OCAA MALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is proud to announce the following nominees for its 2025-26 Male Rookie of the Year.

Joseph Buckley
Men's Basketball, Niagara Knights

Joseph Buckley (Oshawa) was named OCAA Rookie of the Year following the men's basketball regular season. The guard was a key player for the Niagara Knights, starting in all 18 games. Buckley scored 17.6 points per game while averaging 31.1 minutes on the court. Buckley shot 39.2 per cent from the three-point line and 86.0 per cent from the free-throw line, adding 36 steals for good measure.

The West Division Rookie of the Year is also an West Division Second-Team All-Star and headlines the West Division All-Rookie Team. Niagara would not have been nearly as successful as they were this past season without Joseph.

Enzo Endres
Men's Volleyball, Humber Hawks

Enzo Endres (Sao Paulo, Brazil) was named OCAA Rookie of the Year at the conclusion of the men's volleyball regular season. The outside hitter led all Humber Hawks with 109 total digs and 32 service aces, while sitting second on the team averaging 3.00 kills per set, 183 overall kills and 26 blocks.

Endres made an immediate and powerful impact this season, consistently elevating the level of play with his skill, work ethic, and composure on the court. The West Division Rookie of the Year headlined the West Division All-Rookie Team. Enzo was named a Championship All-Star as the Hawks won their sixth straight OCAA championship.

Owen Mailhot
Golf, Durham Lords

Owen Mailhot (Whitby) made an immediate impact on the Durham Lords golf program, not just with his results, but with the way he carried himself throughout the season. Owen quickly became someone the team could count on in big moments, helping the Lords earn a top-four finish at the OCAA Championships and qualify for nationals.

Owen's steady approach, strong preparation and commitment to getting better every time out set a great example for those around him. Owen brought a level of focus and consistency that helped raise the standard within the team, all while putting the team's success ahead of his own.

The 2025-26 Male Rookie of the Year will be announced on Wednesday, Apr. 22.

OCAA MAJOR AWARD NOMINEE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Monday, Apr. 13 - Coach of the Year
Tuesday, Apr. 14 - Female Rookie of the Year
Wednesday, Apr. 15 - Male Rookie of the Year
Thursday, Apr. 16 - Male Athlete of the Year
Friday, Apr. 17 - Female Athlete of the Year

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

For nearly 60 years, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association has been a dedicated leader in amateur athletics through the provision of quality varsity and recreational athletic opportunities at the collegiate level.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com