Veinot Named AUS MVP
(FREDERICTON, NB) For the second time in her storied career, Jayda Veinot has been named Atlantic University Sports’ Most Valuable Player.
“This is unique and different from before because I’m playing for UNB and wearing number 9, just like I grew up knowing my mom did,” said Veinot. “That makes it special to me.”
Veinot was previously named AUS MVP in 2021-2022, when she was a member of the Acadia Axewomen.
Her mother, then Jennifer Hale, a UNB standout, was the MVP of the Atlantic conference in the 1990-1991 season.
Veinot was also named to the 2023-2024 AUS 1st All-Star Team.
Teammates Katie Butts and Maheva Ngassam were also recognized. Butts was named winner of the Sylvia Sweeney Award, for student-athlete community service while Ngassam was named to the AUS All-Rookie Team.
“I’m honoured because there are so many deserving student-athletes in this league,” said Veinot. “I think, this season, it’s a true testament to my teammates and what we’ve been accomplishing. Things like this don’t happen without team success, and without being surrounded by a great group, which I’m so fortunate to be a part of every day.”
Veinot averaged 21.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while playing the second most minutes in the conference. She led the country in three-point shooting percentage, at 42.1%, and free throw shooting percentage, at 91.3%.
Veinot is the first UNB player to be named MVP since Amanda Sharpe, in 2010-2011 and becomes the first player to win the award at two different schools.
Butts was recognized for her significant contributions to the community, including her work with UNB’s ‘Send A Kid To Camp Fund.’ She designed and sold REDS merchandise with profits helping pay summer camp fees for children from under-privileged families. She also helped drive donations to the program, which funded 11 UNB summer sport camp opportunities in 2023.
Butts was also an active volunteer in UNB’s ‘Read with the REDS’ program and Athletes’ Council, and she worked as a referee in grassroots basketball programs, all while competing as a student-athlete and maintaining a 3.9 grade point average.
“Receiving this award is a huge honour,” said Butts, who is majoring in psychology with a specialization in neuroscience. “I’m grateful and proud to be representing the REDS in such a positive light. The REDS and all the amazing staff here have allowed me to thrive athletically, academically, and support me immensely in my passion to give back to the community.”
Veinot, Butts, and Ngassam helped the REDS to a 15-5 record in 2023-2024 and second place in the AUS standings, earning a first-round playoff bye.
UNB awaits a quarter-final winner in Saturday’s semi-finals at the AUS Championship Tournament, in Halifax. UNB and their to-be-determined opponent are scheduled to tip-off at 6:30pm on Saturday.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
FILE PHOTO: James West/for UNB Athletics