ASHLYN ANDERSON NAMED OCAA FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is proud to announce that Ashlyn Anderson of Fanshawe College has been named its 2025-26 Female Athlete of the Year.

Anderson (Latchford) delivered a captivating performance during the 2025-26 women's basketball season, propelling the Fanshawe Falcons to new heights. Anderson's regular season was defined by relentless consistency and elite efficiency. Ashlyn posted a double-double in 13 of 16 games and led all OCAA players with 214 rebounds, 49 blocks and a 56.5 field goal percentage.

As a team, Fanshawe had a respectable regular season record of 13-5, finishing in third place in a competitive West Division. Anderson emerged as a dominant force in the paint, earning the prestigious title of Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) All-Canadian along with West Division Defensive Player of the Year and West Division First-Team All-Star honours.

The Falcons opened the OCAA playoffs with a convincing 91-53 victory on their home court against Centennial on Feb. 21. Anderson achieved a double-double recording game highs scoring 20 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Forced to go on the road one week later as a lower seed, Fanshawe secured its spot at the OCAA final four with a strong second quarter, defeating Seneca 67-52. Anderson grabbed an incredible 21 rebounds, including 13 off the defensive glass, while scoring 11 points for another double-double.

The Falcons entered the provincials as clear underdogs, having suffered two regular-season losses to both Mohawk and Humber. However, when they faced host Mohawk in the semifinals, Anderson and the Falcons reminded everyone why sports are so wonderfully unpredictable.

With just three seconds remaining in the game, teammate Layla MacKenzie drained a heroic corner three-point shot to put Fanshawe up for good 52-50, upsetting the defending OCAA champions. Anderson played a key role, grabbing 22 rebounds, all but three in the defensive end, while scoring 14 points for another double-double.

Squaring off with Humber for the OCAA gold medal, the Falcons pulled away from the Hawks in the final quarter to win 72-61 to cap a thrilling championship. Anderson again recorded a double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds, 11 off the defensive boards. Anderson was named an OCAA Championship All-Star.

The Falcons carried this momentum to Montreal for nationals. It may have been a different province, but it was the same old story for Anderson grabbing 19 boards while scoring a dozen points in Fanshawe's 67-62 win over Douglas in the CCAA quarter-finals. Then in a thrilling semifinal against host Dawson, Fanshawe scored 13 unanswered points in overtime to win 89-78. Anderson's game elevated to triple-double status with a game-high 31 points, 26 rebounds and 10 blocks. Anderson was named Player of the Game in both contests.

With Fanshawe 40 minutes away from its first national title, VIU had different plans, winning the gold medal game 72-58. Anderson recorded a seventh-straight double-double in the post-season with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Anderson was named a CCAA First-Team Championship All-Star in recognition of a fantastic tournament. Despite the disappointing result, the Falcons completed their best season on record with a national silver medal, their first CCAA podium finish.

Anderson grew this season as a leader, now confident enough to discuss various strategy with coaches and teammates. Her compassion and humility, along with her dedication to continuing to improve, makes her extremely special. She thrives on the family environment of the Falcons culture, which shows in her team-first attitude.

PREVIOUS OCAA FEMALE ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
2024-25 — Kennedy Williscroft, Humber Volleyball
2023-24 — Breanna Pretty, Lambton Basketball
2022-23 — Bryanna Kressler, St. Clair Softball
2021-22 — Tessa Liu, Seneca Badminton
2019-20 — Chuot Angou, Fanshawe Basketball
2018-19 — Jade Kovacevic, Fanshawe Soccer
2017-18 — Ceejay Nofuente, Humber Basketball
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 Soccer, Basketball, Indoor Soccer
1999-2000 — Melanie Finley & Gabe Roy, 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

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