Brent Mutis, CapU Sport Information & Compliance Officer
In the first full season of competition since 2020, the Capilano Blues showed they're as committed as ever to success on the field and in the classroom as they matched a previous high with seven CCAA Academic All-Canadian awards.
The recognition is the most prestigious offered to CCAA student-athletes and recognizes excellence in competition and in studies. To earn Academic All-Canadian status, the student-athlete must achieve honours standing (a grade-point average of 3.50 or better) in the fall term as well as be recognized as a league all-star at the end of the season.
For the 2021-22 season, seven Blues earned the nod matching a record number which was set in 2016-17.
Brenden Bailey, Men's Basketball - Arts & Sciences
I am grateful for my four years as a student-athlete on the Blues basketball team. I have been fortunate to make so many life-long memories and friendships. Basketball has taught me many essential life lessons such as discipline, responsibility, accountability, self-confidence, and teamwork that have molded me into the person I am today. My involvement in college sport not only allowed me to stay active and energetic, but provided an outlet for me to relax and reduce anxiety so I could focus on my studies, all of which contributed to my success at CapU. Most of all, I believe that playing college sports has taught me how to deal with failure and disappointment in life. I have learned that even when I don’t get the results I want, no matter what, I must persevere and never give up.
Alanah Dulong, Women's Soccer - Business Administration
Through sport, I have developed a strong work ethic, teamwork abilities, and leadership skills that I have applied to my classroom success. Furthermore, my involvement in college sport requires the creation of a healthy academic and athletic balance, increasing my organizational abilities to prioritize school and my mental and physical health through participating in sport. Overall, the opportunity to play a college sport during my academic career has shaped me into the student I am today and given me the ability to succeed in the classroom.
Jenna Griffin, Women's Basketball - Kinesiology
My involvement in college sports has contributed to my academic success in that it has shown me the importance of time management for ensuring productivity and effectiveness. It can be difficult and tiring to juggle practices, games, and studying so exercising time management and accountability is crucial. As well, having my teammates to rely on during stressful times both on and off the court has helped me develop as a person and a student athlete.
Maya Griffith, Women's Volleyball - Business Administration
Being a student-athlete has contributed to my academic success in that it has compelled me to be disciplined with time management. Our intense schedule helps to balance my academic load, proving to be a stress outlet, both physically and mentally. As a team, we hold each other accountable on the court and in the classroom. It's fundamental for older athletes to set a pattern of dedication and leadership for the new and incoming athletes. Oftentimes we study together at school or when traveling, enabling a productive workspace. The physical component of university offers a mental reset, further adding to my growth as a student.
Rafael Hilario, Men's Volleyball - Business Administration
As a student-athlete, I know I need to put as much effort in the classroom as I put on the court, and as one of the leaders for the season, I pushed myself to be an example on and off the court. Being an Academic All-Canadian shows that I’m doing the right thing. I am proud of my time management to balance school and volleyball, realizing when it was the time to maybe skip a practice because I needed to catch up with school, while still succeeding with sports and academics.
Aynsley Hurtado, Women's Soccer - Communications
College sports have pushed me to achieve a high standard on and off the field. My teammates are my biggest motivation as I try to set an example and be a helping hand. Maintaining a healthy balance between soccer, school, and social life is very important to me so I try to make sure I use what little down time I have to get assignments done. I want to be a proud representation of my school, my team, and for myself and I don’t think I could have achieved what I have without my university soccer team.
Claire Ye, Women's Soccer - Communications
My involvement with college sports has given me a sense of pride that has contributed to my success at school. I want to succeed both on the soccer field and in the classroom for both myself but also my team. Whenever I succeed on the field, I want to match that high expectation that I set for myself in the classroom as well. My time as a student-athlete has also taught me a valuable lesson in time management, allowing me to prioritize different aspects of my life and holding me accountable for my decisions. Everyone in the Capilano community has assured me that I have every tool I need for success both in sport and academically and I never want to let them down.
Since the award was first given out in 1997, Blues athletes have been recognized 70 times as Academic All-Canadians. Each recipient has their name displayed on an engraved plate at the CapU Centre for Sport and Wellness.
