She’s a champion everywhere you look
McMaster’s Hilary Hanaka is an all-star basketball player. An All-Canadian. An all-star in the classroom. An Academic AllCanadian. And an all-star in the community.
Hanaka captured the trifecta of university community service awards in her graduating year.
The honours geography major was named the recipient of the Joy Bellinger Award presented by the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) to a student-athlete who excels in academics, athletics and community service; the Sylvia Sweeney Award — the Bellinger equivalent at the national level and the esteemed Edna Guest Award which exemplifies “the spirit of McMaster” through service to others, leadership, and commitment to Mac athletics.
“I was thrilled to see Hil’s well deserved recognition by the OUA, U Sports, and by Mac,” said Theresa Burns, coach of the history-making national champion, McMaster Marauders.
“What really sets Hil apart is her leadership capabilities and her huge generous heart. At every level, people see Hil give back and contribute to younger athletes, to the community, and to her teammates.”
Hanaka’s commitment to community and kids is indeed exemplary. The two-time OUA First Team All-Star’s volunteerism includes working with kids at St. Mary CSS (her alma mater), where she served as a classroom assistant, a lunchroom tutor and engaged teens in the Best Buddies Hoop It Up Campaign. The former OUA All-Rookie is also involved in Marauder in the Classroom Speaking Series, Flamborough Fire Basketball, and Neighbourhood Hoops Program.
The City of Hamilton, too, recognized Hanaka’s service to community and kids by honouring the former St. Mary Crusader with the prestigious Ray Lewis Award. As a Marauder varsity student-athlete, the co-captain served as team rep for McMaster Athletes Care and Varsity Leadership Council as well as serving on the McMaster Women’s Athletic Leadership Council.
The 23-year-old veteran guard praised the Mac coaching staff and the athletic department for the positive impact they have had on her athletic, academic and personal growth as a five-year Marauder.
“I have been so fortunate to be surrounded by such an inspiring group of coaches who have not only helped to develop me into the player I am but also the individual I am today,” she said. “And my teammates? I do not know where to begin. I have been so lucky that I have been supported by the McMaster family.”
Burns defines Hanaka as “a perfect ambassador for McMaster University — a shining example of all the wonderful attributes we cherish in a Marauder student-athlete.”
Hanaka was humbled when she learned she was the recipient of the Sylvia Sweeney Award (a national honour).
“I am absolutely humbled to be the recipient of this outstanding award. (A three-time Olympian and alumna of McGill, Concordia, and Laurentian) Sylvia is an individual whom I truly aspire to be like,” said Hanaka.
And the seven-time Transway provincial gold medallist considered it such an honour to be nominated for the Edna Guest Award (and ultimately win) alongside fellow Mac varsity athletes Mackenzie Wiens (rugby), a computer engineering major and OUA Sheils Division Community Service Award winner and Academic All-Canadian kinesiology major Katie Zutautas (volleyball).
Hanaka is indeed proud of her individual prizes but even prouder of winning the U Sports national title and making Marauder history “with a group of strong empowering women.”
“It was special,” said the engaging Hanaka.
Clearly, as good a basketball player as Hilary Hanaka is she is even a better person. She is special.