CEEJAY NOFUENTE NAMED OCAA FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) proudly recognizes Humber College women's basketball student-athlete Ceejay Nofuente as its 2016-17 OCAA Female Athlete of the Year.

Nofuente (Toronto) becomes the first person to be named OCAA Athlete of the Year in consecutive seasons. She repeated as OCAA Player of the Year and OCAA Championship MVP in women's basketball, as well as Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Player of the Year and All-Canadian.

During the 2016-17 regular season, the fourth-year point guard once again led the OCAA with 124 assists and 101 steals while contributing a team-leading 21.9 points per game. Beyond the arch, no player scored more than Nofuente, who drained an OCAA-high 65 three-pointers. Already Humber's all-time leading scorer, the West Division First-Team All-Star set new OCAA single-game records with 55 points and 13 three-pointers in a 92-62 win over Redeemer on Jan. 11. She also contributed 139 rebounds. Humber won the West Division title, going 18-0.

At provincials, Nofuente averaged 25 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.7 steals over three games. She earned a double-double in the OCAA gold medal game, scoring 25 points while grabbing 11 rebounds in Humber's 76-40 win over Mohawk. Nofuente was named OCAA Championship MVP as Humber won its third straight OCAA title.

Nofuente and the Hawks then travelled to nationals in Edmonton where she was honoured as the CCAA Player of the Year for the second straight season. Her dreams of a second consecutive national championship ended shortly after, however, as Humber lost its opening game of the tournament.

The Hawks rallied, however, to win the bronze medal, as Nofuente was twice named Player of the Game. Nofuente scored 89 points in four games, 31 of which came in the bronze medal game where she was one rebound shy of her second double-double. She was named a CCAA Championship First-Team All-Star. Humber became the first OCAA women's basketball program to earn CCAA medals in consecutive championships.

"Ceejay's accomplishments over the past two years are unmatched in the history of the OCAA," praised Humber Athletic Director Ray Chateau. "She is an exceptionally gifted student-athlete, who possesses an unbelievable skill set combined with a great mind for the game. Although she one of the best shooters in the CCAA, her real strength is as a playmaker. A strong leader by example, she practices, prepares and plays with tremendous intensity and focus."

Throughout the course of the OCAA season, Humber plays host to multiple basketball camps for all ages. The first student-athlete to donate her time, give back and make a meaningful contribution to the community is Nofuente. She has been inspirational to countless young athletes, demonstrating success is a product of hard work, dedication, and determination.

Nofuente becomes the eighth consecutive student-athlete from Humber to be awarded OCAA Female Athlete of the Year. She is the fourth women's basketball player to be named OCAA Female Athlete of the Year, along with Redeemer University College's Anita Kralt and Seneca College's Ashley Docking and Natasha Thombs.

Nofuente will be recognized for her remarkable season at the eighth biennial OCAA Hall of Fame ceremony, to be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Centre in St. Catharines, Ont. on Wednesday, May 3.

OCAA FEMALE ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
2016-17: Ceejay Nofuente, Humber (Basketball)
2015-16: Ceejay Nofuente, Humber (Basketball)

2014-15: Thalia Hanniman, Humber (Volleyball)

2013-14: Kelly Nyhof, Humber (Volleyball)
2012-13: Tracy Wong, Humber (Badminton)

2011-12: Vicky Siemon, Humber (Cross Country)
2010-11: Landis Doyle, Humber (Volleyball)

2009-10: Renee Yip, Humber (Badminton)
2008-09: Ashley Docking, Seneca (Soccer, Basketball)
2007-08: Katie Szeghalmi, Durham (Soccer)
2006-07: Megan Stacey, Nipissing (Volleyball)
2005-06: Natasha Thombs, Seneca (Basketball)

2004-05: Lisa Martin, Cambrian (Soccer, Volleyball)

2003-04: Erin Smith, Durham (Fastball, Volleyball)

2002-03: Stacey Michaels, Cambrian (Badminton)

2001-02: Joanna Vitale, Humber (Soccer, Indoor Soccer)

2000-01: Anita Kralt, Redeemer (Basketball, Soccer, Indoor Soccer)
1999-2000: Gabe Roy and Melanie Finley, Cambrian (Badminton)

1998-99: Sue Mileva, Seneca (Badminton)

1997-98: Joanna Van Dyke, Durham (Fastball, Volleyball)
1996-97: Marcy Skribe, Durham (Basketball)

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is the recognized leader in intercollegiate athletics in the province, dedicated to student-athlete and sport development. The OCAA has 29 members sponsoring 12 varsity sports.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
Fax: 416-426-7308
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com