Thomaidis honoured as Woman of Distinction

SASKATOON, Sask. - University of Saskatchewan women's basketball head coach Lisa Thomaidis was honoured in a special way Wednesday night.

Thomaidis was named the YWCA Woman Of Distinction in the Athletic category Wednesday night at the annual awards. She becomes the second Huskie to win a YWCA Women of Distinction award in three years - former track & field athlete Adrianne Vangool won the athletics category in 2007. The awards honour women for their accomplishments and achievements as mentors, volunteers, activists, teachers, leaders and researchers.

"This is such a huge honour for me and the Huskie women's basketball team," said Thomaidis. "Year after year, I have been amazed at the accomplishments and good deeds of the women that are nominated. To now be recognized alongside these women is such an honour."

Thomaidis and her team had a career season in 2008-09. After guiding the Huskies to an 18-4 mark and first place in the Central Divison in her 11th season at the helm, Thomaidis was honoured with both the Canada West and CIS Coach of the Year awards. It is the first time ever that a women's basketball at the University of Saskatchewan has been honoured at the CIS level.

Under her tutelage, the Huskies made an appearance at the Canada West Final Four and the CIS Championship. It was an impressive turnaround for a team that finished 9-13 a year ago. Her team enjoyed a 13-game winning streak, the longest in history in the modern era, and was ranked no lower than fifth in all 14 national coaches polls.

The Huskie women's basketball program has elevated itself among the nation's elite over the last few years making the playoffs seven straight seasons, claiming the first Canada West title in program history in 2005-06 and advancing to the CIS tournament three of the past four campaigns - all of this under Thomaidis' direction.

"Lisa Thomaidis is an exceptional woman who brings a lot to not just her basketball team but to Huskie Athletics," said athletic director Basil Hughton. "We are so proud of her, her team and all they have accomplished together. No one is better deserving for this award. She is a remarkable person, respectful, hardworking, determined and has become a role model and mentor for many athletes across Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Canada."

Paralympian Ilana Duff was also in Thomaidis' category. Huskie assistant coach Jacqueline Lavallee and veteran athlete Kara Lackie represented Thomaidis, who is currently working with the Senior National Team in Toronto as an assistant coach, at the banquet.

Huskie fifth-year wrestler Amy Dyck was also a nominee for an award in the youth category.

All proceeds from the dinner go to support the YWCA's programs and services.

Other winners included:

Arts, Culture and Heritage - Dianne Wilson
Community Building - Janie Funk
Education - Diane Cote
Entrepreneurship - Colleen Tait & Juanita Schindel, Sandbox in the City
Health and Wellness - Dr. Susan Shaw & Evelyn Reisner
Leadership & Management - Heather Kuttai
Lifetime Achievement - Shirley Ryan & Sharon Fyke
Science, Technology or Research - Deborah Black
Youth - Laura Beddome

Source:

Nicole Betker, B.Journ.
Sports Information Director
Huskie Athletics
University of Saskatchewan