Jacky Normandeau named Outstanding Woman of Laurier

WATERLOO, Ont. (March 30, 2016) - Jacky Normandeau, a third year dual sport athlete who plays defence with both the women’s soccer and hockey teams, was named the 2016 Outstanding Women of Laurier award recipient on Wednesday evening during a dinner at Bingemans Conference Centre.

Normandeau, a native of Uxbridge, Ont., was one of three nominees for this year’s award which included women’s soccer teammate Suzanne Boroumand of Kitchener, Ont., and women’s curling’s Evie Fortier of Ottawa.

“Jacky is an incredibly deserving recipient of this award,” said Peter Baxter, Laurier’s Director of Athletics and Recreation. “Not only does she excel in not one, but two different varsity sports here at Laurier, she is also an outstanding student and still finds time in her busy schedule to volunteer her time in the community.”

Normandeau, a third year biology major, becomes the first women’s soccer player, and the fifth women’s hockey player, to receive the award. The last women’s hockey player to take home the award was Fiona Lester in 2012-13. 

"It’s incredible,” said Normandeau who received her award in front of over 300 people, one of the largest crowds in the events’ 11-year history. “I still can’t even believe it. Just being included in the conversation with the other nominees and anyone who has won it before. It’s amazing to be nominated and included in this award so it’s incredible." 

One of the most reliable defenders for both the women’s soccer and hockey teams, Normandeau has been a presence on the field and ice since she came to Laurier for the 2013-14 season. In her first year with the Golden Hawks, she helped both her team’s capture an OUA Championship, becoming the first athlete in school history to win to OUA titles in one season. For her outstanding contributions to both teams, she was named Laurier’s Rich Newbrough Female Rookie of the Year at the end of the year.

Since then, she has continued to establish herself as a formidable defender with both teams and this season was recognized as an OUA Second Team All-Star in women’s soccer. Over the course of her career with the women’s soccer team, she has appeared in 48 regular season games recording six goals on 18 shots while also appearing in 56 games with the women’s hockey team, registering six assists.

Away from the field of play, the two-time CIS Academic All-Canadian is actively involved in the community, participating in hospital visits and volunteering for the Running and Reading program with the Laurier Lettermen Club, as well as coaching at a girl’s hockey camp during the summer months.

Laurier launched the Outstanding Women of Laurier award in 2006 to recognize female students who combine athletic and academic achievement with an active commitment to the community through volunteerism.

The event included an inspirational keynote address from Jennifer Jones, the 2014 Olympic Gold Medalists in women’s curling and was hosted by Susan Cook-Scheerer, Host and Associate Producer of Waterloo Region’s favourite talk show, daytime on Rogers TV.

This year’s event raised over $25,000 to help support women’s athletic initiatives, scholarships and the mentoring program at Laurier.

The event was made possible by leadership sponsors Lerners LLP, College Pro, RBC Royal Bank and Miller Thomson LLP. Contributing sponsors included Ernst & Young LLP, Great-Canadian Holidays, Coaches and Fleet Services, Sun Life Financial, Toyota Manufacturing, as well as a number of Wilfrid Laurier University departments. In-kind sponsors included Robin’s Goldsmithing and Brentwood Livery.

Outstanding Women of Laurier Award recipients
2015-16 - Jacky Normandeau (Soccer/Hockey)
2014-15 - Lee Anna Osei (Basketball)
2013-14 - Bree Chaput (Basketball)
2012-13 - Fiona Lester (Hockey)
2011-12 - Laura Crocker (Curling)
2010-11 - Brittany Shaw (Swimming)
2009-10 - Liz Knox (Hockey)
2008-09 - Hollie Nicol (Curling)
2007-08 - Lauren Meschino (Hockey)
2006-07 - Jillian Ritsma (Basketball)
2005-06 - Fiona Aiston (Hockey)