Building on more than a decade of support for University of Victoria varsity athletics, the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to recognize several first-year student-athletes as this year's award recipients. Among the list is rookie point guard Avery Geddes '25 who capped her graduating year with SMUS as a AA provincial champion and tournament MVP. The multi-sport standout was also a central player to SMUS's soccer and field hockey teams.
Geddes made an immediate impression in her first season with the team. She brought a strong combination of leadership, ambition, and competitive drive to the court and inside the classroom where she excels. A committed point guard, Geddes is focused on building a culture of resilience, inclusivity, and excellence, setting high standards for herself and her teammates both on and off the court. As a rookie, she is already developing her voice within the program, aiming to elevate team performance while continuing to grow her own game. While at SMUS, Geddes led her team to a provincial championship title while demonstrating exceptional leadership off the court through roles as school prefect, athletic council member, school ambassador, referee, and coach. Her dedication to teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth reflects the values of the Sybil Verch Award and signals a promising future in a Vikes uniform.
"Avery sets the bar for work ethic while also bringing a fun and enjoyable attitude. Even as a rookie, she pushes the team to preform at the highest level, all while balancing a demanding course load in the sciences," said Carrie Watts, UVic Vikes women's basketball head coach.
he Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame (GVSHOF) was founded in 1991 to recognize and celebrate the outstanding performances and contributions of athletes, builders, officials, and teams from Greater Victoria who have brought distinction to themselves, their sport, community, and country. Since giving out its first award to Julia Schmidt in 2010-11, the GVSHOF continues to grow its support of UVic student-athletes, this year increasing the value of its awards to $3,000 and expanding to four recipients, including two Bate Family Award winners for the first time — helping to keep local talent in Victoria.
Sybil Verch Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame Award:
Awarded to an undergraduate woman student entering UVic from a secondary school in the Greater Victoria region who competes on a Vikes varsity team.
Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame award winners – past recipients:
2024-25: Melia Phelan, women's soccer, Kate Watson, women's rowing, Quinn McCoy, men's rowing
2023-24: Anais Chace, women's field hockey, Sadie Schneider, women's rugby, Adriana Hilton, women's soccer
2022-23: Tion McLeish, men's track and cross country, Katie Bentley, women's field hockey, Grant Barkway, men's rowing
2021-22: Marina Skakun, women's rugby, Charisse Faubert, women's rowing, Brooke Taylor, women's field hockey
2020-21: Jack DesBrisay, men's rowing, Mareya Valeva, women's swimming
2019-20: Janet Dawson, women's field hockey
2018-19: Lockie Kratz, men's rugby
2017-18: Shaye Tudor, men's rugby
2016-17: Brayden Tate, men's rugby
2015-16: Harbir Sidhu, men's field hockey
2014-15: Michael Baart, men's soccer
2013-14: Stephanie Polomark, women's rowing
2012-13: Sarah Douglas, women's soccer
2011-12: Patrick Psotka, men's track
2010-11: Julia Schmidt: women's swimming
Media from UVic Vikes Communications. Photographer Credit: Armando Tura (APShutter.com)
