Sport Newfoundland and Labrador 2025 Provincial Annual Awards Winners Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sport Newfoundland and Labrador (SportNL) is excited to share the fifteen recipients of the 2025 Provincial Annual Awards which took place on Saturday, April 26, 2026, at the Delta Hotel in St. John’s, NL.
The Provincial Annual Awards celebrates the sporting successes and contributions of those people in the sport community from our province.
The winners represent 15 sports from communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador demonstrating the strong talent and leadership that we have within the province’s sports community.
The following were the recipients for each of the fifteen award categories.
Junior Female Athlete of the Year (Margaret Davis Memorial Award)
Falon McLoughlan – Volleyball
Falon McLoughlan has distinguished herself as a high-achieving athlete, student, and community leader, demonstrating excellence across all areas of her life. A deaf volleyball player, she was selected to the Canadian Deaf Women’s National Team at just 14, becoming its youngest member. Falon earned a silver medal at the 2024 Pan-American Games in Canoas, Brazil, and competed at the 100th Deaflympics in Tokyo in 2025, where Team Canada achieved a historic 7th-place finish.
She captured silver at the 2025 National Club Volleyball Championships and was named a 16U Provincial All-Star. Falon received numerous honors, including the Team Gushue Athletic & Academic Excellence Award and multiple municipal Athlete of the Year awards. Beyond competition, Falon is a dedicated volunteer and advocate, supporting athletes with hearing loss and coaching youth. Maintaining a 96 average, she leads by example and aspires to pursue medicine while continuing to represent Canada on the international stage.
Junior Male Athlete of the Year (Joseph P. Mullins Memorial Award)
Gavin Baggs – Para Sport
In 2025, Gavin Baggs established himself as one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s leading junior athletes, delivering outstanding performances on both national and international stages. At the 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s, Baggs captured four medals for Team NL across multiple sports, including a gold in the men’s wheelchair 1500 m and silver medals in the wheelchair 100 m and 400 m track events as well as in the 400 m para freestyle swimming, becoming the host province’s first medalist of the Games and earning the honour of serving as flag bearer for the closing ceremony. Beyond the Canada Games, he was as a member of Team Canada’s Para ice hockey program, which captured a silver-medal at the 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Championships, a silver medal at the IPH cup in Czechia and earning an invitation to the 2025 Paralympic Orientation Camp, highlighting his continued progression and potential at the highest level of international competition.
Executive of the Year (Graham Snow Memorial Award)
Kristyn Coley – Baseball
Kristyn Coley has been a dedicated member of the Baseball NL Executive for nearly a decade, contributing to the growth and development of the sport at both the grassroots and national levels. She was named Chairperson of the Baseball Canada Female Committee, a committee established to promote awareness and provide education on women and girls’ baseball within the Baseball Canada membership. In this leadership role, she continues to strengthen opportunities for athletes, coaches, and administrators, supporting meaningful pathways for participation and advancement across the country. Through initiatives such as coach education clinics, Safe Sport policy development, Step Up to the Plate, Women in Baseball NL, and the Minor Provincials Team Ranking Process, Kristyn has helped build inclusive systems that enhance safety, participation, and competitive balance. Her leadership has contributed to sustained growth, stronger governance, and improved experiences for athletes and families throughout the province and beyond.
Volunteer of the Year (Frank W. Graham Memorial Award)
Michelle Healy – Baseball
Michelle’s impact in 2025 reflects many years of dedicated service to baseball in Newfoundland and Labrador. At the local level, she volunteers with both St. John’s Minor Baseball and St. John’s Amateur Baseball, supporting a wide range of roles within each organization. Provincially, she serves as Program Manager for the 14U and 16U Female Programs, positions she has held for many years, helping guide athlete development and program operations across the province. In 2025, Michelle played a major leadership role in the Canada Summer Games. She served as Team Manager for the female team, coordinating travel, logistics, and preparation, and during the Games she acted as Venue Lead at St. Pats Ball Park, overseeing smooth operations throughout the event. Her extensive contributions were recognized nationally when she was named Baseball Canada Volunteer of the Year, honouring her long-standing commitment and lasting impact on the growth of the sport.
Rising Star Coach of the Year
Abby Evans – Soccer
A notable athlete in her own right, Abby Evans has parlayed her natural leadership ability into a passion for coaching and empowering girls in sport. From her beginnings with her club’s micro program, Abby has taken on increasingly more challenges and responsibility, coaching various NLSA provincial teams and serving as Coach of the 2025 Newfoundland and Labrador Canada Games girls’ team. After the Games in 2025, Abby returned to St. John’s Soccer Club in a part-time role as Grassroots Director. In this position, she is focused on creating positive soccer experiences for players, supporting and mentoring coaches, and aligning the club with Canada Soccer’s Grassroots Standards. Abby is currently enrolled in the Canada Soccer AccelerateHER B Diploma program and travels to Montreal to participate in the course. She hopes to coach at the university level in the near future, with a long-term dream of one day coaching at the national level.
