OSHAWA, Ont. – Thank you to our student-athlete mentors!

As exam season rolls around, we're taking a moment to recognize the incredible work of our student-athlete mentors. This peer mentor program connects first-year student-athletes with upper-year mentors who support their academic success and help them navigate campus resources. Now in its seventh year, the program has become an integral part of Ridgebacks culture.

"(My SAM) brought me under his wing from the second I got accepted into the school," said Alex Papaspyropoulos. "He supported me not only academically, as a fellow communications student, but also helped me settle in and enjoy the university experience both in the classroom and at the rink. Gabriel kept me confident, guided me through the ups and downs of the season, and made my first year one I will always remember."

"Being a SAM means being there as a friend, both at the rink and at the school," said Kyle Leonard. "To me, mentoring means making sure others know they always have someone in their corner."

2025-26 Student-Athlete Mentors

Women's Soccer
Emma Dang
Abbie Russell
Mackenzie Scott
Mary Nicolaou
Ella Pechkoff

Women's Hockey
Zoe McGee
Mackenna Krulicki
Julia Jackson
Erin Lawless
Harrie Jones
Milana Perri

Women's Basketball
Felicity Villarin

Lacrosse
Jia Leblanc
Jamie Gillespie

Men's Soccer
Noah Mossavat
Adam Klimek
Ashkaun Mohammadi
Luciano Nania

Curling
Lilli Wrigley

Men's Hockey
Nolan Ford
Braiden Koran
Alex Park
Gabriel Bernier
Tayem Gislason
Dustin Hutton
Matt Wisener
Antoine Desrochers
Kyle Leonard

Men's Basketball
Tombe Pitia
Ashton Klysh
Emmanuel Okonkwo