Prince Albert’s Gage Grassick has added another major trophy to her already impressive collection. The University of Saskatchewan Huskies’ fourth-year guard was named U Sports Female Athlete of the Year, receiving the prestigious Lois Mitchell Award on Monday. This accolade caps off a standout season where Grassick’s personal achievements and leadership helped propel her team to new heights.
“I still can’t quite believe it,” Grassick shared over the phone Tuesday. “Hearing my name called was such a whirlwind. Honestly, it was overwhelming, but I’m beyond grateful to the trustees for voting for me.” The award recognizes the best female athlete across all U Sports programs nationwide, and Grassick’s win is no small feat. She outpaced a strong field including Western University’s Favour Okpali, Laval’s Marie-Frederique Poulin, and Cape Breton University’s Alliyah Rowe, all formidable contenders.
Setting Records and Breaking Barriers
Grassick’s season was nothing short of extraordinary. She shattered University of Saskatchewan records for assists and triple-doubles, becoming a key playmaker and scorer for the Huskies. Leading U Sports in both three-point shots made and three-point shooting percentage, she proved deadly beyond the arc.
The numbers don’t lie, but Grassick insists these personal records mean little without her team’s support. “I’ve said it a hundred times — none of these are individual awards. They’re team awards,” she emphasized. “I’m lucky to have such a great group around me, and honestly, any one of my teammates could have stood on that stage instead of me.”
Her season highlights include a dominant 31-point performance in the Canada West final, where the Huskies toppled the University of British Columbia. That game helped cement their status as one of the country’s top women’s basketball teams.
A Trophy Shelf Worthy of Praise
The Lois Mitchell Award is the latest addition to a growing list of accolades for Grassick. Earlier this season, she was named MVP at the U Sports Final 8 tournament, showcasing her clutch performances on the biggest stage. She also earned the Nan Copp Trophy, awarded to the U Sports Women’s Basketball Outstanding Player of the Year, further underscoring her dominance.
Closer to home, Grassick collected the Mary Ethel Cartwright Trophy as the University of Saskatchewan’s Most Outstanding Female Athlete. She also secured a spot on the first-team All-Canadian roster, an honor reserved for the best players across the country.
These awards collectively reflect a season marked by both individual excellence and collective success. Grassick’s ability to balance scoring, playmaking, and leadership helped the Huskies reach new milestones and earn national respect.
Balancing Humility and Ambition
Despite the flood of praise, Grassick remains humble about her achievements. “It’s all about the team,” she said simply. That mindset echoes through the Huskies’ locker room, where a tight-knit group has grown together over the years.
But make no mistake—Grassick is driven. Her competitive spirit fuels her on and off the court. She pushes herself hard and encourages teammates to do the same. “Winning these awards doesn’t change that,” she laughed. “If anything, it makes me want to work even harder next season.”
Her story resonates beyond basketball circles in Prince Albert and across Saskatchewan. She’s become a role model for young athletes dreaming of success in sports and education alike.
The Huskies’ Rise and What’s Next
The University of Saskatchewan Huskies have quietly become a powerhouse in women’s basketball, and Grassick’s leadership has been central to that rise. Their Canada West title and strong national performances show a program on the upswing.
Here’s a quick look at key Huskies stats from this season:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 18.7 (Grassick) |
| Assists (single season record) | 7.5 per game |
| Three-pointers made | 85 |
| Three-point % | 45% |
| Canada West Title | Yes |
The challenge ahead: maintaining momentum and building on this season’s successes. Grassick and the Huskies will be under pressure to defend their crown and keep climbing.
As for Grassick personally, the future looks bright. Whether she continues her basketball career professionally or pursues other ambitions, her legacy at USask is firmly established.
When asked about what’s next, she smiled, “Right now, I’m just soaking it all in. But yeah, the work never stops.”
Grassick’s story is one of grit, teamwork, and passion—qualities that made her a worthy winner of U Sports Female Athlete of the Year and a beacon for athletes everywhere.
