Brent Mutis
CapU sport info
The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) announced this week its annual list of Academic All-Canadians and six Capilano Blues athletes earned the honour.
In contrast to the CCAA All-Canadian honour, which goes to the two conference All-Stars that receive the most votes in all-star balloting, the Academic All-Canadian recognition combines athletic excellence with academic achievement, making it the highest honour a student-athlete can earn.
To earn CCAA All-Canadian recognition, student-athletes must have a grade-point average of 3.50 or above in their last competitive term and earn a spot on their conference's all-star team.
Maddy Coffin, Women's Basketball - Communications
The third-year forward took a big leap in the 2023-24 season, earning PACWEST Second Team All-Star status for averaging 12.4 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. The 5-foot-11 forward started all 24 games and ended the year with four consecutive double-doubles. She scored a career-high 28 points in a Feb. 9 win over Okanagan College.
Barcha Hnizdilova, Women's Basketball - Psychology
The rookied from Czechia via U.S. high school hoops was an immediate contributor at both ends of the court, earning PACWEST Rookie of the Year honours. The 5-foot-11 forward averaged a double-double with 11 points and 10.4 rebounds per game and hauled down a season-high 20 boards in a Jan. 12 win at Langara.
Brandon Lecce, Men's Soccer - Arts and Sciences
Another Blues standout rookie, Lecce was the last line of defence on a much-improved Capilano side in 2023. Lecce played every minute of the season, recording clean sheets in two of the last three games of the season. The 6-foot keeper was one of two Blues PACWEST All-Stars and was named Team MVP.
Maya Smith, Women's Soccer - Kinesiology
Smith turned in her best season in Blues colours, starting all 12 games for CapU. The 5-foot-3 sparkplug was key in transitioning the Blues attack upfield and her playmaking and finishing put her in a tie for second in team scoring.
Alanah Dulong, Women's Soccer - Business
The fifth-year veteran went out in style for the Blues, with a career-high and PACWEST-leading eight goals. The 5-foot-7 forward again earned a conference All-Star nod and was, for the first time, named a CCAA All-Canadian.
Nnya Mbaoma, Women's Volleyball - Sciences
The 5-foot-10 outside hitter again showcased her powerful right arm for the Blues, leading the team with 230 kills. Her improved first-touch skills this season helped the CapU attack remain in system, allowing her good opportunities to put the ball away. A native of Nanaimo, she a PACWEST First Team All-Star and an PACWEST tournament All-Star.