Kayla Batchilder and Kyree Thompson named UPEI Athletes of the Year

Charlottetown, PEI (March 27, 2026)—Outstanding student-athletes were recognized by the UPEI Department of Athletics and Recreation at its Panther Celebration–Athletics Awards Gala on Friday, March 27, for their excellence in sport, in the classroom, and in the community during the 2025–26 season. The annual event, held at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, included student-athletes, coaches, and team staff from both varsity and club sport programs.

 

UPEI's varsity program includes Women's Field Hockey, Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Women's Rugby, Men's Hockey, Women's Hockey, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country, Men's Track and Field, Women's Track and Field, Men's Curling, and Women's Curling. UPEI club sport teams include Men's Rugby, Men's Lacrosse, Ringette, Ultimate, Equestrian, Men's Baseball, Flag Football, and Cheer.

 

"Dedication, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership are all qualities embodied by our student-athlete award winners," said Jane Vessey, UPEI's Director of Athletics and Recreation. "From standout performances to the quiet contributions behind the scenes, I am so proud of their achievements in their respective sports, and for their success in academics and in the community. Thank you, student-athletes, coaches, and team and department staff, for a fantastic year of 'Panther Sport.' Let's continue to support each other and make next season even better. Congratulations!"

 

The UPEI Alumni Association's Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year award went to Kayla Batchilder, UPEI Women's Field Hockey. The Male Athlete of the Year winner was Kyree Thompson, UPEI Men's Basketball.

 

The W.A. Ledwell Award is presented annually to a student who has demonstrated outstanding athletic ability in the intercollegiate program, academic excellence, and the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and citizenship. This year's recipient was Grace Lancaster, UPEI Women's Basketball.

 

The Gordon and Muriel Bennett Award is presented to a male or female student athlete who, over four years, has best combined athletic achievement and academic excellence. This year's winner was Devon Lawlor, UPEI Women's Basketball.

 

The Lone Oak Unsung Hero Award, a new award this year to recognize a student-athlete whose impact goes far beyond the scoresheet and who embodies toughness, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to their team, was presented to Sam Chisholm, UPEI Men's Basketball.

 

Varsity and competitive club team awards were also presented. These included the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Rookie of the Year, J.T. "Mickey" Place, and Principles of Panther Pride Coach's Award.

 

The J.T. "Mickey" Place Awards are presented by the UPEI Student Union to varsity team student-athletes who contributed to student leadership on their team and on campus. Each coach presents the Principles of Panther Pride Coach's Award to the student-athlete on their team, who best exemplifies purpose, preparation, respect for people, positivity, professionalism, presence, passion, and perseverance.

 

 

 

Women's Field Hockey: Kayla Batchilder and Livi Lawlor (MVP), Bria Matthews (Rookie of the Year), Kali Smith (J.T. "Mickey" Place Award), and Charlotte Thompson (Principles of Panther Pride Coach's Award)

 

Men's Soccer: Jahmal Boursiquot (MVP), Isaac Sommerville (Rookie of the Year), Kyle St. Jean (J.T. "Mickey" Place Award), and Will Campbell (Principles of Panther Pride Coach's Award)

 

Women's Soccer: Olivia James (MVP), Sophie Gallant (Rookie of the Year), Kate Campbell (J.T. "Mickey" Place Award), and Lydia Hamill (Principles of Panther Pride Coach's Award)

 

Women's Rugby: Emma MacLean (MVP), Robyn Moffat (Rookie of the Year), Sarah Bain (J.T. "Mickey" Place Award), and Jasmine Mohtadi (Principles of Panther Pride Coach's Award)

 

Men's Hockey: Jakob Robillard (MVP), Donovan Arsenault and Colby Huggan (Rookie of the Year), Joe Ranger (J.T. "Mickey" Place Award), and Josh Smith (Principles of Panther Pride Coach's Award)

 

Women's Hockey: Kierra St. Peter (MVP), Kali MacDonald (Rookie of the Year), Erin Cabaday (J.T. "Mickey" Place Award), and Sarah Fraser (Principles of Panther Pride Coach's Award)

