KINGSTON, Ont. (April 2, 2025) – Kennedi Stevenson and Ollie Engen were named Queen's University Varsity Teams First-Year Players of the Year for the 2024-25 season at the 89th annual Colour Awards banquet on Wednesday night.

Both athletes received the prestigious Alfie Pierce Trophy, an honor first presented by Arts '47 in tribute to Alfie Pierce, who dedicated a lifetime to supporting and training Queen's inter-university teams. The trophy is awarded annually to a male and female student—across both Varsity Clubs and Varsity Teams—who have made the most significant contribution to inter-university athletics in their first year as a Queen's Gael.

Stevenson (Arts & Science), an integral part of the Queen's Women's Rugby program, was named the U SPORTS Rookie of the Year, an OUA First Team All-Star, and was called up to represent Canada on the international sports stage are only a few examples of Stevenson's successes this season. Not only did the rookie thrive individually, but led the team to a Silver Medal finish at the OUA Championships and a Bronze at the U SPORTS Championships.

A dominant presence in U SPORTS and the OUA, leading all players in scoring, was a reflection to the on-field leadership and commitment to team culture. "Kennedi's leadership contributions to our team were exceptional relative to her age," said Queen's Women's Rugby Head Coach Dan Valley. "Kennedi's welcoming demeanour towards her teammates and her professional approach to training were perfectly aligned with our team's core values."

A homegrown athlete, Engen (Kinesiology) has shown great pride in representing his hometown-Kingston, Ont. Excellence on the court is matched by a strong commitment to the local basketball community, assisting in elementary school basketball clinics throughout the school year.

Engen has already tallied multiple accolades in his rookie season of university basketball  including recognition as U SPORTS and OUA Rookie of the Year and being named to the U SPORTS All-Rookie Team.

The team finished the regular season with a 16-6 record, competed for the OUA Wilson Cup Men's Basketball Championship, and went on to appear in the U SPORTS Final 8 Men's Basketball Championship.
 
"Ollie was one of our floor leaders from day one this season," said Queen's Men's Basketball Head Coach Steph Barrie." "He runs our offense as the lead point of attack and carries the heaviest load for us offensively. Off the court, he is the most knowledgeable basketball mind on the team and can impart that knowledge to his teammates."