Darian Koskie drives the ball past their opponents, after Markus Law-Heese delivers the perfect set for the score. (JUSTIN HAN/University of Windsor).
By Sara Meikle
The 2025 season was a year of firsts, milestones and unforgettable moments for UWindsor Athletics.
From men’s volleyball claiming a historic U SPORTS tournament win to football hosting its first home semifinal in 35 years, the Lancers left their mark on every field, court and track.
Record-breaking performances, standout achievements and memorable family legacies were underscored by strong showings in academics and leadership.
“What stands out most this season isn’t just the records or milestones but the dedication, teamwork and community our athletes and coaches show every day,” said Stephanie White, UWindsor’s director of athletics. “These achievements reflect a culture of excellence that will keep driving Lancers Athletics forward.”
Whether hosting championship events, rewriting program records or celebrating personal and team triumphs, the 2024–25 season showcased the heart, skill and momentum of the Blue and Gold.
Highlight #10: Forsyth Cup Hosting Recognized as Best in OUA
Lancer Events earned the OUA C.H.A.M.P. Award for best league championship of the 2024–25 season for hosting the Forsyth Cup men’s volleyball championship in March.
The award reflects the efforts of the Athletics department to engage fans and elevate the game-day experience. Seamless organization, a passionate fan base and a vibrant campus atmosphere highlighted Windsor’s ability to shine both on and off the court.
Highlight #9: Talbot Brothers Make Lancer Football History
Zach, Liam and Brendan Talbot made Lancer history in September, becoming the first trio of siblings to compete together on a Windsor varsity team since the Allin brothers played men’s basketball in the 2000s.
The milestone came during a commanding 35–0 victory over Waterloo, when all three suited up for their first shared OUA appearance.
Head coach Jean-Paul Circelli praised the moment as a powerful example of the program’s family culture and the brothers’ collective commitment.
“As a coach, there is no greater joy than seeing these young men achieve something special together. The pride felt by their family resonates deeply within our community,” he said.
Highlight #8: Track & Field Success at Home and Nationally
UWindsor’s track and field team delivered standout performances at the OUA Championships and the U SPORTS national championships, including while hosting events at the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse.
In February, the nationally ranked team captured 17 medals and claimed both the women’s and men’s overall bronze medals at the OUA championships.
In March, Jordana Badley-Castello opened the U SPORTS championships with a gold medal in the women’s weight throw, setting a new Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse record. Tristan Miscia, Madelyn Eybergen, Mandy Brunet, and AJ Stanat added to the success, each capturing gold medals.
Highlight #7: Academic Excellence Shines with 202 Academic All-Canadians
The Lancers celebrated 202 Academic All-Canadians in November, the second-highest total in program history. To earn the distinction, varsity athletes must achieve a minimum average of 80 per cent or a 10.5 GPA across full-time fall and winter studies.
Standout honourees included Madelyn Eybergen, Brady Lidster and Markus Law-Heese who, alongside their peers, exemplified excellence on the field and in the classroom and earned praise across campus and on social media.
Highlight #6:Women’s Cross Country
The Lancer women’s cross country team captured silver at the OUA Championships in October, earning a team medal for the fourth time in program history.
Samara Quanz led the way with a bronze medal and OUA all-star honours, joined by teammates Joelle Olla, who finished eighth, and Natalie Fortier, who placed 10th. All Lancer runners finished in the top 40 among 124 competitors.
The team later capped off its historic season with a top-10 finish at the 2025 U SPORTS Cross Country Championships in Sherbrooke, Que., showcasing consistency, depth and teamwork on the national stage.
Highlight #5: UWindsor Coaching Awards
Men’s volleyball head coach James Gravelle was named OUA coach of the year in March for the second time in three seasons after leading the team to a record-setting 18–2 campaign. “This award represents the team’s collective effort and the success we achieved together,” Gravelle said.
Track and field coach Tina Sharman was named U SPORTS assistant coach of the year in February in recognition of her leadership in guiding Lancer throwers to three OUA gold medals and three additional scoring finishes across four throwing events.
Head coach Colin Inglis praised Sharman’s impact on student-athletes. “Tina creates an environment where athletes feel supported and heard. Her commitment ensures they leave the University of Windsor stronger and more prepared for what comes next,” he said.
Highlight #4: Brady Lidster Sets New Records
Kicker Brady Lidster delivered a historic season, leading the OUA and U SPORTS with 27 field goals and ranking third all-time for single-season field goals in the OUA. He became just the fifth kicker in conference history to reach 25 in a season while breaking multiple Lancer records, including career points and single-game field goals.
His seven-field-goal performance tied the OUA single-game record, while a walk-off 49-yard kick at Queen’s in October secured third place in the OUA standings and a home playoff berth.
“Setting records is special but doing it alongside teammates and coaches who believe in you makes it unforgettable,” Lidster said. “I’m proud to be part of elevating the program at Windsor.”
Highlight #3: Women’s Soccer Hosts First Home Playoff Game Since 2016
For the first time in nearly a decade, the women’s soccer team hosted a playoff match, energizing the campus and engaging fans online.
The season featured standout performances from Avery Comartin, an OUA first-team all-star, and Izzy Barrette, an OUA second-team all-star. Comartin recorded six goals in 12 games, while Barrette played every minute of the season, posting a 0.75 goals-against average with six clean sheets.
Highlight #2: Football Hosts First Home Semifinal Since 1990
Lancer football made history by hosting its first home semifinal in 35 years following a 5–3 regular season and a thrilling 31–24 quarterfinal win over Ottawa.
Braxton Johnson, Ahmad Taylor, Istvan Assibo-Dadzie and Brady Lidster earned OUA first-team all-star honours, while Weagbe Mombo, Harrison Daley, Ethan John and Brett Miller were named to the second team. Miller also earned all-rookie recognition.
At the national level, Lidster was named a first-team All-Canadian, with Taylor, Johnson and Assibo-Dadzie earning second-team honours. Fans rallied behind the team throughout the playoff run, celebrating the program’s return to prominence at Alumni Field.
Highlight #1: Men’s Volleyball’s Record-Breaking Season
The Lancers men’s volleyball team produced the most successful season in program history, finishing 18–2 and earning the right to host the Forsyth Cup OUA championship for the first time.
Head coach James Gravelle described the season as a coming-of-age moment marked by consistency and confidence. “The team defended home court all year, especially in playoff wins over Waterloo and York. The campus community played a huge role in that success,” he said.
A milestone 3–0 U SPORTS win over Western underscored the team’s national rise, while Markus Law-Heese was named OUA player of the year. “Markus leads by example and sets the standard for our younger athletes,” Gravelle said.
Fans and alumni followed the historic run closely on social media. Looking ahead, Gravelle encourages the community to pack the Toldo Lancer Centre to see Law-Heese in action. “If you haven’t seen the forward flush or the more controversial reverse flush live, you’re missing out,” he said.