Josh Oakes of the St. Thomas University Tommies is the 2023 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men’s Soccer Player of the Year.

In addition, Oakes was one of 15 student-athletes who have been named 2023 CCAA Men’s Soccer All-Canadians. The student-athletes were honoured at the 2023 CCAA Men’s Soccer National Championship, hosted by St. Clair College in Windsor, ON.

Oakes, a third-year centre back captained the Tommies to a league best 10-0-2 record in the Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA). Remarkably, as a defender Oakes led the Conference in scoring with 13 goals and 26 points, while also regulating STU’s backline for nine shut outs this season.

“Josh had an outstanding season, leading the Tommies at both ends of the field,” said David Munro, CCAA Men’s Soccer Convenor. “Josh has the ability to build a strong, quick offensive attack from the back and then turnaround and dominate as a defender as well.”

The 2023-24 ACAA Men's Soccer Player of the Year is a three-time ACAA All-Conference recipient and competes with Berlin FC in Upstate New York during the summer season. Oakes leads by example as the STU captain, demonstrating a work ethic that has helped produce back-to-back-to-back undefeated seasons for the Tommies.

“Josh is a natural leader who commands his team and puts his body on the line every game,” said John-Ryan Morrison, St. Thomas Men’s Soccer Head Coach. “He plays the game the right way, which has earned him the respect of many players around the league. He is the type of player that every coach would want as their captain.”

Additional 2023 CCAA Soccer Award Recipients from the ACAA: 

2023 CCAA Men's Soccer All-Canadian: Michael Zinck, UKC Blue Devils

2023 CCAA Women's Soccer All-Canadian: Emily Lepine, Holland Hurricanes

2023 CCAA Women's Soccer All-Canadian: Amanda Volcko, MSVU Mystics