CEEJAY NOFUENTE NAMED OCAA FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) proudly recognizes Humber College women's basketball student-athlete Ceejay Nofuente as its 2015-16 OCAA female athlete of the year.

Nofuente (Toronto) became the first OCAA women's basketball player in history to be named player of the year and championship MVP both provincially and nationally. She was also named a CCAA all-Canadian and is a member of the OCAA west division first-team all-stars.

During the 2015-16 regular season, the third-year point guard led the OCAA with 116 assists and 81 steals while contributing a team-leading 14.3 points per game. She was also third in conference rebounding, grabbing 157 boards to go along with her 257 points. Humber won the west regional title, going 18-0.

At provincials, Nofuente shifted into another gear, totaling 58 points in three games, an average of 19.3. She also grabbed 18 rebounds, made 17 assists and 15 steals. Nofuente was named championship MVP as Humber won its second consecutive OCAA title.

Nofuente and the Hawks then travelled due south to nationals in Windsor, Ont., where she was honoured as the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) player of the year.

On the court, Nofuente scored 53 points in three games, grabbing 27 rebounds while contributing 18 assists and 13 steals as Humber became the first OCAA program to win a national women's team title in a league sport. The Hawks also completed an undefeated season at 24-0. For her efforts, Nofuente was named championship MVP, earning her the grand slam of major women's basketball awards.

"Ceejay is an exceptional athlete, leader and teammate who has had an unparalleled season in terms of individual and team achievement," praises Humber College athletic directory Ray Chateau. "To see what she has accomplished just two years removed from ACL surgery is incredible and speaks to her perseverance and commitment."

Nofuente is just as dedicated to success off the court, continually completing classes in her sport management program with a grade point average over 3.0. She donates her time at multiple basketball camps and has been an inspiration to countless young aspiring student-athletes.

Nofuente becomes the seventh consecutive student-athlete from Humber to be awarded OCAA female athlete of the year. She joins Redeemer University College's Anita Kralt and Seneca College's Ashley Docking and Natasha Thombs as women's basketball student-athletes to be named OCAA female athlete of the year.

Nofuente will formally be presented her OCAA athlete of the year award Thursday at Humber College's north campus in Etobicoke, Ont. The OCAA male athlete of the year will be announced on Tuesday.

OCAA FEMALE ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
2015-16: Ceejay Nofuente, Humber (Basketball)
2014-15: Thalia Hanniman, Humber (Volleyball)
2013-14: Kelly Nyhof, Humber (Volleyball)
2012-13: Tracy Wong, Humber (Badminton)
2011-12: Vicky Siemon, Humber (Cross Country)
2010-11: Landis Doyle, Humber (Volleyball)
2009-10: Renee Yip, Humber (Badminton)
2008-09: Ashley Docking, Seneca (Soccer, Basketball)
2007-08: Katie Szeghalmi, Durham (Soccer)
2006-07: Megan Stacey, Nipissing (Volleyball)
2005-06: Natasha Thombs, Seneca (Basketball)
2004-05: Lisa Martin, Cambrian (Soccer, Volleyball)
2003-04: Erin Smith, Durham (Fastball, Volleyball)
2002-03: Stacey Michaels, Cambrian (Badminton)
2001-02: Joanna Vitale, Humber (Soccer, Indoor Soccer)
2000-01: Anita Kralt, Redeemer (Basketball, Soccer, Indoor Soccer)
1999-2000: Gabe Roy and Melanie Finley, Cambrian (Badminton)
1998-99: Sue Mileva, Seneca (Badminton)
1997-98: Joanna Van Dyke, Durham (Fastball, Volleyball)
1996-97: Marcy Skribe, Durham (Basketball)

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is a recognized leader in intercollegiate athletics in the province, dedicated to student athlete and sport development. The OCAA has 30 members sponsoring 11 sports.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
Fax: 416-426-7308
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com