No matter the sport, game or location, varsity student-athletes at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) are always in the middle of discovering new ways to entertain. 

Whether that amusement enthralls the likes of themselves, their teammates, or even the long list of followers which they possess, the ability to amaze stems from these athletes' unparalleled determination towards bettering their craft. 

Last year's athletic calendar, the first as the TMU Bold, cemented its legacy with the vast amount of competitive prowess that was put on display. Men's hockey forward Connor Bowie brought not only his teammates to their feet last season, but the hundreds of fans by his side as well, celebrating as he scored a late 3-2 winner against the York Lions to secure his team a win.

Lauren McEachen of the Bold women's hockey program followed a similar script to Bowie last season, netting her first career Ontario University Athletics (OUA) goal to help secure a vital 3-1 victory over the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks and jump into a divisional playoff spot. 

Both of these on-ice plays last season are fortified in the memories of not just these athletes, but the supporters that got to witness it unfold last season at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC). 

An experience, of course, that would never take place without the assistance of TMU's Athletic Financial Awards (AFA's). The estimated yearly expense for an undergraduate student-athlete attending TMU is approximately $40,000 - an amount that factors in the costs of textbooks, transportation, meals and tuition. 

Bowie, McEachen, and many other varsity student-athletes competing at TMU have been recipients of these awards, and as a result, have experienced the financial and personal pressures that come with being a student-athlete. 

For graduate and international student-athletes, these costs are even higher, and set an unprecedented amount of challenges upon the shoulders of these athletes to carry. 

Helping to unlock the academic and personal potential of many of today's TMU student-athletes are donors such as the Kavanagh Family and the Brooks Family who have created award funds to support students.

Established by Al and Bridgette Kavanagh, the Kavanagh Family Women's and Men's Hockey Award provides financial support to formidable student-athletes within the hockey program.

These awards ensure these student-athletes have the proper resources to be successful not just on the ice, but in the classroom and throughout their community as well. 

McEachen and Bowie are active recipients of this award, and have found the financial assistance to be life changing for both themselves and the people they interact with. 

Last fall, McEachen entered her first year of the Biomedical Sciences program with the goal of pursuing a career in chiropractic rehabilitation fresh on her mind. Her joint passion with hockey quickly became a financial flux, and working a part time job while being a student-athlete never stood as a feasible solution for the first-year. 

Being a recipient of the award allowed McEachen to continue pursuing her hockey career and turn her dreams into a reality both on and off the ice. 

"[The Kavanagh Hockey Award] has given me the opportunity to play hockey, build lifelong friendships with teammates, and hopefully inspire young girls to pursue their dreams in hockey," said McEachen. 

"I would not have [otherwise] been able to balance and uphold my academic and athletic commitments to the standard required to be successful," she added. 
 

On the men's side, Bowie has found the financial assistance to alleviate the outside stress that comes with being a student-athlete and 

allowed him to plug his passion into the program that he loves. 

"The financial support I have received from this award has had a major impact on my life – making it easier for me to focus on my business studies and my development as a hockey player," said Bowie, now entering his second year of the Business Management program. 

Later down the road, Bowie wishes to follow in the footsteps of the Kavanagh family and give back to the student-athlete community in a similar way. 

Similarly, the Devon Lord Brooks Award established by the Brooks family elevates student-athletes and equips many of them with the resources they need to flourish in all areas of university life. 

Named after and inspired by former student Devon Lord Brooks, this award seeks to encourage the strengthening of an athlete's mind, body and spirit - in the same way as Devon Lord Brooks personified prior to her unexpected passing at the age of 27. 

Over one hundred student-athletes have received financial support from the award that has positive impacts that extend beyond their university careers.

Aaron Rhooms of the men's basketball team is one of the many student-athletes to receive this award. Rhooms - the captain of the Bold basketball squad - firmly believes that he would be unable to play if it wasn't for the help of this award. 
 

Following the passing of his father in March of 2020, Rhooms and his family fell onto hard times, particularly with their financial situation. With the support of the award, Rhooms was able to continue his education and his post-secondary basketball career. 

A year later, Rhooms was selected as a first-team OUA All-Star and has even suited up for Team Canada. 

All of that would never be possible without additional athletic funding. 

"As a way to commemorate not only my father's memory, but as well as Devon's, I will proceed to make it a priority to live a life that feeds my mind, body and spirit through my university endeavours," said Rhooms. 

Another recipient, Sarai Bailey, a prominent member of the women's basketball team found the financial boost to remedy the challenges that come with living on campus. 
 

Majoring in Biomedical Science, Bailey's lifelong goal stands to help the people around her by using the deep passion she has for her career

to make a difference. As Bailey's undergraduate studies near the end, she believes her future is set up in a position of success thanks to the help of athletic financial assistance. 

"I have been able to put some money aside for pharmacy school, as well as using some for living [and] alleviating some of the stress that comes with the cost of living downtown," said Bailey. 

Through the generosity of donors, student-athletes have gone out to make a positive impact within their communities while pursuing their own dreams and endeavors.

Naturally, these athletes were given the gift to entertain, amaze, and wow the people around them with their skill and tenacity. 

Now they have the opportunities to do so, and make differences in the world one game, and one day at a time. 

Are you interested in supporting TMU Athletics and Recreation? You can Make a Bold Move. Donate now to The Blue and Gold Campaign.