Female Coach of the Year
Devonne Ryan – Gymnastics
Devonne Ryan exemplifies excellence in coaching through her unwavering commitment to athlete development, safety, and long-term success. Spending more than 16 hours per week in the gym, alongside countless competition weekends, she demonstrates dedication that directly supports the growth and performance of her athletes. Her leadership reflects a coaching philosophy centered on technical mastery, confidence-building, and holistic development. Devonne is widely respected across the country for her exceptional spotting ability, trusted by athletes and coaches during complex skill progressions. Known for her precision, strength, and technical expertise, she safely guides gymnasts through high-level and high-risk skills, enhancing both performance and confidence. Her specialized knowledge of uneven bars, grounded in biomechanics and skill construction, distinguishes her as a technical expert in the sport. Beyond coaching, Devonne holds a PhD in Clinical Epidemiology and contributes extensively to community initiatives and national sport development, including Canada Winter Games involvement. She is a true leader in gymnastics in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Male Coach of the Year (John Drinkwater Memorial Award)
Jake Stanford – Soccer
In 2025, Jake Stanford delivered a historic season, further solidifying his legacy as one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most accomplished coaches. He led the Holy Cross Nutra Holdings teams to an extraordinary national double gold performance, capturing both the Jubilee Trophy Women’s National Championship and, hours later, the Challenge Cup National Championship. As a result, both teams earned places on the NLSA Honor Roll of Teams. Under Jake’s leadership, the Jubilee Trophy women secured their national title while extending their remarkable provincial championship streak to ten consecutive years. The Challenge Cup team also captured both provincial and national championships, completing a dominant season across competitions. Jake’s strategic game management, leadership, and commitment to team development were instrumental in his teams’ success. In recognition of his impact and results, he was named both Jubilee Trophy Coach of the Year and Challenge Cup Coach of the Year for 2025.
Youth Female Team of the Year
Team NL 14U Black – Baseball
Team NL 14U Black delivered an exceptional performance at the 14U Atlantic Championships in Bedford, Nova Scotia, finishing the tournament undefeated with a 5-0 record and defeating Team Nova Scotia in the final. Their victory marked back-to-back Atlantic Championships for Team NL Black, underscoring the program’s continued excellence and consistency. Throughout the tournament, the team was dominant both offensively and defensively. Offensively, they outscored their opponents 27 to 6 and posted a team batting average of .293, showcasing disciplined and timely hitting. Defensively, they were just as strong, recording a team WHIP of 1.100, an ERA of 0.93, holding opponents to a .107 batting average, and striking out 69 batters over 30 innings pitched. Beyond their on-field success, Team NL 14U Black represented the province with professionalism, respect, and sportsmanship. Their strong character, teamwork, and conduct reflected positively on the program and highlighted not only their talent as athletes, but their integrity as individuals.
Youth Male Team of the Year
U15 High Performance Program Team NL – Hockey
The Male U15 High Performance Program – Team NL delivered an extraordinary performance at the 28th Annual Atlantic Challenge Cup in Moncton, New Brunswick, capturing gold for the first time in program history. This championship run stands as a testament to the team’s exceptional competitive results, outstanding skill, and remarkable teamwork. After a hard-fought preliminary schedule, Team NL faced a pivotal semifinal matchup against Team PEI. In a thrilling display of resilience and determination, the squad overcame a deficit to mount a heroic comeback victory, showcasing grit, belief, and unrelenting effort when it mattered most. That win propelled the team into the gold medal final with full momentum. In the championship game, the Male U15 squad continued to demonstrate elite execution and team unity, ultimately defeating Hockey New Brunswick to secure the gold medal. This historic achievement marks the first gold medal for a Male U15 High Performance Program team from Newfoundland and Labrador at the Atlantic Challenge Cup, underscoring the strength of player development in the province and the commitment of coaches and support staff.
Senior Female Team of the Year
Holy Cross Nutra Holdings – Soccer
The Holy Cross Nutra Holdings Women’s Team delivered another dominant season in 2025, capturing their third national championship in four years, continuing their sustained excellence in Jubilee Trophy competition. The team went undefeated in the regular season, finishing with a 13-0-1 record for 40 points, with Holy Cross players occupying the top four scoring positions. They extended their remarkable run to ten consecutive provincial Jubilee Trophy championships before going on to win the 2025 Jubilee Cup National Championship in St. John’s in front of a home crowd. To conclude their historic season, the team also captured the inaugural NL Cup Women’s Championship, further demonstrating their depth and consistency. With success at the local, provincial, and national levels, Holy Cross once again established itself as a powerhouse program, showcasing strong team play, leadership, and championship performance throughout the year.
