2015-16–one of the most remarkable years in Redeemer varsity sports–was celebrated at the Athletics Award Ceremony in April.

Curtiss Straatsma, a fourth-year physical education major from Brampton, ON, was named the Female Athlete of the Year. Straatsma was among the leaders in many categories in Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) women’s volleyball. She led the league in kills and points, finished second in aces and overall scoring and in the top 25 in digs and in blocks, making her one of the best all-around players in the province. Straatsma was instrumental in leading the Royals to the bronze medal match at the OCAA Provincial Championships. She also set a new Redeemer scoring record with more than 1,100 career points.

Owen Kurvits, a second-year kinesiology student from Hamilton, ON, was named Male Athlete of the Year, in no small part for being the first Redeemer athlete to win a national championship. After defending his OCAA title in men’s badminton, Kurvits won gold at the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA) championships in Halifax, NS. He was also named OCAA Player of the Year and a CCAA All-Canadian. He becomes just the second athlete (Ryan Talsma was named three times) to win the All-Canadian award. On top of his athletic accomplishments, Owen was also named an OCAA All-Academic and a CCAA Academic All-Canadian.

Also at the ceremony, a trio of former Royals volleyball players were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame: Ryan Talsma and Brad Douwes were inducted as players, and Nathan Siebenga was recognized for his years coaching and building the program.