Trent Athletics Announce Lauren Rath and Adam Hawrelak as 2024/25 Bonnie M. Patterson Award Recipients
Trent Athletics Announce Lauren Rath and Adam Hawrelak as 2024/25 Bonnie M. Patterson Award Recipients
Trent Athletics is pleased to announce Lauren Rath and Adam Hawrelak as the 2024/25 recipients of the Bonnie M. Patterson Award.
This award is presented to returning full-time undergraduate student-athletes, as a tribute to Bonnie M. Patterson, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University from 1998-2009. Recipients of this award embody leadership on the field/court and in the community. They are high academic achievers and exceptionally talented high-performance student athletes.
Lauren Rath is from Perth, Ontario and is a second-year student-athlete on the Women's Curling team.
The Forensic Science student is one of Trent Athletics top performing student-athletes academically. She had the highest GPA of all applicants and had the fourth highest GPA of all student-athletes from 2023-2024.
As an athlete Lauren played a critical role in the team's successes during the 2023/2024 OUA season stepping up to throw vice rocks during the competition with a teammate away at Nationals, helping to secure a birth to the quarterfinals and taking home Women's Curling Rookie of the Year Award. With a return to the program in her second year she continues to work hard to improve her athletic performance and to undertake an active leadership position on the team stepping up when needed to Skip the team due to injuries and showing growth as a leader taking new rookies under her wing.
"Lauren is a brilliant young woman who drives and strives to work to be the best student-athlete she can be," said head coach, women's curling Dillon Muldoon. "Lauren's dedication to her academics, her community involvement at home in Perth and here at Trent, and her devotion to the sport of curling as both a volunteer and student-athlete, makes her an ideal candidate for the Bonnie M. Patterson Athletic Award."
Lauren is an active member of both the Forensic Science Society and Otonabee College here at Trent, participating in several events with each group throughout the year. She is an active member of her local curling community at the Perth Curling Club. Where she has volunteered as a Student Coach for the Little Rocks Program since 2021, teaching children ages 5 and up the basics through skill development drills and strategy advice during games. She volunteers at the annual Chamber of Commerce golf tournament, overseeing the hole-in-one challenge. She also volunteers at the Stewart Park Music Festival helping direct patrons and performers to various venues.
Adam Hawrelak is from Edmonton, Alberta and is a third-year student-athlete on the Men's Lacrosse team.
Adam is a standout performer who has earned CUFLA All-Canadian honors for two consecutive years, an impressive achievement that speaks volumes about his skill and commitment to excellence. As one of the fastest players in the league, he consistently draws one of the opposing team's best defenders, and yet his speed and agility still allow him to create opportunities for his team. Adam's dedication to his sport, paired with his athletic talent, makes him an invaluable asset to the team and a true leader in the athletic community.
"Adam is an exceptional individual who exemplifies the core values of leadership, community involvement, and athletic performance, making him a candidate for this prestigious recognition," said head coach, men's lacrosse Mark Farthing.
As a member of the men's lacrosse leadership group during the 2024 season, Adam has proven himself to be both a vocal and action-oriented leader. His ability to inspire and motivate his teammates is evident both on and off the field. Adam leads by example, consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic, determination, and commitment to the team's success. Whether in a game or a practice session, Adam's leadership shines through in his calm, focused presence and his dedication to making everyone around him better.
His dedication to service also extends beyond the field of athletics —Adam participated in a volunteer day with Habitat for Humanity, contributing his time and effort to helping build homes for those in need. Looking ahead, Adam is planning to continue his volunteer work through the Trent Finance Club, where he will undoubtedly make a meaningful impact in the Trent community.