Clara Gascoigne honoured as U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All‑Canadian

Huskies women's basketball alumna Clara Gascoigne is being honoured with one of the most prestigious recognitions in U SPORTS, being selected as a Top 8 Academic All-Canadian for the 2024-25 season.

U SPORTS will recognize the nation's most accomplished student-athletes as it celebrates the 2024-25 U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadians, Jan. 27–28 in Ottawa.

The national governing body for university sport in Canada unveiled its 2024-25 U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadians on Monday:

• Clara Gascoigne, Saint Mary's University (women's basketball)
• Jacob Benoit, Dalhousie University (cross country/track and field)
• Madalyn Weinert, Brock University (women's basketball)
• Mathias Onuska, University of Waterloo (men's hockey)
• Étienne Cloutier, Université Laval (football)
• Corinne Fréchette, Université Laval (rugby)
• Isaac Heslinga, University of Alberta (men's volleyball)
• Gabriela Cross, University of Calgary (wrestling)

The Top 8 distinction represents the highest individual academic honour bestowed by U SPORTS. During the 2024-25 academic year, more than 5,600 U SPORTS student-athletes earned Academic All-Canadian status by maintaining an academic average of 80 per cent or higher while competing in university sport. From that group, eight student-athletes are selected to represent the pinnacle of academic achievement and athletic excellence.

The eight laureates—selected by their respective conferences as the best and brightest academic student-athletes during the 2024-25 season—will be honoured across two days of national recognition. As part of the celebration, the Top 8 will be guests of The Honourable Francis Scarpaleggia, Speaker of the House of Commons, for a luncheon reception on Wednesday, Jan. 28, and will also participate in a meeting with Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.

Together, the 2024-25 Top 8 Academic All-Canadians exemplify the balance, discipline and leadership that define university sport in Canada.

"The Top 8 Academic All-Canadians represent the very best of U SPORTS," says Pierre Arsenault, U SPORTS Chief Executive Officer. "These student-athletes have demonstrated that excellence in the classroom and excellence in competition are not competing priorities, but complementary pursuits. Their recognition in Ottawa—alongside leaders of our country—is a powerful reminder of the role university sport plays in developing thoughtful, disciplined and engaged leaders for Canada's future."

The U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadians are presented by Sherrard-Kuzz, LLC with each laureate receiving a commemorative ring from Baron Rings, the official provider of U SPORTS celebratory jewellery.

Clara Gascoigne — Saint Mary's

Program: Master of Business Administration
Year: Graduate
Sport: Women's Basketball
GPA: 4.12 (MBA)

Clara Gascoigne's student-athlete career at Saint Mary's University is one of consistency, leadership and impact. A Dartmouth, N.S., native, Gascoigne completed her MBA with a 4.12 GPA during the 2024-25 academic year.

On the court, Gascoigne leaves one of the most decorated résumés in U SPORTS women's basketball. A three-time AUS champion, U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year and AUS Most Valuable Player, she set program records while anchoring one of the nation's most successful teams.

Equally impressive has been her academic journey, as she earned five U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian selections and numerous institutional and conference scholarships. Gascoigne's leadership helped shape Saint Mary's sustained success, serving as a mentor and standard-bearer for excellence within the Huskies program.

The eight laureates—selected by their respective conferences as the best and brightest academic student-athletes during the 2024-25 season—will be honoured across two days of national recognition. As part of the celebration, the Top 8 will be guests of The Honourable Francis Scarpaleggia, Speaker of the House of Commons, for a luncheon reception on Wednesday, Jan. 28, and will also participate in a meeting with Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.

The U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadians are presented by Sherrard-Kuzz, LLC with each laureate receiving a commemorative ring from Baron Rings, the official provider of U SPORTS celebratory jewellery.

The Top 8 distinction represents the highest individual academic honour bestowed by U SPORTS. During the 2024-25 academic year, more than 5,600 U SPORTS student-athletes earned Academic All-Canadian status by maintaining an academic average of 80 per cent or higher while competing in university sport. From that group, eight student-athletes are selected to represent the pinnacle of academic achievement and athletic excellence.

Click here for a full list of the 2024-25 U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadians

For the All-Time Top 8 Academic All-Canadians, click here.