Western's Findlay named U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadian

OTTAWA (C/O U SPORTS) - U SPORTS celebrates the eight best and brightest university student-athletes from across Canada, unveiling the student-athletes selected as Top 8 Academic All-Canadians for the 2023-24 season.

In the 31st edition of the event, Nan Copp Trophy winner as U SPORTS women’s basketball player of the year Jayda Veinot from the University of New Brunswick (Port Williams, N.S.), Université de Moncton thrower Samuel Bourque (Notre-Dame-de-Kent, N.B), 2024 U SPORTS women’s hockey player of the year Gabrielle Santerre from Bishop’s University (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que.), Université Laval’s two-sport star Philippe Morneau-Cartier (Quebec City, Que.), University of Toronto swimming sensation Ainsley McMurray (Montreal, Que.), Western University football standout Jackson Findlay (North Vancouver, B.C.), University of Regina Cougar hoops All-Canadian Jade Belmore (Regina, Sask.) and University of Calgary double medallist swimmer Nathan Versluys (Edmonton, Alta.) will be honoured for their academic and sporting excellence.

The eight honorees were selected from the 4,900 student-athletes who achieved U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status in the 2023-24 season. 

U SPORTS student-athletes achieve Academic All-Canadian status for maintaining an average of 80 percent or better over the academic year while competing for one – or more – of their university’s teams that participate within U SPORTS. 

In recognition of their achievements, a ceremony will be held in Ottawa on January 28th to present the student-athletes with the Governor General’s Medal for Academic Excellence. They will be honoured Wednesday in a reception on Parliament Hill hosted by The Honourable Greg Fergus, P.C., M.P, Speaker of the House of Commons, followed by a visit with Her Excellency, Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada at Rideau Hall.

Quotes: 

“These eight outstanding individuals represent the more than 4,900 U SPORTS student-athletes who achieved excellence in the classroom and on the field of play this past year. They’re the crème-de la-crème of Canadian students, and we are fortunate to have the support of the Governor General and the Speaker of the House as we recognize our Top 8 Academic All-Canadians” - Pierre Arsenault, U SPORTS CEO.

Jackson Findlay – Western University

Sport (Year): Football (3rd)
Program: Medical Sciences
2023-24 Average: 87%
Year of Study:  4th year
Hometown: North Vancouver, B.C.

North Vancouver’s Jackson Findlay is a fourth-year Medical Sciences student with an 87 per cent average who aspires to become a pediatric oncologist.

A three-time Academic All-Canadian, Findlay has been a key contributor to Western’s football program, earning the 2024 OUA Outstanding Stand-Up Defensive Player of the Year award and leading the Mustangs to multiple championships.

As a defensive captain, he has anchored the top-ranked defence in the conference while mentoring his teammates. His leadership extends far beyond football.

As President of the Mustangs Athlete Student Council, he has spearheaded community initiatives, including volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club and coaching women’s football.

He also supports mental health as his team's wellness lead and advocates for women’s inclusion in football.

Findlay’s commitment to making a positive impact underscores his excellence in academics, athletics, and community service.