Loyalist College has raked in a big award at the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association level.
Cristy Latham, Loyalist’s Director of Athletics and Recreation has recently been named the OCAA’s 2025-26 Administrator of the Year.
The provincial award recognizes leadership in collegiate athletics and contributions to the student-athlete experience. At Loyalist, Latham has led the continued development of varsity athletics with a focus on student success, well-being and academic achievement.
Under her leadership, the Loyalist Lancers 2025-26 varsity season was one of the strongest in program history. The men’s and women’s basketball teams both advanced to the OCAA Final Four provincial championships for the first time, while the men’s volleyball team reached the quarterfinal round for the first time in more than 10 years. The women’s soccer program also continued to build momentum.
Latham has helped strengthen the academic culture within Loyalist’s varsity programs.
This year, 60 of 89 student-athletes earned OCAA All-Academic award which recognizes student-athletes who have an 80% and above average in the first semester. Loyalist’s varsity athletes also achieved a collective average of 79.96 percent, the highest in the varsity program’s history, with 26 students earning averages of 90 percent or higher.
“Cristy is an inclusive leader with a deep commitment to student-athletes as whole people — supporting their athletic development, academic success and personal growth,” said Sandra Dupret, Senior Vice President, Students. “This recognition reflects the impact of her leadership on our varsity programs and on the culture of care, accountability and achievement she continues to strengthen at Loyalist.”
Latham’s approach has included expanded supports in areas such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, academic performance and well-being. She has also supported and continued implementation of Safe Sport practices, leadership development opportunities and transition supports for student-athletes entering and leaving the varsity environment.
Beyond campus, Latham has contributed to youth leadership initiatives and community and provincial organizations, extending her impact across the broader athletics sector.
“Cristy has made a lasting impact on the athletics department,” said Mustafa Alali, a member of the Lancers Cross Country team and Loyalist Student Government President.
“She has helped create a welcoming and safe environment where both athletes and coaches feel supported and empowered to succeed. Cristy’s leadership inspires students to strive for excellence in sport, in the classroom and in the community, and this award reflects her dedication to student-athletes and the positive culture she continues to build within the Lancers community.”
The OCAA Administrator of the Year award recognizes an administrator who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service within Ontario’s collegiate athletics system.
The recognition reflects the continued growth of varsity athletics at Loyalist and the college’s commitment to helping students succeed through sport, leadership and learning.
