OCAA FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

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

Ashlyn Anderson
Women's Basketball, Fanshawe Falcons

Ashlyn Anderson (Latchford) delivered a powerful performance during the 2025-26 season, propelling the Fanshawe Falcons to new heights. The second-year forward emerged as a dominant force in the paint, earning the prestigious title of Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) All-Canadian. As a lower seed, Ashlyn led the Falcons to an OCAA title and the cusp of a national championship.

Ashlyn's regular season was defined by relentless consistency and elite efficiency. Ashlyn posted a double-double in 13 of 16 games and led all OCAA players with 214 rebounds, 49 blocks and a 56.5 field goal percentage. 

Kiana Huggins
Women's Volleyball, St. Clair Saints

Kiana Huggins (London) was named OCAA Player of the Year in women's volleyball for the second time in three seasons. The fifth-year outside hitter was the West Division Scoring Champion averaging 4.6 points per set in 15 regular season matches, helping guide the St. Clair Saints to a West Division championship. Kiana was also the division co-leader averaging 3.87 kills per set.

A team captain and a leader on and off the court, Kiana was also honoured as a CCAA All-Canadian and West Division First-Team and OCAA Championship All-Star, leading the Saints to an OCAA silver medal.

Rilee Rothwell
Women's Softball, Humber Hawks

Rilee Rothwell (Cambridge) was named OCAA Player of the Year after the conclusion the women's softball regular season. The fourth-year outfielder was the only player in the league in the Top 5 in batting average, RBIs, home runs, runs scored and stolen bases. The OCAA Batting Champion led all players with a .521 average, 29 runs and four homers. Rilee also contributed 20 RBI and 10 stolen bases from the dish.

Rilee was both an OCAA First-Team League and Championship All-Star, playing a significant role as the Humber Hawks won the OCAA championship for the first time since 2019.

The 2025-26 Female Athlete of the Year will be announced on Friday, Apr. 24.

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