St. John’s, NL, May 28, 2025 – Sport Newfoundland and Labrador (SportNL) presented the recipients of its Scholarship Awards during their 34th Annual Scholarship Reception held at the Alt Hotel St. John’s.
Baseball player Jaida Lee of St. John’s was the recipient of this year’s Frank T. Butler Memorial Scholarship. Jaida was presented a $1,500 scholarship for her athletic achievements during 2024. Jaida had a standout year in 2024 in women’s baseball, earning bronze with Team Canada at the 2024 Women’s Baseball World Cup. As a pitcher, she delivered a shutout win against Venezuela, helping Canada reach the finals. She was also invited to the AMG Baseball Classic, featuring the top female players from around the world.
The Frank T. Butler Memorial Scholarship was established and named after Frank T. Butler, a St. John’s native, and SportNL Hall of Fame member, who was an enthusiastic volunteer on several Sport Newfoundland and Labrador Committees.
SportNL is also pleased to announce the names of 18 student athletes and officials that received scholarships in the amount of $750 for their athletic and academic achievements during 2024.
The 18 scholarship recipients are:
- Michael MJ Budden, Special Olympics
- Kody Butt, Baseball
- Ethan Efford, Golf
- Gabriel Flynn, Gymnastics
- Brianna Fortune, Athletics
- Adrian Green, Softball
- Jirah Hiscock, Gymnastics
- Liam Hickey, Para Hockey
- Brooke Hipditch, Ball Hockey
- Alyssa Jenkins, Soccer & Basketball
- Brooklyn Kitchen, Ball Hockey
- Maria Shea, Hockey
- Claire McCarthy, Para Shooting
- Ryan Maher, Softball
- Ciara Molloy, Soccer
- Abby Newhook, Hockey
- Jenni Simpson, Ball Hockey
- Chris Weeks, Swimming
“On behalf of the Board of Directors of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s scholarship recipients” said Raeleen Baggs, Board President, Sport NL. “Your achievements—both in the classroom and in your sport—are a testament to the drive, discipline, and resilience that define excellence in our province.”
The Sport Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to qualifying amateur athletes, coaches, and officials enrolled in a post-secondary institution. The scholarships help offset the often-high costs associated with training and competition while completing a post-secondary degree.
“This year, the scholarship program once again received a substantial number of applications, reflecting a high standard of excellence both athletically and academically,” said Troy Croft, Executive Director of SportNL. “We are proud to offer these annual scholarships in support of student-athletes as they strive to achieve their educational and athletic goals.”
Post-secondary students from the province who train and compete at all levels of sport are encouraged to apply for a Sport Newfoundland and Labrador Athletic Scholarship when applications open again for 2026.
The Scholarship recipients and their bios are attached as a backgrounder.
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For more information:
Katie Thompson
Communcations Manager, SportNL
709-579-5977
Kthompson@sportnl.ca
About Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:
Sport Newfoundland and Labrador is the professional organization that is central to supporting the development and delivery of organized sport in Newfoundland and Labrador. Representing 55 member organizations, as well as 70, 0000 individual members, Sport NL is a volunteer-run organization that promotes amateur sport throughout our province – for everyone.
About Sport Newfoundland and Labrador Scholarship Program:
Sport Newfoundland and Labrador has awarded scholarships every year since 1991, with scholarship funds being distributed to deserving students in the province. Additional information about the scholarship program can be found at www.sportnl.ca/programs-services/scholarship-program/
Backgrounder
Biographies of Scholarship Winners
Michael Budden
Special Olympics athlete, Michael Budden, from Stephenville, attends the College of North Atlantic as a second-year student in the Community Leadership Development program. Michael had an amazing 2024 season that saw him succeed provincially and nationally. His season was highlighted by capturing two gold medals at the National Cross Country Ski event. In recognition of his impressive accomplishments, Michael was named the MVP of the Bay St. George Bravehearts Athletics and Cross-Country Skiing.
Kody Butt
Kody Butt, a third-year student at Bellevue University, is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management while excelling on the baseball field. In 2024, he was recognized as the All-Region XIII Sophomore Left-Handed Pitcher and named Mondak Pitcher of the Year. Kody ranked among the top strikeout pitchers in the country, recording an impressive 92 strikeouts in just 54 innings. His outstanding performance also earned him a spot on the Canadian Baseball Network’s All-Canadians College Second Team for the second consecutive year. Off the field, Kody maintained academic excellence, earning a place on the Dean’s List.
Ethan Efford
Ethan Efford is a fourth-year Bachelor of Science student at Utah Valley University and a member of the school’s NCAA Division I golf team. In 2024, he earned a top 10 finish at the Utah Shootout and placed in the top 25 at the Western Athletic Conference Championship. Recognized for his academic excellence, Ethan was named to the Dean’s List for both the Fall and Spring semesters and is an NCAA Academic All-American Scholar.
Gabriel Flynn
Gymnast Gabriel Flynn is in his second year of the Kinesiology program at Memorial University. In 2024, Gabe won gold at the NL Provincial and Atlantic Canadian Championships and then captured 2nd at the Eastern Canadian Championships and 6th at the National Championships. Outside of these accomplishments, Gabe won the Gymnastics Newfoundland and Labrador Athlete of the Year award.
Brianna Fortune
Brianna Fortune, from Corner Brook, is in her fourth year at Memorial University, pursuing a degree in Biochemistry (Nutrition). A dedicated member of MUN Athletics, she earned a silver medal in pole vault at the 2024 AUS Championships and captured gold at the All-Comers Track Meet. In recognition of her academic excellence, Brianna was named a U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian.