 

Men's Basketball: Kyree Thompson (MVP), Matthew Carmichael (Rookie of the Year), Owen Smith (J.T. "Mickey" Place Award), and Sam Chisholm (Principles of Panther Pride Coach's Award)

 

Women's Basketball: Grace Lancaster (MVP), Ingrid Khuong (Rookie of the Year), Lily Vrugteman (J.T. "Mickey" Place Award), and Sydney Lawlor (Principles of Panther Pride Coach's Award)

 

Cross Country (men): Joel Gallant (MVP), Luc Doucette (Rookie of the Year), and Jack Roberts (Principles of Panther Pride Coach's Award)

 

Cross Country (women): Stefania Angona (MVP and J.T. "Mickey" Place Award), and Sarah Irwin (Rookie of the Year)

 

Track and Field (men): Scott Davis (MVP) and Colin Blanchard (Principles of Panther Pride Coach's Award)

 

Track and Field (women): Lilly MacVicar (MVP and Rookie of the Year), Bianca Boutilier (J.T. "Mickey" Place Award)

 

Men's Curling: Jack MacFadyen (MVP)

 

Women's Curling: Rachel MacLean (MVP), Ella Lenentine (Rookie)

 

 

Men's Rugby: Yinghao Long (MVP), Charles Ross (Rookie of the Year), Devan Gormley (J.T. "Mickey" Place Award), and Camden Hutchison (Warhorse Award)

 

Men's Lacrosse: Ethan Reeves (MVP), Quintin Beck (Rookie of the Year), Kelton Trainor (J.T. "Mickey" Place Award), Reece Packman (Principles of Panther Pride Coach's Award), and Logan Boyce (James Thomson Memorial Award)

 

Ultimate: Sinéad Riordon and Benjamin Galloway (MVPs); Owen Gillespie, Shunta Kojima, and Abbi Holmes (Rookies of the Year); Forest McPhee (J.T. "Mickey" Place Award); and Naomi Haig and Jack Kouwenberg (Spirit of the Game Players)

 

Equestrian: Jordan Luddington (MVP), Lorena Burrell (Rookie of the Year), Meghan Fox (J.T. "Mickey" Place Award), and Regan Matchem (Principles of Panther Pride Coach's Award)

 

Ringette: Jamie MacAulay (MVP), Addi Chaisson (Rookie of the Year), and Tori Chapman (Principles of Panther Pride Coach's Award)

 

Men's Baseball: Duncan Picketts (MVP), Brandon Murray (Rookie of the Year), Alex Hache (J.T. "Mickey" Place Award), and Sam Worth (Principles of Panther Pride Coach's Award)

 

 

Kayla Batchilder's dominant season with UPEI Field Hockey earned her UPEI's Female Athlete of the Year honours. In her third year, the dynamic forward led the Atlantic University Field Hockey (AUFH) league with 20 goals, showcasing her elite finishing ability and consistency as one of the most dangerous attackers in the conference.

 

An AUFH MVP, all-star, and U SPORTS All-Canadian, Batchilder was the driving force behind UPEI's continued success. She powered the Panthers to a fourth consecutive AUFH championship and delivered a historic performance on the national stage—scoring all of UPEI's goals at the Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS Invitational Championship to help secure a bronze medal on home turf.

 

 

Kyree Thompson's standout fourth season with UPEI Men's Basketball earned him UPEI's Male Athlete of the Year honours. The dynamic guard put together a career-best campaign, averaging 16.7 points per game, along with 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.8 steals, establishing himself as one of the conference's most feared players.

 

An AUS first team all-star, Thompson was instrumental in leading the Panthers back to the AUS final. He delivered in the biggest moments, helping power UPEI to a statement semifinal upset over the St. Francis Xavier X-Men to punch their ticket to the championship game. For his efforts, he was named an AUS tournament all-star.

 

Go Panthers Go!