Senior Male Team of the Year (Edward P. Browne Memorial Award)
Holy Cross Challenge Cup – Soccer
In 2025, the Holy Cross Men’s Team achieved a remarkable triple championship season, capturing two provincial titles along with the National Challenge Trophy Championship — the club’s first national title since 1988. Dominating local Challenge Cup competition, the team earned the Bobby Breen Award for finishing first in the regular season with a perfect 15-0 record, accumulating 45 points. They carried that momentum into the playoffs to secure the NL Challenge Cup Championship and later added the NL Cup Men’s Division title to complete their historic year. Their outstanding performance at every level of competition earned them recognition on the NLSA Honour Roll of Teams. Through consistent excellence, depth, and strong team play, Holy Cross established itself as a dominant force provincially and nationally, marking one of the most successful seasons in the program’s history and a milestone moment for the club.
Junior Official of the Year Award
Isabelle Crocker – Taekwondo
In 2025, Isabelle Crocker distinguished herself as a dedicated and emerging leader within the Taekwondo officiating community. As a volunteer at the 2025 National Championships in Montreal, she contributed across multiple key areas, including inspection protocols, Poomsae calling, and computer operations, demonstrating both technical ability and a strong willingness to learn. Her performance at the national upgrade seminar in New Brunswick was exceptional, earning high praise from the Taekwondo Canada Referee Chair, along with the top mark on the written examination. As a result, she was selected to officiate at the 2026 National Championships in Halifax, further strengthening Newfoundland and Labrador’s presence at the national level. Isabelle consistently seeks opportunities for growth, attending provincial and national seminars, participating in online rule updates, and supporting junior referee development. Known for her leadership, professionalism, and balanced approach with athletes of all levels, she serves as a role model across the province.
Senior Official of the Year Award
Dave Dove – Skating
In 2025, Dave exemplified fairness, integrity, and ethical leadership within the sport of figure skating. As a highly respected Level III Data Specialist — the highest designation within Skate Canada’s officiating pathway — he brought precision, neutrality, and professionalism to every competition he supported. With more than 40 years of volunteer service, Dave played a vital role in ensuring that events across Newfoundland and Labrador operated smoothly, overseeing registration, scoring, technology, and event management. His expertise and commitment helped guarantee that athletes were evaluated within a consistent and credible system, strengthening confidence among skaters, coaches, and officials. As Chair of the Officials and the Safe Sport Committee for Skate Canada NL in 2025, Dave championed respectful conduct, accountability, and athlete-centered decision-making. He approached complex matters with thoughtfulness and steady judgment, always prioritizing safety and long-term participant well-being.
Senior Female Athlete of the Year (Elizabeth Swan Memorial Award)
Jaida Lee – Baseball
St. John’s native Jaida Lee continued to make history throughout the 2025 season, showcasing excellence at both the collegiate and national levels. Competing in junior varsity baseball with the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, Jaida also represented Team British Columbia at the 2025 Baseball Canada Senior Women’s National Championships. On the mound, she earned a win over Team Ontario, pitching five strong innings while allowing four hits, no earned runs, and striking out eight batters. She recorded a 1.2 WHIP during the tournament. At the plate, Jaida hit .364 with eight hits, 10 RBI, and an .875 OPS, helping lead Team BC to a gold medal. In recognition of her leadership and impact in sport, she received the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Jaida’s outstanding year concluded with her being selected 14th overall by New York in the first round of the Women’s Pro Baseball League Draft by New York.
Senior Male Athlete of the Year (Ferd Hayward Memorial Award)
Chris Weeks – Swimming
Chris Weeks delivered an exceptional 2024–25 season, establishing himself as one of Canada’s top sprint swimmers at the university, national, and international levels. He earned multiple podium finishes at major national championships, including silver medals at the Canadian Open and Speedo Canadian Swimming Championships, and placed fourth at Canadian Trials in long-course competition. At the university level, Chris dominated the AUS Championships, winning four gold medals, and was named the 2024–25 AUS Swimmer of the Year. He continued his success at the U SPORTS Swimming Championships, capturing silver in the 100 m freestyle and bronze in the 50 m butterfly. Internationally, Chris represented Canada at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Germany, advancing to the semifinals in both the 100 m freestyle and 50 m butterfly, finishing among the top 16 athletes in the world in each event.
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