COQUITLAM, BC - Golden Hawks kicker/punter Dawson Hodge is the Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame's 2025 men's University Athlete of the Year.

The geography major and former team rookie of the year was honoured among other athletes, coaches, teams, and builders at the annual ceremony in his hometown on June 12. 

"We are so proud of Dawson," manager of football operations and head coach Michael Faulds said. "He is an incredible student-athlete, and we are happy to see him honoured by his hometown." 

Hodge has been a steady presence over his four-year Laurier football career with his ability to find the uprights and send spiraling kicks down the field putting opponents deep in their own zone. 

Hodge has his name enshrined in the Laurier football record books as well, making the top 10 in each of his position's respective categories, including career points, and career yards in punting and kicking. 

His 94-yard punt against the Western Mustangs in the 2022 OUA semifinals is the longest in Golden Hawks program history.  

This past season, he was a perfect on all extra-point attempts, ranking second in the conference with 35. He also ranked fifth in the OUA in field goals made (13), seventh in field goal percentage (76%), and third in total points (74).

"Being named the male University Athlete of the Year by the Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame is a huge honour. This is the city where I grew up playing sports, so it is a full circle moment for me to now see my name getting inducted into the Coquitlam Sports Wall of Fame," Hodge said, who attended Terry Fox Secondary School before making the cross-country commitment to Laurier.

"There were many other stellar athletes that were also recognized which was great to see all of the talent this city has produced and hear about their journeys."