OCAA FEMALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is proud to announce the following nominees for its 2025-26 Female Rookie of the Year.

Rachel Chan
Badminton, Humber Hawks

Rachel Chan (Toronto) delivered one of the most dominant seasons in recent history, capturing both the OCAA and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) women's singles badminton titles. Rachel's post-season performance was highlighted by a commanding straight-sets victory (21-7, 21-7) over the reigning three-time CCAA Player of the Year in the national final, solidifying Humber's first national title since 2017.

Rachel's impact extends beyond results, as she elevated the Humber Hawks badminton program back to national prominence through a season defined by precision, consistency, and dominance.

Sarah Clayton
Women's Rugby Sevens, Durham Lords

Sarah Clayton (Whitby) was named the OCAA Rookie of the Year at the conclusion of the women's rugby sevens regular season. Sarah was the only rookie starter on a veteran laden Durham Lords squad that won the regular season and OCAA championship without losing a match. Sarah stepped onto a winning program with confidence and quickly became a dependable presence on both sides of the ball.

Fourth among all OCAA student-athletes in regular season tries scored, Sarah was named an OCAA League and Championship All-Star and headlined the OCAA All-Rookie Team in women's rugby sevens.

Savannah Speck
Women's Soccer, Niagara Knights

Savannah Speck (Fonthill) was named the West Division Rookie of the Year following the women's soccer outdoor regular season. The centre back showcased tremendous speed allowing her to shut down the best strikers in the league. Also named a West Division League Second-Team All-Star, Savannah headlined the West Division All-Rookie Team.

Savannah's presence on Niagara's defensive line was noticed in her first game and continued throughout the season – allowing only four goals against and taking home the OCAA West Division Best Defensive Team title.

The 2025-26 Female Rookie of the Year will be announced on Tuesday, Apr. 21.

OCAA MAJOR AWARD NOMINEE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Monday, Apr. 13 - Coach of the Year
Tuesday, Apr. 14 - Female Rookie of the Year
Wednesday, Apr. 15 - Male Rookie of the Year
Thursday, Apr. 16 - Male Athlete of the Year
Friday, Apr. 17 - Female Athlete of the Year

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

For nearly 60 years, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association has been a dedicated leader in amateur athletics through the provision of quality varsity and recreational athletic opportunities at the collegiate level.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com