Raymond-Leduc collects first time OUA player of the year hours for Lakers

Burlington, Ont. - After a dominant season for the Lakers, Oceane Raymond-Leduc is the first Nipissing student-athlete to be named the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) women’s volleyball player of the year, headlining a star-studded class of conference award winners and all-stars from the 2025-26 season.

Player of the Year - Oceane Raymond-Leduc, Nipissing Lakers  

Raymond-Leduc put together a record-setting year for the Nipissing Lakers.

The fourth-year captain took on the extra pressure created by a few injuries on the Lakers’ squad, but she handled it with power and poise. The Ottawa, Ont. product responded with league-leading numbers, finishing first in total kills (331), kills per set (4.30), and points per set (5.1). These numbers also placed her among the top two in the country.

Dominating from the service line, Raymond-Leduc also landed 35 service aces this season, good for third in the conference. The outside hitter led the Lakers to an 8–12 regular season record, posting performances of 20 points or more in eight of those matches. In four of those contests, she surpassed the 25-point mark, and she set a new personal best and school record with 30.5 points against TMU.

Already a decorated student-athlete with team MVP honours and multiple OUA all-star selections, it all comes full circle now as the 2022–23 rookie of the year claims the conference’s top prize as player of the year, the first for a Nipissing Laker.

Rookie of the Year - Marina Gustke, Toronto Varsity Blues

Gustke took command of the court for the Toronto Varsity Blues right off the hop.

The first-year psychology student from Montreal suited up for 20 regular season matches, finishing third in the province in total assists with 576 across 69 sets played.

She posted a season-high 40 assists in a home-court victory over TMU in mid-January and recorded 30 or more assists in 10 matches throughout the 2025–26 campaign. Her 8.35 assists per set, meanwhile, ranked sixth in the OUA. In addition to orchestrating the Blues' offence, she also contributed defensively with 135 digs and 10 blocks.

Gustke becomes the 11th Blue in program history to receive rookie of the year honours since 1992 and extends a streak of 10 straight seasons in which a UofT women’s volleyball player has been recognized as an OUA all-rookie — the three most recent of whom were also named all-stars this season.

Coach of the Year - Natasha Spaling, Guelph Gryphons

It is not often that a first-year bench boss takes home the top coaching nod in the province, but it is not surprising that Guelph’s Spaling was one of the few. The former Gryphons assistant took the coaching role in 2025 and led her squad to an impressive 14–6 record.

Under Spaling’s leadership, the Gryphons secured the fifth seed in the OUA playoffs after an eight-game win streak to close out the season, which included four straight-set victories. The home crowd fueled Spaling and the Gryphons this season, as they posted a 9–1 record in front of friends and family.

The Drayton, Ont. native coached a well-balanced Guelph team, finding success on both the offensive and defensive ends of the ball, as they led the league in kills per set (12.37) and digs per set (15.68).

Spaling’s coach of the year award is the sixth time a Gryphons leader has been recognized at the conference level.

Thérése Quigley Award of Merit – Abby Delamere, McMaster Marauders

Delamere’s impact extends far beyond her stellar performance on the court. She consistently prioritizes community and mentorship while excelling academically.

Delamere’s commitment to community engagement is meaningful and extensive, as she has devoted her time to youth volleyball development through assistant coaching roles with the Mountain Volleyball Club and at Dundas Valley Secondary School. The outside hitter also served as a camp coordinator for McMaster’s annual summer volleyball camp, further showcasing her commitment to sport and her community.

Off the court, the Toronto product is an academic peer mentor, supporting first-year student-athletes as they navigate the demands of balancing sport and academics. She has also been actively involved in the McMaster Varsity Leadership Council as Co-Executive of Communications, contributing to multiple community-focused initiatives, including leading the Mental Health Week this past January.

The three time Academic All-Canadian, is currently completing her Honours thesis in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at McMaster Children’s Hospital, researching the effects of a commonly prescribed antidepressant on placental health.

An exceptional leader for the Marauders, the three-time captain is the cultural backbone of the McMaster team. She leads her squad with empathy, accountability, and consistency, setting a standard for professionalism and effort.

Champion of EDI Award - Maddy Lutes, McMaster Marauders

Lutes’ impact on the McMaster Marauders has been defined by her care for her teammates and her commitment to creating an inclusive team environment.

She has been a key on-court contributor for the Marauders this season, ranking in the top 25 in the conference in kills per set, digs per set, and service aces per set, but beyond her play between the lines, the veteran outside hitter has been a trusted mentor to rookie players, consistently supporting their development and helping them feel confident on and off the court. Through her daily actions and presence, she has helped shape a team culture rooted in respect, belonging, and genuine care for one another.

Lutes is the Outreach Executive with the McMaster Indigenous Student Athlete Council, where she supports the planning and delivery of events such as Truth and Reconciliation initiatives, collaborative programming with the Varsity Leadership Council, and Fire Teachings during Mental Health Week.

Lutes also regularly participates in programming and assists with weekly beading circles at the Indigenous Student Services space, helping foster community, cultural continuity, and belonging for Indigenous students.

Through her work as a Research Assistant with the Straight Up North research team, Lutes consistently centers Indigenous voices, ethical engagement, and community-informed approaches.

Her research, advocacy, and programming reflect a genuine dedication to fostering inclusive spaces and advancing Indigenous representation across academic, athletic, and community settings.

MAJOR AWARDS

Player of the Year - Oceane Raymond-Leduc, Nipissing Lakers  
Rookie of the Year - Marina Gustke, Toronto Varsity Blues
Coach of the Year - Natasha Spaling, Guelph Gryphons
Therese Quigley Award of Merit - Abby Delamere, McMaster Marauders
Champion of EDI Award - Maddy Lutes, McMaster Marauders

FIRST TEAM ALL-STARS

SECOND TEAM ALL-STARS

THIRD TEAM ALL-STARS

ALL-ROOKIE TEAM