WATERLOO, Ont. - Quarterback Will Russell and women's hockey forward Alexa Giantsopoulos have been named Laurier Athletes of the Week for the period ending October 25, 2026.

Will Russell, Football

Russell delivered one of the greatest single-game performances in program history on Saturday, leading the Golden Hawks to a 55-39 upset victory over the #5-ranked Western Mustangs in a must-win regular season finale that secured a spot in the OUA playoffs.

The third-year quarterback and business major completed 26 of 38 passes for 481 yards and five touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown, accounting for six total majors in the playoff-clinching victory. 

His 481 passing yards rank as the second-highest single-game total in Laurier history, leaving him just 20 yards shy of Kevin McDonald's 30-year-old program record.

The Hamilton, Ont. native also finished the regular season as U SPORTS' leading passer with 2,619 yards, the second-highest single-season total in program history and just 25 yards shy of Taylor Elgersma's school record set in 2024.

Alexa Giantsopoulos, Women's Hockey

Giantsopoulos played a pivotal role in a perfect weekend for the Golden Hawks, helping Laurier earn victories over Ontario Tech and York.

The veteran forward averaged 20:30 of ice time across the two contests and contributed offensively with a game-winning goal and an assist in Laurier's victory over York. 

She also generated six shots on goal over the pair of games, consistently creating scoring opportunities and driving play in the offensive zone.

Away from the puck, the fifth-year public safety major from Markham, Ont., was equally effective, winning 19 of her 31 faceoffs for a 63 percent success rate. Her ability to control possession in key situations helped the Golden Hawks dictate play throughout the weekend.

The performances helped Laurier extend its winning streak to three games and remain atop the OUA West Division standings. Giantsopoulos' contributions at both ends of the ice were instrumental in the Golden Hawks collecting six important points, continuing their strong early-season start.

This is the first Laurier Athlete of the Week honour for both Russell and Giantsopoulos.