Jordan Arnott (Burlington, Ont.) of the Niagara College Knights Men's Soccer team and Ava Sarkis (Welland, Ont.) of the Niagara College Knights Women's Volleyball team won the Male and Female Leadership Award for 2011-2012. They were presented their awards at the the 43rd Annual Athletic Awards Banquet on Saturday, March 31 at the Welland Lions Club.

Male Leadership Award - Jordan Arnott

Anthony Ventresca, head coach of the Niagara College Knights Soccer team had the following to say about Jordan:

"Jordan Arnott played in his second season at Niagara College. Despite being physically smaller than most, Jordan possesses great speed and skill. He was often providing words of encouragement to his teammates even in tough times. Consistently present at practice, Jordan demonstrated a tremendous work ethic that drove his peers to perform at a higher level to match him. Jordan is a dangerous offensive player, who also makes himself accountable defensively which is a quality that is revered by his coaching staff. There was no reason to doubt making Jordan a co-captain for the 2011 season."

Female Leadership Award - Ava Sarkis

Joey Martins, head coach of the Niagara College Knights Women's Volleyball team had the following to say about Ava:

"A coaches favourite award to give out, the leadership award exemplifies why coaches coach the game they love, for players like this. When asked to do something, there was never a complaint and no questions asked. She did it because she knew there was a reason for it, and in the end she would be better because of it.

The Leadership Award is defined as Outstanding Commitment, Dedication and Leadership. 

Ava is true to these three definitions. One thing that the award does not indicate, but what sets her apart is her heart. No matter where the ball was, no matter how fast the ball was coming at her, she would sacrifice her body for the team. After being sidelined with a quad strain for two matches, she was called on to play in a must win match against Sheridan College when her team was down a set. Despite not being completely healthy, she answered the call and directed her team to a victory - a true leader by example.

The quote that best exemplifies Ava is "It's not about the size of the dog in the fight, it's about the size of the fight in the dog." No matter the circumstances, she doesn't stop fighting."