The OUA handed out its awards for women’s basketball on Monday and Maddie Soye, a fourth-year wing for the Gaels, was amonmg the winners. She’s the OUA East recipient of the Joy Bellinger Award, awarded to a female student-athlete in recognition of outstanding service to the sport and to the advancement of university athletics.
“I’m really honoured to get this award,” she said. “It’s not just about basketball so it’s great for a student-athlete to get. Giving back to the community is really important.”
Soye is a coach, tutor and teaching assistant for junior girls basketball players at the Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute. She also offers her time at St. Mary’s on the Lake Hospital as a part of the ‘Revved Up’ assisted exercise program.
“I started volunteering at the high school mostly to see if I was interested in teaching,” he said. “I started at the hospital because I thought it’d be fun to give them something they couldn’t do on their own.”
On the court, Soye has emerged as a stabilizing force, as both a team captain and a defensive stopper. The Waterloo, Ont. native said she started playing basketball in Grade 7.
“I played at my school because of my sister who is five years older than me, so I was following in her footsteps I guess.”
The Life Sciences major said she has a love for the speed of the game and would hate to give it up after her days at Queen’s.
“Obviously, I hope to play in women’s leagues because I can’t see myself coming this far to just give it up.”
An Academic All-Canadian last year, Soye said it takes some time to find the right balance of being a student-athlete.
“It can be challenging and I think it takes a few years to get it down right, but you always know you’re going to work out or practice so you have to plan school around those hours.”
1. Favourite song?
Anything by Keith Urban. I’m a country fan.
2. What reality show do you most want to go on?
Survivor would be fun.
3. Team’s favourite movie to watch on the bus?
The boys always steal the movies, but anything funny like Anchorman.
4. Favourite Vancouver Olympics moment?
Sidney Crosby scoring the winning goal in overtime.
5. UFC or boxing?
Boxing.
6. Favourite comedian?
Ellen DeGeneres.
7. Best show on TV?
I don’t really watch TV, but I would say Friends.
8. Best late-night food spot in Kingston?
Bubba’s.
9. Sport you most want to try?
Biathlon.
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