CAMBRIDGE, Ont. - Hayley Szymanowski was named the Outstanding Women of Laurier award recipient on Thursday night at Tapestry Hall, headlining the 2026 gala that celebrates excellence in leadership, community service, and athletics.
A fifth-year criminology major from Cambridge, Ont., Szymanowski has been a cornerstone of the Golden Hawks women's hockey program, serving as team captain for the past two seasons. A three-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian and the team's Most Valuable Player in 2022-23, she has consistently excelled both on the ice and in the classroom.
"It means a lot to me," Szymanowski said. "All of my progress over the past five years and having the support around me - everyone making it possible. All the women who came before me kind of paved the way to make this a reality. Being a part of that is a really big accomplishment, and I'm super honoured."
Beyond varsity competition, Szymanowski has made a significant impact in Waterloo Region through her role as an auxiliary officer with the Waterloo Regional Police Service. Through the Reach For It program, she works closely with children and youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), helping create inclusive environments where participants can build confidence, develop skills, and experience a sense of belonging.
She has also played an active role in youth sport development, contributing as a coach and mentor with the Grand River Mustangs Girls Hockey Association and as a volunteer with the MLSE Foundation's House of Hockey girls-only program. Through those initiatives, Szymanowski has supported young athletes in developing both their hockey skills and their confidence in sport.
Her leadership as a varsity athlete has translated directly into her community work, where she is recognized for consistently leading with empathy and accountability. Reflecting on her place within the program's legacy, Szymanowski pointed to the unique culture of giving back within the Laurier community.
"I think it'll be me looking back and knowing I've been part of this community for a long time, and it's really been a privilege," she said. "Everyone gives back in a meaningful way, and it's always unique to what people need. To add my own piece to that is really special."
Szymanowski added that the recognition stands among the most meaningful achievements of her career.
"This one is definitely really up there," she said. "It's a testament to that community pillar that we've really preached as a hockey team."Â
The evening also recognized Ashley Woodward as the recipient of the Dolores "Mitzi" Michael Women Leaders Scholarship.
"This means so much to me," Woodward said the fourth-year science major. "I'm so grateful that everything that I put towards athletics and recreation is now recognized. And I hope that people can be inspired by this and hopefully follow my lead."
In her role at the Laurier pool, Woodward manages a staff of more than 60 employees, overseeing scheduling, payroll, and daily operations. The position has strengthened her leadership and organizational skills while reinforcing her ability to manage both people and complex responsibilities.
"My mom inspired me," Woodward said. "She works hard every single day. Seeing that passion and just hard work, you can take that into any field and use that in any aspect of your life."
Woodward also emphasized the importance of the team environment she has built through her work.
"I wouldn't be here without my lifeguard team," she said. "They have built me up and built my confidence up. I love that I can lead that team and I can learn from them, and they can also learn from me."
Outside of campus, she has volunteered at an elderly care home, supporting residents through daily activities and social engagement. Looking ahead, Woodward plans to pursue graduate studies at Laurier, with a focus on developing drug delivery systems for diseases such as glioblastoma, and hopes to establish her own research lab one day.
"I would use this as just doing the same thing," she added. "Knowing that if you put in hard work into anything in your life, you'll get recognized for it."
Also honoured as finalists were Kamryn Szumlinski, Abby Byers, and Katarina Brezovan, each recognized for their leadership and contributions within both sport and the community. Szymanowski was quick to acknowledge the group's collective impact.
"All of them have done a tremendous amount in the community and in their sport," she said. "It's really an honour to stand beside them. We're in an environment where we push each other to be the best."
Now in its 19th year, the evening included a panel discussion, presented by RBC, centred on the theme of "The Champion Mindset."
The panel brought together two accomplished Canadian athletes:Â Laurier curling and softball alum Sarah Wilkes, a 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic bronze medalist with Team Canada, and current Golden Hawks swimmer Katie Cosgriffe, a 2024 Paris Paralympic bronze medalist.
The discussion was moderated by Laurier professor Dr. Kim Dawson, a renowned mental performance coach, who guided the discussion exploring resilience, high-performance preparation, and the personal drive behind excellence in sport.
The host for the evening was Laurier alum and long-time supporter of the event, Sophie Kotsopoulos, who is currently the Group Vice President of Partnership Marketing with the National Hockey League.Â
Since 2006, the Outstanding Women of Laurier event has raised more than $550,000 in support of women's athletic programs, scholarships, and the department's mentor coaching program, continuing to directly benefit student-athletes and the young athletes they inspire.
