Nina Bogdan (Athletic Therapy), Amy Hagman (Athlete Services), and Alexa Vinderine (Strength & Conditioning) were named the Varsity Support Service Award recipients for the 2025-26 season at Queen's Athletics & Recreation's Colour Awards banquet Wednesday night.

The Varsity Support Service Awards are presented annually to recognize the individuals who have demonstrated dedication and leadership while making a significant contribution to the success of the Queen's Varsity Sport Program.

Nina Bogdan (Athletic Therapy)

From Ryan Bennett, Head Therapist & Manager, Q Sports Medicine:

"I would also like to take a moment to recognize all the time and effort put forth by your dedicated Student Trainers. While they are all deserving of recognition, a few stood out, especially one who showed commitment, professionalism and dedication in all facets of her role as Student Trainer with Women's hockey, Nina Bogdan is this year recipient of the Hal Dunlop award."

Amy Hagman (Athlete Services)



From Carleigh Collins, Manager, Athlete Education, Training & Leadership Development:

The Academic Support Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, meaningful contribution, and unwavering dedication to the success of the Gaels Varsity Athletics Community.
This individual truly defines what it means to be a student-athlete — embodying excellence not only in competition, but, most importantly, in the classroom. They consistently place the "student" in student-athlete, setting a standard for others to follow. A fourth-year Kinesiology major with a Certificate in Business, we are excited to see them graduate this Spring 2026 and take on their next adventure!

What makes this individual truly exceptional is their deep commitment to others and their remarkable ability to lead, mentor, and elevate those around them to achieve their full potential.

They have poured their time, energy, and heart into making the Gaels community stronger, more connected, and more supportive for everyone around them. Serving as the Athlete Services Summer Work Experience Coordinator this past Summer, this individual played an integral role in preparing student-athlete seminars and onboarding, ensuring a seamless transition into the athletic year for all. In doing so, they became a familiar and welcoming presence, and their now-infamous seminar videos have reached over 1,200 varsity student-athletes, making them the "face of Gaels Athletics" this year.

We were lucky to have this individual serve as Varsity Leadership Council Co-President with an energy and passion that was truly unmatched. Alongside their co-president, Chris Zimmerman, they led with intention, care, and an unwavering commitment to their peers. Because of their leadership, the Council didn't just function, it thrived. They were instrumental in initiatives such as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, VLC Lunch & Learn sessions, an Allyship-themed Winter term, and community-building events like spikeball and dodgeball tournaments which brought the student-athletes together. Their impact can be seen and felt across our entire varsity community.

And still - this individual found ways to give more.

Whether serving as the SAAM Lead for Gaels 101, contributing meaningfully to the Culture Day Committee, or leading within their women's basketball program and earning the OUA Joy Bellinger Award, this individual has shown up time and again with compassion, and a genuine desire to make things better for others.

The impact they have had is not just on the programs they've supported or the initiatives they've led, it's in the people they've influenced, the community they've strengthened, and the standard they've set.

On behalf of the entire Athlete Services Team, I want to say how incredibly grateful I am for this individual. Your contributions to Varsity Athletics have been extraordinary, and the legacy you leave behind will continue to shape this community for years to come. Beyond all of that, I am so thankful for the friendship we have built. It has truly meant so much to me.

You are someone who makes people better just by being in their corner, and I know without a doubt that wherever life takes you next, you are going to make a lasting impact.

Please join me in congratulating the recipient of this year's Academic Support Award… Amy Hagman.

Alexa Vinderine (Strength & Conditioning)



From Colin McAuslan, Head Coach, Strength & Conditioning:

"This year's recipient has grown remarkably over the three years of the program. They have evolved in their technical knowledge, confidence on the floor, and most importantly, in their ability to lead others. This person was instrumental in the evolution of our sports science and return to play initiatives. As the Level 3 lead with our women's basketball program, she has taken ownership of her role, built strong relationships with her athletes and coaches, and has made a tangible and lasting difference on the younger interns."