Monday, March 31st saw the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) announce the recipients of the 2013-14 SIRC-CCAA Academic All-Canadian award. Niagara College was well represented with five student-athletes earning the prestigious accolade including Tara Giallonardo (women’s basketball), Alexandria Botelho (women’s volleyball), Bailey Cochrane (men’s volleyball), Melanie Bajic (women’s soccer), and Chelsea Fraser (women’s Soccer).
The SIRC-CCAA Academic All-Canadian award is an annual award presented to student-athletes that achieve both academic and athlete success. Recipients must achieve honours standing (80%+ academic average) at their academic institution and be named a first or second team all-star in their respective conferences.
Niagara College director of athletics & recreation Matthew Davies commented “at Niagara College we are committed to excellence and high performance. Each of Tara, Bailey, Alexandria, Chelsea, and Melanie represent the epitome of what it means to be a student-athlete and the entire Niagara College Knights family is proud of their accomplishments.”
This year marks the second most Academic All-Canadian recipients in Knights history, trailing only the awards winners last season. Niagara College has seen 26 student-athletes selected as Academic All-Canadians in College’s history.
Giallonardo enjoyed an outstanding 2013-14 season for the Knights. The fifth-year guard joined the Knights in September after spending the previous four seasons as a member of the Brock University Badgers. Giallonardo enrolled in the Exercise Science for Fitness and Health Performance graduate program. She averaged 10.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, was named an OCAA second-team all-star, and helped lead the Knights to an 11-7 record.
Botelho enjoyed a breakout season for the women’s volleyball program. The third-year middle blocker (Stoney Creek) was dominant for the Knights this season. Botelho served as the Knights captain and was among the team’s leaders in virtually every offensive category. Botleho is currently completing the Niagara College Recreation and Leisure Services program, and was named an OCAA second-team all-star.
Despite being in just his first year with the Niagara College men’s volleyball program, Bailey Cochrane enjoyed an outstanding 2013-14 season. From the Libero position the Barrie native ranked among the OCAA leaders in digs despite missing five matches due to injury. Cochrane is enrolled in the Business Sales and Marketing program, and was named an OCAA First-Team All-Star and an OCAA All-Rookie.
Melanie Bajic was anchor for the Niagara College women’s soccer program all season. From the keeper position, the Grimsby native started all seven games for the Knights including a 2-0 shutout over the Redeemer Royals on September 11th. Bajic is currently completing her second year of the Niagara College Police Foundations program.
Joining Bajic from the women’s soccer program as an Academic All-Canadian is veteran defender Chelsea Fraser. The third-year Grimsby native started all seven matches for the Knights and was instrumental in helping lift the team to their first victory since the 2011 season. Fraser is currently enrolled in the Niagara College Dental Hygiene program.
The Knights’ 2013-14 SIRC-CCAA Academic All-Canadian award winners will be formally recognized for their outstanding athletic and academic performance at the 46th annual Niagara College Athletic Awards banquet being held on Friday, April 4th at 6:00pm at the Riverstone Event Centre in Welland, Ontario
