REDS' Shannon Named AUS Female Athlete Of The Year
(FREDERICTON, NB) Lexie Shannon, of the UNB REDS women’s track and field team, has been named Atlantic University Sport’s female Athlete of the Year, for 2021-2022.
Osman Omar, of Cape Breton University’s men’s basketball team, is the conference’s male Athlete of the Year.
In her third year of eligibility with the REDS, Shannon won the gold medal in the women’s triple jump at the 2022 U SPORTS Track and Field Championships, presented by Saint John LNG, in Saint John. The win earned her 1st Team All-Canadian status as well.
Her jump of 12.16 metres came on the final attempt of the competition, established new AUS and UNB records, and made Shannon UNB’s first gold medalist at the national championship level.
“Lexie’s performance this season has been nothing short of outstanding,” said John Richard, UNB’s Director of Athletics. “She improved steadily throughout the season, peaking at the precise moment, at her home facility, to win a national title. The REDS are extremely proud of what Lexie has been able to do this season.”
Shannon was named the field athlete of the year in Atlantic University Sport after capturing the gold medal in the women’s triple jump and the bronze medal in the women’s long jump at the AUS Championships. She was named the MVP of UNB’s women’s track and field team and was honoured as UNB’s female Athlete of the Year.
“Lexie’s talent is overshadowed only by her determination and work ethic,” said Chris Belof, head coach of the REDS’ track and field team. “She’s a fierce competitor and a gracious champion. She’s a leader and an outstanding teammate in a sport where individuality is paramount. This past season, she’s demonstrated that she can perform on the biggest stages and in the biggest moments.”
As the AUS Athletes of the Year, Shannon and Omar become the conference nominees for the Honourable Lois Mitchell and Doug Mitchell U SPORTS Athlete of the Year Awards. Those will be presented, in a virtual ceremony, later this month.
The Mitchell Awards were previously known as the Lt. Governor’s Awards and the BLG Awards.
Shannon is the ninth UNB student-athlete nominated for a national athlete of the year award and the first REDS woman nominated since swimmer Carla Geurts, in 2001-02.