To be a successful student-athlete, one must be well-rounded and willing to show leadership by putting others ahead of themselves.
Very few exemplify those qualities better than Madison Owens of the St. Thomas University Tommies, who is the 2021-22 recipient of the Rod Shoveller Memorial Award, given annually to an ACAA men's or women's basketball player who has contributed to sport and society through excellence in academics, athletics, leadership and sportsmanship.
In the classroom, Owens has already been a five-time CCAA National Scholar, with the potential for adding a rare sixth distinction in the 2021-22 season on account of the 2020-21 season being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and she has also made St. Thomas's Dean's List three times.
On the court, Owens made an immediate impact with the Tommies women's basketball program, earning the team's Unsung Hero award in 2017-18 and three straight Leadership Awards from 2017-18 through 2019-20. Owens has been cited as a calming influence for teammates in difficult situations, showing trust and confidence in her teammates and being a strong communicator.
"With all of the positive things I can say about Madison, the most remarkable traits she showed as a leader was during Covid shutdowns," said Tommies head coach Fred Connors. "Madison rose to the occasion as she was there to support her teammates as they struggled to come to terms with the reality of their athletic careers being dramatically altered."
In 2019, Owens received the Francis Farrington Award, given to a returning St. Thomas basketball player who maintained a strong academic average and contributed to their community in a positive way, and in 2021, she also received the Brian Bawn Memorial Award, given to a women's basketball Tommie in her third, fourth, or fifth year who embodies the values of a well-rounded team player by encouraging teammates with a positive attitude, and demonstrating leadership qualities while being an asset to the team.
In the community, Owens has worked with a reading program with elementary school kids, been a camp counselor at summer basketball camps, and has coached U15 girls basketball teams. Owens has also been accepted into St. Thomas's Bachelor of Education program.
"Madison is very passionate about helping youth and will be a remarkable educator in the near future," Connors said. "I would trust Madison with my children's education without hesitation."
Handed out annually since 1992, the Rod Shoveller Memorial Award is named for the former athletic director from both the Technical University of Nova Scotia and the University of King's College, who was widely known for his exceptional contribution to the development of young people in academics and athletics.
Madison Owens is the fourth Tommie to receive the Rod Shoveller Memorial Award, and the first since Renee Leblanc in the 2011-12 season.
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