Avery Diljee continues to break barriers. 

Diljee, a second-year forward on the Brock women's hockey team, received the Bernice Carnegie Scholarship Award from the Black Girl Hockey Club on Sunday, Sept. 21. 

The award recognizes leadership, community involvement and a commitment to inspiring the next generation of Black female hockey players. 

"You rarely see Black females in the sport, which is why this organization has worked so hard to represent and welcome younger girls into hockey," Diljee said. "They want Black females to know they can excel and have great careers in the game, just like every female in Canada." 

Brock women's hockey head coach Margot Page said Diljee's character makes her a deserving recipient. 

"Avery is a self-disciplined and driven individual who consistently leads by example," Page said. "She arrives prepared, stays focused and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to contributing in any way that benefits the team. Avery embodies the very qualities this scholarship seeks to recognize: excellence, leadership and a genuine passion for the game." 

Diljee first connected with the Black Girl Hockey Club through one of her role models, Canadian Olympic star Sarah Nurse. 

"The only Black role model I could look up to was Sarah," Diljee said. "She promoted this organization a lot on her social media, and I'm so glad I found it." 

The Black Girl Hockey Club is a Canadian non-profit organization that works to make hockey more inclusive for Black women, their families, friends and allies through initiatives such as summer camps and community events. 

As a scholarship recipient, Diljee hopes to continue paving the way for future Black female hockey players. 

"You do belong, just as much as anyone on the team. Your race does not define you," she said. "You might not know it, but you are representing every Black female in hockey." 

Beyond her advocacy for Black female players, Diljee believes women's hockey has come a long way, with even greater achievements on the horizon. 

"Advocating for young females, no matter their background, is so important in our generation," she said. "It's amazing what's already happened for women's sports, and I'm excited for what's to come." 

With leaders like Diljee at the forefront, the future of Black female participation in hockey and the women's game as a whole is in good hands.