and Le win CIS student-athlete community service awards

Memorial soccer players Andre Le and Samantha Hansford have been recognized as the recipients of Canadian Interuniversity Sport’s (CIS) student-athlete community service award. It is the first time that Memorial soccer players have won the prestigious award.

 

STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Andre Le, Memorial

Le is the first Memorial winner of the student-athlete community service award, presented for the first time in 2005.

 

The St. John's native graduated last spring with a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry but returned to Memorial this year to pursue a masters diploma in clinical epidemiology. This opportunity allowed the team captain to suit up for the Sea-Hawks for a fifth and final season.

 

On the field, the fullback played in every minute of every game in 2010 as the Sea-Hawks compiled a 5-5-3 AUS record. In the classroom, the multiple scholarship and award recipient is well on his way to a fifth nod in as many years as a CIS Academic All-Canadian.

 

In the community Le has worked hard to ensure the Sea-Hawks give back. He has volunteered over 125 hours with St. John Ambulance since 2008, has acted as a volunteer coach for Special Olympics, also since 2008, and has coached bowling, floor hockey and swimming. He gave his time and expertise as a judge at the Newfoundland Regional Science Fair in 2009 and 2010, and has also been involved with ESL Conversation classes conversing with foreign students in order to improve their English speaking skills and has volunteered with children's liturgy at his local church.

 

Specific to the Memorial athletic program, Le is involved with many groups and events such as the annual Tely 10 and volunteering at the St. Mary's School Fall Fair and Spring Fairs. He has been a participant in the Rotary Read-A-Long program reading to children at numerous schools for the past two seasons. He is also a member of the MUN varsity athletes' council.

 

"Andre has emerged as a quality leader within our men's soccer program and truly leads by example," said Memorial Athletic Director Michelle Healey. "His ability to juggle the multiple demands on his time and to achieve success as an athlete, student and community volunteer is nothing short of amazing. He is an outstanding ambassador for Memorial and is truly deserving of this award."

 

The other nominees were Laval's Samuel Georget of Segré, France, Toronto's Lawrence Buchan of Port Moody, B.C., and Saskatchewan's Myles Sheddon of Saskatoon.

 

STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Samantha Hansford, Memorial

Hansford is the first Memorial winner of the student-athlete community service award, presented for the first time in 2008.

 

The Sea-Hawk captain played her fifth and final varsity season in 2010 while completing a full course load in biochemistry, with a focus in nutrition.

 

The St. John's native has been involved as a tireless volunteer for a number of community organizations since arriving at Memorial. She is currently a volunteer with Turning Addictions Services, the Medical Genetics Centre with Eastern Health, the Boys and Girls Club, the under 14 girls' provincial soccer program, and the City of St. John's.

 

With the Turning Addictions Services program, Hansford attended volunteer circle groups for convicted offenders on a weekly basis. With the Medical Genetics Centre, she coordinated a research project for a genetic counselor and a geneticist, observing clinical sessions. Her work with the City also was athletic in nature, organizing and directing several inclusion sessions that helped promote athletic involvement for children with a variety of disabilities.

 

Hansford also has been involved in a number of cancer research awareness events for the past number of years including the Terry Fox Run and the Relay for Life.

 

"Samantha has matured into a leader on and off the field over her five years of varsity soccer. She excels in the classroom, in the community and on the field of play," said Memorial head coach Walt Mavin. "This is an example of what it means to be a Sea-Hawk for all of her teammates, particularly those just starting their careers. She brings passion and integrity in whatever she takes on - and she takes on quite a lot.”

 

The other nominees for the award were Bishop's Samantha Juraschka of Waterdown, Ont., Ottawa's Brittany Harrison of Burlington, Ont., and Calgary's Morena Ianniello of Calgary.

 

Last season Memorial’s Leslie Pope was the AUS nominee for the award.