Thirteen students take home Vikes Student Leadership Awards

March 5, 2025

Victoria - Thirteen outstanding University of Victoria students are the recipients of the 2025 Vikes Student Leadership Awards, presented annually to those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and service through their work or volunteer contributions within UVic Athletics and Recreation.

The Vikes Student Leadership Awards recognize undergraduate or graduate students who are involved in and contribute to campus by either working or volunteering with UVic Athletics and Recreation. The recipients are selected by designates of the director of athletics and recreation based on commitment and performance criteria outlined in the application while contributing to furthering active healthy living. Applicants must be a full-time student and have worked or volunteered with the department for a minimum of one year.

Congratulations to this year’s award winners for their remarkable impact on our community!

Delali Diaba

Delali, a member of the intramurals staff team, consistently embodies the values upheld through the Vikes Edge. Her dedication to the success of the intramural basketball program—specifically through identifying a gap and leading the revival of a 3-on-3 league for female-identifying athletes—was a key factor in evaluating her application.

Jamie Borthwick

Jamie, an active member of the intramurals staff team and Vikes Nation ambassadors, consistently demonstrates the values promoted through the Vikes Edge, including a commitment to service excellence. Their dedication as a referee in the intramural sports program has contributed significantly to its success, ensuring fair play and a positive experience for all participants.

Rachel Dove

Rachel, a dedicated club executive for the Vikes artistic swimming team over the past few years and a former lifeguard at McKinnon Pool, has consistently exemplified excellence in sport and active, healthy living. Her passion for artistic swimming and commitment to fostering its growth and success in a holistic, inclusive, and healthy manner are truly commendable and were instrumental in her selection.

Eric Anderson

Eric, an active member of the intramurals staff team and Vikes Nation ambassadors, has consistently showcased his dedication as a referee in the intramural sports program which contributed significantly to its success, ensuring fair play and a positive experience for all participants.

Ewan Grbavec

Ewan, a valued member of the membership services front desk team, consistently demonstrates the principles of the Vikes Edge, including a commitment to service excellence. His dedication to delivering outstanding customer service and fostering a positive, welcoming environment for all patrons has been instrumental in his selection.

Heather Del Pero

Heather, a valued staff member of the membership services front desk team, consistently demonstrates a dedication to delivering outstanding customer service and fostering a positive, welcoming environment for all patrons.

Sarah Lang-Gould

Sarah, a dedicated club executive for the Vikes tennis team and a member of the Vikes women’s volleyball team, has consistently demonstrated excellence in sport and active, healthy living. Her passion for tennis and commitment to fostering its growth and success in a holistic, inclusive, and healthy manner are truly commendable and were instrumental in her selection.

Sophia Friesen

Sophia, as the manager of volleyball intramurals and an active member of Vikes intramurals, consistently embodies the values of the Vikes Edge. Her exceptional management of league operations—including scheduling, hiring and training referees, tiering teams, and addressing concerns—reflects her strong leadership skills and dedication.

Taya Magliocco

Taya, a dedicated club executive for the UVic ballroom, Latin, and swing club, has consistently showcased her passion for dance through a commitment to fostering its growth and success in a holistic, inclusive, and judgment-free manner which were instrumental in her selection.

Theodor Tate

Theodor, as a supervisor of Vikes intramurals, consistently lives the values of the Vikes Edge. His attentive organization and execution of league activities, while encouraging a welcoming and inclusive sporting environment for participants, highlight his strong leadership skills and dedication.

Nathan Lemke

Nathan has been a dedicated club executive for the Vikes sailing team over the past four years. His passion for sailing and commitment to fostering the sport's growth and success in a healthy, inclusive manner are truly commendable and were key to his selection.

Takin Keshavarz

Takin, as the supervisor of Vikes intramurals and an active member of the Vikes men’s soccer team has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service excellence. His attentive organization and execution of league activities, while encouraging a welcoming and inclusive sporting environment for participants, highlight his strong leadership skills.