KINGSTON, Ont. (Nov. 6, 2024) – Athletics & Recreation held their annual Academic All-Stars breakfast Wednesday at Grant Hall, with 475 varsity student-athletes being recognized for having earned Academic All-Star status (3.5 grade-point average or higher) in the 2023-24 academic year at Queen's University.

Of the 475 varsity student-athletes recognized, 232 came from the Faculty of Arts & Science, 74 from Engineering & Applied Science, 72 from Health Sciences, 65 from the Smith School of Business, 12 from Education, and 20 from Graduate Studies.



A&R also proudly presented the Nixon Academic Leadership Award to Clare Sun (Soccer), Tristan Gazaille (Cross Country & Distance Track), Carol Dong (Fencing) and Lucas Huang (Cheerleading).

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.

Sun (Health Sciences) was an OUA First-Team All-Star for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, and I have been actively involved in the Kick for the Cure and Motionball initiatives with Queen's Women's Soccer. Outside of soccer, Clare is a member of the BIPOC Student-Athlete Committee, volunteers with dementia patients and at the Kingston General Hospital as a first point of contact for walk-in patients and visitors to the emergency room.

Clare is also a peer educator for a grade 5 classroom in the Kingston community, teaching weekly health lessons, and is the Programs Coordinator for Students 4 Special Olympics where Clare leads weekly soccer practices for youth who have a disability in the Kingston community. Clare also volunteers as a tutor for kids with literacy challenges in English and French. 

"We're incredibly proud of Clare. Her hard work, focus, and determination off the field are as impressive as her performance on it," said Queen's Women's Soccer Head Coach Dave McDowell. "She has shown that the same drive that has made her a first team OUA all star defender, also fuels her success in the classroom. Congrats on an amazing feat Clare!"

Gazaille (Health Sciences) works with BGC South East as a support worker for both the summer camp and daycare programs in a mentoring role towards newer counsellors and one-on-one support with children, as well as volunteered with after school programming with BGC South East. Tristan has been a camp counsellor at BGC South East.

Tristan also volunteers with the Cross Country & Distance Track team to bring donations for Martha's Table and with the Run for the Cure. Tristan is also the Principal Oboist at the Quinte Symphony in Belleville and with the Queen's Wind Ensemble.

"Tristan has emerged from being a walk-on athlete to being a core piece of our team," said Queen's Cross Country & Distance Track Head Coach Mark Bomba. "He is a quiet leader on our team who leads by example and intention in his focus on details. He has high moral and ethical standards and treats all people with an amazing amount of respect. When he graduates, we will have a huge void to fill."

Dong (Health Sciences) a dedicated member of the fencing team, who fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for all athletes, particularly new fencers. Carol mentors them, offering guidance and encouragement as they navigate the intricacies of the sport. Carol has had the privilege of coaching a club field hockey team and, in addition, provided tutoring to help students develop their musical skills. Carol's commitment to being a supportive teammate is reflected in their efforts to set a positive example while inspiring peers to embrace sportsmanship and leadership.

"In Carol's rookie year on the fencing team, Carol has led by example, demonstrating that academic excellence and athletic achievement can go hand-in-hand," said Queen's Fencing Head Coach Rod Carter. "Through quiet determination, perseverance, and hard work, Carol has become an exemplary part of the team. She demonstrates an excellent sense of fair play, serving as role model for her teammates, and is gracious in victory and defeat."

And Huang (Health Sciences) is a three-time Academic All-Star and captain of the Cheerleading team. In Lucas' role as Vice President of Communications for the Varsity Leadership Council, they work to ensure all student-athletes feel included.

Additionally, Lucas' experiences as a Corporal in the Canadian Army and involvement with the United Nations highlight a dedication to mentorship and global cooperation. As General Director of the Queen's Pharmaceutical Sciences Club, Lucas oversees events and initiatives that enhance student education and engagement. Lucas' volunteer efforts include teaching youth with disabilities and mentoring equity-deserving students.

"Lucas prioritizes Cheerleading while being a part of numerous committees and being a member of the armed forces," said Queen's Cheerleading Head Coach Alyssa Shaver. "He has a lead role on our team, actively assisting coaches in administrative tasks and speaks eloquently and professionally to his teammates and his coaches. He is a role model not only in terms of hitting some of the hardest skills we compete, but also through his leadership motivating the team to strive for excellence and persevere through challenges."

View the full list of Academic All-Stars here.