(FREDERICTON, NB) Already named the most valuable player in Atlantic University Sport and U SPORTS women’s hockey, and earning UNB REDS female Athlete of the Year honours, Kendra Woodland is adding AUS female Athlete of the Year to her resume.
The fifth year Recreation and Sport Studies student from Kamloops, BC, was chosen from an impressive list of nominees.
“This means a lot to me,” said Woodland. “It came as a bit of a surprise too, as there are a lot of elite student-athletes in the AUS, so I’m honoured. I came into the season wanting to see what our team could accomplish, building off last season’s successes, so it’s good to be recognized for the work that’s been put into this past season.”
Woodland went 14-3 during the regular season, helping the REDS to a second straight first place finish in the AUS. Her 0.824 winning percentage and 0.960 save percentage were the best in both the AUS and U SPORTS.
In the AUS playoffs, Woodland posted a 5-2 record, including two shutouts, leading the REDS to a second consecutive conference championship.
She was named AUS MVP and U SPORTS Most Outstanding Player.
“My teammates have been a big part of my successes this season,” said Woodland. “I’m lucky that I’ve been able to spend the last five years with a team where the culture is seamless. They have my back day in and day out, so I don’t think I’d be in this position without their support over the past five years.”
“We’re so proud of Kendra and all that she’s accomplished this season,” said REDS’ head coach Sarah Hilworth. “This is special for her and for our program. She’s earned this through her hard work and determination, both on and off the ice.”
Woodland is the third UNB woman named conference Athlete of the Year since the award’s inception in 1993, joining swimmer Carla Geurts (2001-02) and track and field jumper Lexie Shannon (2021-22).
She now becomes the AUS nominee for U SPORTS female Athlete of the Year, formerly known as the BLG Awards and Lt. Governor’s Awards.
“Kendra had a tremendous season, one of the best we’ve ever seen,” said REDS’ Executive Director John Richard. “To be recognized by the conference and to represent the AUS and UNB nationally says a lot about the work she puts in, and where our women’s hockey program is right now.”
Only two UNB student-athletes have been recognized nationally, male hockey players Rob Hennigar, in 2008, and Philippe Maillet (2017).
The last AUS woman to be named national Athlete of the Year was Justine Colley, of the Saint Mary’s Huskies women’s basketball team, in 2014.
“We’ve seen other UNB student-athletes up for this national award in the past and it’s exciting that she’ll be able to represent UNB and our team,” said Coach Hilworth.
“Our program has put a lot of time and effort into the development of our student-athletes and I think this award is a testament to the level of support that our team is able to provide everyone who walks through our door,” said Woodland.
The U SPORTS Athlete of the Year Awards will be handed out later this month.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNBAthletics
PHOTOS BY: James West/for UNB Athletics