Adrian Green
Softball player Adrian Green is in the third year of his Kinesiology Degree at Memorial University. Adrian had a very successful 2024 season, winning gold in the U23 National Championships and the Intermediate Fastpitch Provincial Championships. Adrian won the Top Catcher Award in his Senior and Intermediate leagues and won the Senior Athlete of the year for the town of Carbonear.
Jirah Hiscock
Jirah Hiscock is a women’s artistic gymnast from St. John’s. In 2024, she earned a bronze medal on the uneven bars at the Eastern Canadian Gymnastics Championships. She was named Female Athlete of the Year by Campia Gymnastics and was exclusively invited to two national training camps. Jirah recently completed her first year in the Faculty of Science at Memorial University.
Liam Hickey
Liam Hickey, from St. John’s, is a member of the Canadian Para Hockey Team and a standout in international competition. In 2024, he helped Team Canada capture gold at the World Championships and was recognized as one of the tournament’s Top 3 Forwards. He also contributed to Canada’s silver-medal finish at the Para Hockey Cup. Off the ice, Liam is in his fourth year at Memorial University, pursuing a Bachelor of Recreation.
Brooke Hipditch
Brooke Hipditch, of Paradise, spent 2024 making her mark as both an official and an athlete. She was recognized as the Female Rookie of the year for the Metro Referees Association. Brooke became the third female in history to referee in the St. John’s Junior Hockey League. As an athlete she was a member of the 20U Female NL Selects Ball Hockey Team where her team won the National Championship for the third year in a row. Brooke is completing her joint Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Psychology and English at Memorial University.
Alyssa Jenkins
Alyssa Jenkins, of St. John’s, is in her fifth year at Memorial University, pursuing a joint major in Commerce and French. In 2024, she competed on both the Sea-Hawks soccer and basketball teams, helping each secure third place at the AUS Championships. She also had a strong season with the Feildians Women’s Soccer Team, contributing to their second place finishes in both the regular season and final competition. Academically, Alyssa was named a U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian and recognized on the Dean’s List.
Jaida Lee (Frank Butler Scholarship)
Jaida Lee, from St. John’s, is a standout in women’s baseball, earning bronze with Team Canada at the 2024 Women’s Baseball World Cup. As a pitcher, she delivered a shutout win against Venezuela, helping Canada reach the finals—a performance praised by the WBSC as “untouchable.” She was also invited to the AMG Baseball Classic, featuring the top female players from around the world. Jaida is currently in her second year at the University of British Columbia, studying Kinesiology.
Brooklyn Kitchen
Brooklyn Kitchen had a standout year in both ice and ball hockey. As a member of the AAA Female Eastern IceBreakers, she helped her team capture Gold at the 2024 League Championships and Silver at Provincials. She earned individual honors as Top Forward and top in assists in the league. In ball hockey, she won Gold with the U20 Female Team in Saskatchewan and was named Top Forward of the tournament. Brooklyn also competed with the Women’s A team, securing another Gold Medal at Nationals, and joined the OWHL U22 Elite team in Ottawa, continuing her success at the elite level. Brooklyn is in her first year at Memorial University, completing a business degree.
Maria Shea
Maria Shea, from Stephenville, is in her first year at Western University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. She competed on Western’s varsity hockey team and played in the Ontario Women’s Hockey U22 Elite League, where her team finished first in the league championship. Maria has demonstrated strong athletic and academic commitment in her first year at the university level.
Claire McCarthy
Claire McCarthy, from St. John’s, had an outstanding year in competitive shooting, capturing first place in three disciplines at the SFC National Championship. A dedicated student-athlete, Claire is in her second year pursuing a Bachelor of Science at Memorial University and was named to the Dean’s List in 2024.
Ryan Maher
In 2024, Ryan Maher, of Petty Harbour, had an incredible year on the softball diamond. At the national level, he played an important role for Team NL, helping Team NL capture gold at the Canadian Nationals for the first time in over a decade. Ryan also helped his team win gold at the Junior Men’s U23 Canadian Nationals. Ryan completed the final year of the Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Memorial University.
Ciara Molloy
Ciara Molloy, from Torbay, is pursuing a degree in Geography at Memorial University. A talented and dedicated soccer player, she helped lead the Holy Cross Crusaders to a gold medal at the Jubilee Trophy Provincial Championships, earning All-Star honors for her performance. She also competed with the Memorial Sea-Hawks, contributing to the team’s strong season and advancement to the AUS semifinals. Ciara’s success on the field is matched by her achievements in the classroom, where she was recognized as a U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian.
Abby Newhook
Abby Newhook, of St. John’s, continued to make her mark as one of the top female hockey players at Boston College and was named captain of her team for the 2nd consecutive year. She has consistently been one of the top scorers in her conference, finishing 3rd in the East. Abby is in the 4th year of her studies where she is pursuing her degree in Marketing.
Jenni Simpson
In 2024, Jenni Simpson, from Glovertown, competed at the ISBHF Women’s World Championship in Visp, Switzerland where her team finished 3rd. Following this, Jenni took home two National titles with the NL Selects U20 and the United Women’s A Ball Hockey Teams. Jenni is completing a double major in Biology and Chemistry at Acadia University where she plays on the Women’s Hockey team and was named First Team All Star in the ACHA.
Chris Weeks
Chris Weeks, of Kilbride, is in his second year studying Kinesiology at Memorial University. Chris had an incredible journey in 2024 with the Memorial University Swim Team where he won four gold medals at the AUS Championships. Chris competed at the Canadian Senior Championships where he took home a gold and silver medal. In addition to this success, Chris won the AUS and U-Sports Rookie of the Year award.
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