18th WESPY Awards a slam dunk success
Updated: May 2, 2025
The 18th Annual WESPY Awards celebrated the outstanding achievements of Windsor-Essex athletes, coaches, and volunteers at the Caboto Club Wednesday night. The event highlighted the region's rich sports culture and the dedication of its community members.
The night featured keynote speaker Julius "Dr. J" Erving who captivated the crowd with stories and shared the same passion for community as WESPY founder Dom Papa, "There's only a place where you grew up." Erving said as he continued to share insight and laughter with the audience throughout his chat with Papa.
🏆 Major Award Winners
Female Athlete of the Year: Jane Pozzi (Holy Names High School)
Male Athlete of the Year: Maurice Sodja (St. Clair College Saints Football)
Coach of the Year: Mike Lachance (St. Clair College Saints Football)
Team of the Year: St. Clair College Football
Legacy Award: Miah-Marie Langlois, Harold Konrad
🏅 Additional Honors
Male golfer of the year: John DiCarlo
Female golfer of the year: Alyssa Cowling
Parasports Athlete Award: Brianna Williams
Football Award: Maurice Sodja
Gymnastics Award: Olivia Douma
Track and Field Award: Ella Steele-Douglas, A.J. Stanat
Hockey Award: Maggi Dewolf-Russ, Kyle Walker
Soccer Award: Kat Campana, Simon Grande
Softball Award: Judy Lafleur
Baseball Award: Carter Reh
Volleyball Award: Kiana Huggins, Kale Wilkinson
Swimming Award: Taya Hutchison, Riley Carswell
Wrestling Award: Daniella Papia, Nash Renaud
Basketball Award: Kaitlyn Overeem, Chad Vincent-Simon
Cross Country Award: Madelyn Eybergen, Brendan Currie
Figure Skating Award: Jake Ellis
Volunteer of the Year: Ryan Merrow
Executive of the Year: Mark Seguin
Community Service Award: Jim Stewart
Courage and Determination Award: David Tremblay Sr.
Captain's Leadership Award: Robert Springer Jr.
Official of the Year: Susannah Pizzicaroli
Congratulations and thanks to founder Dom Papa and his faithful for creating and continuing a sports legacy in our community.
