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The Vikes Student Leadership Awards are awarded to undergraduate or graduate students who are involved in and contribute to campus by either working or volunteering with Vikes 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. Students are required to write a professionally formatted cover letters and provide two letter of reference describing their contributions to active, healthy living and Vikes Athletics and Recreation on campus.
Anna Bartnik
Anna Bartnik, a fourth-year geography and environmental studies student, has been a vital leader in the UVic caving and whitewater clubs, serving as president for the former. When she's not adventuring, Bartnik works as a CARSA equipment desk attendant. In her roles with the caving and whitewater clubs, she prioritizes safety, holding certifications in Wilderness First Aid and Swift Water Rescue, and ensures participants' well-being during extreme outdoor activities. Bartnik's inclusive leadership style fosters a welcoming environment, combining emotional intelligence with effective delegation and comprehensive safety measures. With plans to pursue a career in consulting or higher-up management, she credits her experience with Vikes athletics and recreation for honing her problem-solving and adaptability skills.
Chloe Portal
Chloe Portal, a political science major and senior leader with the University of Victoria Vikes Camps programs, has fostered a safe and inclusive environment for children, aligning with the Vikes commitment to excellence in sport and active living. Her dual focus on quality programming and developing campers' physical literacy demonstrates a dedication to the department's vision. Chloe's commitment to service excellence is evident in her personalized approach, fostering connections with parents and actively supporting children with special needs. With a goal to pursue a master's in public administration, Portal's leadership, adaptability, and interpersonal skills gained from Vikes athletics and recreation position her well for career success.
Jordan Siemens
Jordan Siemens, a fourth-year student pursuing a combined bachelor's degree in biology and psychology, has been awarded the Vikes Leadership Award for his outstanding contributions as a personal trainer at CARSA, playing a vital role in helping individuals achieve their health and fitness goals. His commitment to promoting active, healthy living aligns seamlessly with the department's vision, and he demonstrates service excellence by providing personalized and practical training while fostering a positive environment at CARSA. With a focus on inclusivity, encouragement, and discipline, Siemens aims to make health education easily accessible globally, leveraging the skills acquired as a personal trainer to pursue his long-term goal of becoming a health consultant.
Kirsten Cook
Kirsten Cook, a third-year commerce student, has been a part of Vikes Athletics & Recreation since her first year in 2021 when she played for the University of Victoria women's soccer team. In her second year, she began working for CARSA membership services, where her enthusiasm and commitment shone, providing top-quality service and fostering connections within the UVic community. In her position as a Vikes Nation executive, she has played a key role in creating, developing, and running various social media pages, showcasing her passion for digital marketing and contributing to the vibrant fan experience at Vikes games. Through her various positions within the department, including working for Vikes Summer Camps, Cook exemplifies the Vikes spirit, service excellence, and a commitment to living an active, healthy lifestyle, aligning with the organization's goals and values.
Katie Farrell
Katie Farrell, a student in the UVic Bachelor of Education program, has been a dedicated part-time employee at CARSA membership services and the equipment desk since September 2021. Actively contributing to varsity games and events, including assisting with multiple national championships, she exemplifies service excellence, ensuring smooth operations and fostering a positive atmosphere. Her commitment aligns with the department's vision of excellence in sport and active healthy living, emphasizing adaptability, respect, and vision as core values. Her experiences within the Vikes Athletics and Recreation Department equip her with essential skills necessary for her future career as an elementary school teacher, where she aspires to create a community where every individual feels heard and seen.
Larah Wright
Larah Wright is a third-year student-athlete studying kinesiology, as well as a standout varsity women's rugby player. Despite facing challenges like a recent ACL rupture, she managed to remain positive while dedicating herself to creating a safe and enjoyable community recreation space at CARSA. Over the last 18 months working at the CARSA equipment desk, Wright has assisted in managing fields, and contributing to varsity events set-up and take down, consistently going above and beyond the call of duty. Her commitment to excellence demonstrated through her work ethic, values of respect, trust, and hard work, showcases her leadership both on and off the field, making her a valuable asset to Vikes athletics and recreation.
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