Toronto’s McMurray 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 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.

Ainsley McMurray – University of Toronto

Sport (Year): Swimming
Program: MA Environmental Sciences
2023-24 GPA: A average
Hometown:  Montreal, Que. 

Ainsley McMurray, a Montrealer with a master’s in environmental science specializing in climate change impacts, has maintained an “A” average while leading the University of Toronto Varsity Blues swim team to national prominence.

McMurray is a three-time U SPORTS freestyle champion named the 2024 OUA Female Swimmer of the Year. 

She played a pivotal role in the Varsity Blues’ three consecutive national team titles and achieved career-best performances at the 2024 Olympic Trials.

Her commitment to environmental advocacy has complemented McMurray’s academic and athletic journey.

She discovered her passion for sustainability during her undergraduate studies in Environmental Biology and recently accepted a position with Deloitte Canada’s sustainability reporting practice.

McMurray’s coaches have supported her dual pursuits, offering flexibility to balance training and academics.

Beyond the pool, McMurray’s dedication to teamwork, travel, and community engagement reflects her holistic approach to life and sport.