HALIFAX - Olivia Lei of the Humber Hawks has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association's Female Badminton Player of the Year.

Lei received the award this evening at the 2015 CCAA Badminton National Championships in Halifax.

"Olivia is a world class athlete," said Humber athletic director Ray Chateau.

Lei went undefeated at the OCAA championships to win provincial gold in the women's singles division. She also led the Hawks to the overall title in Ontario.

Olivia, an international student from China, was dominant this season, especially in singles. She easily cruised to the Humber Cup title, and with the same ease, ran through all comers at the OCAA west regional.

But, perhaps her biggest head-turning moment was at the highly-touted Toronto Open. She did what no other Humber player has ever done, and that is medal, not in one event, but two. She won bronze in women's singles and followed that up with a bronze in mixed doubles.

"In just a short period of time she has recorded significant results on badminton's national stage, as shown in her medal performances at the prestigious Toronto Open," said Chateau.

Lei is a powerful player, with all the physical attributes to be dominant. Her court sense is easy to recognize, as she flows effortlessly to the shuttle consistently.

The one aspect of her game that also shines is her sportsmanship. Although she wins comfortably, she does not, at any point in her games attempt to embarrass or show up an opponent.

Lei is active in coaching badminton, as she gives of her time to teach and promote the game at the prestigious Su Badminton Club in Toronto.

Other nominees for the award were Jacinda Yeung of the Langara Falcons (PacWest), Rachael Smillie of the Concordia Thunder (ACAC) and Gillian Tetlow of the Mount Allison Mounties (ACAA).

The CCAA is a national sport organization enriching the academic experiences of student-athletes through intercollegiate sport.

Source: CCAA Communications