WATERLOO, Ont. - It was a full circle moment for Acadia Carlson as she was named the recipient of the 17th annual Outstanding Women of Laurier award on Wednesday night.

The fourth-year women's hockey goaltender from Kitchener accepted the award in front of 250 attendees at the sold-out event hosted by the Crowne Plaza Kitchener-Waterloo, including her mentor - and one of the evening's panellists - Golden Hawks Hall of Famer Liz Knox.

Having been around the women's hockey program since the age of three thanks to her dad, longtime Laurier athletic therapist Jamie Carlson, witnessing Knox's elite ability up close left a profound impact on her athletic journey. During those formative years, Know also won the same award in 2010.

It was understandable then that Carlson described being "overwhelmed with emotions" to not only be named a finalist with teammate Brianna Bowman and lacrosse student-athlete Kate Ferguson but also win the 17th annual award - which was launched in 2006 to recognize female students who combine athletic and academic achievement with an active commitment to the community through volunteerism.

"This really sums up what my experience at Laurier has been," she said.

"To be here tonight sitting across from one of my best friends and holding her hand ... was incredible," Carlson added.. "Everyone I've met at Laurier has made a profound impact on my life and transformed me into who I am. I couldn't be more thankful for my teammates, Kelly (Paton), Nik (Knezic), Haley (Baxter), Mark (Visentin) and all the incredible staff."

Also announced at the gala, emceed for a second year by acclaimed keynote speaker, author, and communications consultant Barbara Yebuga, was the recipient of the Dolores "Mitzi" Michael Women Leaders Scholarship, an award established in memory of Dolores "Mitzi" Michael who served on staff in the department of athletics and recreation between 1972 and 1993. 

The award is given to one female student who has held a leadership position in the department and has demonstrated leadership qualities that focus on team building and enhancing the student experience. 

Ashlyn Cook was named as this year's scholarship recipient.

"I'm so honoured just to be able to be appreciated with the other women student-athletes at Laurier," said Cook. "It was so amazing to attend this event and see other inspiring women share their experiences. Just incredible." 

The event included a memorable keynote panel discussion, led by Yebuga, with three Laurier graduates involved in the Canadian sporting landscape: Tiffany Smye (BA '02), Senior Director, Talent, Learning & Development at MLSE, Serena Gill (BA '18), Marketing Manager at TSN, and the aforementioned Liz Knox (BA '10), Secretary - PWHL Player's Association.

This year's gala was made possible by leadership sponsors Izzio Financial Solutions and the Wilfrid Laurier University Alumni Association. RBC, a proud supporter of OWL since its inception in 2006, was the Keynote Presenting Sponsor. 

The Outstanding Women of Laurier event has raised more than $375,000 for women's athletic programs, scholarships, and Laurier's mentor coaching program.

Outstanding Women of Laurier Award recipients 

2023-24 - Acadia Carlson (Hockey)

2022-23 - Chloe Herron (Rugby)

2021-22 - No event

2020-21 - No event (COVID)

2019-20 - Brianna Iannazzo (Basketball)

2018-19 - Sydney Pattison (Cross Country/Middle Distance)

2017-18 - Emily Ferguson (Lacrosse) 

2016-17 - Julie Karn (Soccer) 

2015-16 - Jacky Normandeau (Soccer/Hockey) 

2014-15 - Lee Anna Osei (Basketball) 

2013-14 - Bree Chaput (Basketball) 

2012-13 - Fiona Lester (Hockey) 

2011-12 - Laura Crocker (Curling) 

2010-11 - Brittany Shaw (Swimming) 

2009-10 - Liz Knox (Hockey) 

2008-09 - Hollie Nicol (Curling) 

2007-08 - Lauren Meschino (Hockey) 

2006-07 - Jillian Ritsma (Basketball) 

2005-06 - Fiona Aiston (Hockey)