Ally Smith of Queen's Women's Basketball has been awarded the prestigious U SPORTS Tracy McLeod Award at the U SPORTS Women's Basketball All-Canadian Awards banquet in Vancouver, BC, Wednesday night.

The award recognizes perseverance, determination, and unwavering dedication to the game.

Smith (Kinesiology), a third-year guard from Orillia, Ont., faced significant personal challenges this season, including immense personal loss, grief, and untimely injuries. Despite these adversities, she remained a key leader for the Gaels, appearing in 18 games and recording 116 points, 41 assists, and 44 rebounds.

"Despite the overwhelming challenges Ally faced, she remained committed to her athletic and academic journey and had a significant impact on our team's success - a true testament to her incredible strength and resilience," stated Queen's Head Coach Claire Meadows. "Ally is the most deserving of the Tracy McLeod award."

Beyond her on-court contributions, Smith demonstrated remarkable resilience by leading fundraising efforts in support of First Responders Mental Health. Smith collaborated with Badge of Life Canada, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Canadian public safety personnel in achieving healthy living and post-traumatic growth.

Smith's recognition with the Tracy MacLeod Award underscores their exceptional character on and off the court and as an inspiration to her teammates and the broader basketball community.