KINGSTON, Ont. (Nov. 16, 2022) – Athletics & Recreation held their annual Academic All-Stars breakfast Wednesday at Grant Hall, with 393 varsity student-athletes being recognized for having earned a 3.5 grade-point average or higher in the 2021-22 academic year at Queen's University.

The Varsity Teams with the highest percentage of Academic All-Stars on their rosters are Men's Hockey and Women's Basketball. The Varsity Clubs with the highest percentage of Academic All-Stars on their rosters are Field Hockey and Fastpitch.

There were also 65 student-athletes who provided more than 2,000 hours of academic support as tutors, tutor coordinators, and SAAMs.

A&R also proudly presented the Nixon Academic Leadership Award to Jenna Matsukubo (Women's Soccer), Lukas Kaufman (Men's Volleyball), Claire Platnar (Women's Cheerleading), and Jordan Leishman (Men's Baseball).

The Nixon Award is given out to the male and female athletes from both the varsity teams and clubs who have exemplified achievement in academics, community service and fair play in their sport. These awards are named in honour of Gord and Janet Nixon, two extraordinary benefactors to Athletics & Recreation.

Matsukubo (Health Sciences), who was named an OUA First Team All-Star earlier this Fall, is a volunteer Crisis Responder with the Kids Help Phone, volunteer Soccer Coach with the Junior Gaels, and Girls Run Club mentor with the Boys and Girls Club.

Matsukubo is also a high school science tutor and has actively participated with the Special Olympics program, motionball, and the Kick for the Cure initiative.

"One of our most popular players, Jenna really embodies the role of student-athlete," said Queen's Women's Soccer Head Coach Dace McDowell. "One of our team core values is treating people the way you would like to be treated and I can't think of someone who better emulates that philosophy."

Kaufman (Engineering) is a former Alfie Pierce Award winner and current assistant coach with Queen's Men's Volleyball. Kaufman is an active participant at Martha's Table and volunteer with the Special Olympics program motionball.

"Lukas has an immediate impact on the court in his rookie campaign," said Queen's Men's Volleyball Head Coach Gabe deGroot. "But where Lukas had a much larger impact was on his teammates and on his community as he matured and grew into his leadership role in his upper years."

Platnar (Education) has been a volunteer in Archives at the Bader International Study Centre and with the Special Olympics Ontario Rhythmic Gymnastics Invitational with the Durham Shooting Stars. Platnar also participated in the teacher candidate placement with Sistema Kingston, co-ran the Badminton Club at Anderson CVI in Whitby, and is a Queen's Varsity Cheerleading Alumni volunteer.

"Claire has always been an excellent role model for her teammates inside the gym, at practices, and all other team functions," said Queen's Cheerleading Head Coach Alyssa Shaver. Claire's approachable and caring nature has a wonderful way of making her teammates feel heard and supported."

Leishman (Smith School of Business) was recently named the OUA Most Valuable Player for Men's Baseball after helping the Gaels capture their first OUA Baseball Championship in program history.

Leishman is a volunteer at the SPCA, Oakville Arts Centre, and Seniors Centre.

"Jordan is a strong student-athlete both on and off the field," said Queen's Baseball Head Coach Jeff Melrose. "Jordan will always be one of the first to support and help with game day set up and tasks. He truly emulates what a true teammate should be."

View the full list of Academic All-Stars here.