WATERLOO, Ont. - It was a moment of pride that started with humble intentions as Kristi Godkin, the fourth-year co-captain of Laurier's golf team, was named the recipient of the 18th annual Outstanding Women of Laurier Gala on Thursday night.

A business major from Orleans, Ont., Godkin accepted the award in front of 300 attendees at the sold-out event hosted by Tapestry Hall in Cambridge, but her primary reason for submitting an application for the award was simply "to put forth that people can manage school .. while also being engaged with our community."

A two-time OUA first-team all-star and multiple-time tournament champion, she proudly represented Team Canada at the 2024 FISU World University Games. 

Beyond sports, Godkin is a passionate mentor and leader, founding TopShot Hockey to coach young female athletes, volunteering with First Tee Golf Canada, and serving on the Golden Hawk Council to support community initiatives. 

As an Athlete Academic Coach, she also empowers fellow students to succeed in both academics and athletics. 

"It's such an honour just to be nominated ... alongside such incredible women who have made such an impact in their communities and at Laurier," Godkin said after receiving her award, highlighting her fellow finalists for the award Miranda Campbell (basketball), Brianna Bowman (hockey), and Maya Robinson (cross-country & track).

"I just wanted to live up to being like the people I saw growing up," she said. "Maybe that will inspire someone to reach out and do their own community engagement."

Additionally, Godkin became the first golfer in the event's history to receive the award.

Also announced at the gala, emceed for a third straight 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. 

Varsity lacrosse student-athlete and Laurier football and athletics webcast videographer Kate Ferguson was named this year's scholarship recipient.

"This award means so much to me and my family. My parents knew Mitzi, so when they heard that I won this award, they were almost in tears. They were so emotional because she meant so much ... and knowing that I won that award. And I get to carry on her legacy."

The event included a fireside chat, presented by RBC, featuring Katherine Henderson, President & CEO of Hockey Canada.

This year's gala was made possible by leadership sponsors Izzio Financial Solutions and OneTeam Sports Group.

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 

2024-25 - Kristi Godkin (Golf)

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)