Madalyn Weinert's success on the court and in the classroom has earned her national recognition.

The fifth-year Medical Sciences student is one of four female athletes across Canada to be named a U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadian for the 2024-25 season — making her the second Badger and first female student-athlete at Brock to receive the award.

Weinert said she hopes the award inspires younger students to pursue their academic and athletic goals.

"Being named a U SPORTS Top 8 Academic All-Canadian is proof that you can do both," she said. "You can commit fully to not only being a high-level athlete, but also a high-level student. Part of the reason I choose to play in Canada was due to the academic excellence at our universities and that is exactly what this award represents."

Weinert has earned Dean's List honours and U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian recognition in every season of her university career, received Brock's David Atkinson Surgite Award — given to a female student-athlete who excels both academically and athletically — and been named a U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian, Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Player of the Year and OUA First Team All-Star.
 

"From very early on, my parents pushed my brothers and I to work hard and strive for the best grades possible," Weinert said. "They challenged us to always take the more difficult paths that lead to the greatest possibilities and have supported us along the way."

Her father, Eric, has also played a significant role in her development as a player.

"He has always encouraged me to be the best basketball player and to commit to my craft. My dad is a listening ear and has challenged me to be a better teammate, player and leader during the past five years," she said.
Weinert has led the country in scoring in both points per game and total points the past two seasons and surpassed the 2000-career point this year.

"Madalyn is and remains everything that we want a Badger to be: dedicated, determined and devoted academically and athletically," said women's basketball head coach Shae Dheensaw.
 
Despite her success and many accolades, Weinert remains grounded in the community that helped share her journey.

"Madalyn is a true leader, leading by example and supporting not only her own teammates but her fellow Badger teams," said Melissa Krist, Executive Director, Brock Sports and Recreation. "Madalyn is the first face you will see when she is not competing, supporting her peers on the sidelines on the water, on the court or on the field. She is an absolute exemplary representative of Brock, Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and U SPORTS."
 
Weinert has invested her time in supporting athletes of all abilities at the Brock Functional Inclusive Training Centre, mentored young players in the Pelham Panthers Spring League and given back through community and church involvement.

Reflecting on her time at Brock, Weinert is grateful for her student-athlete experience.

"Although this journey has not been perfect and there are weeks where the stress is high, the lessons I have learned throughout my five years at Brock have set me up for success in the workforce," she said. "Time management, working with all sorts of people, leadership and conflict resolution are just a few of the life skills I will be able to take with me into my career."