OTTAWA – Nathan Versluys of the University of Calgary Dinos has been selected as one of the Top 8 Academic All-Canadians for the 2023-24 season, U SPORTS announced Tuesday morning.

Versluys is a recent graduate and alumnus of the Dinos storied swimming program. He was selected from the 4,900 student-athletes who achieved U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status in the 2023-24 season. 

Joining Versluys as this year's honourees are Jayda Veinot of New Brunswick, Samuel Bourque of Moncton, Gabrielle Santerre of Bishop's, Philippe Morneau-Cartier of Laval, Ainsley McMurray of Toronto, Jackson Findlay of Western and Jade Belmore of Regina.

Versluys now becomes the ninth student-athlete in Dinos history to be honoured as a Top 8 Academic All-Canadian, joining Rebecca Smith (2021-22) of swimming, Eric Lutz (2021-22) of track & field/cross country, Max Eisele (2020-21) of men's basketball, Kate Pexman (2017-18) of women's volleyball, Andrew Buckley (2014-15) of football, Hayley Wickenheiser (2010-11 and 2011-12) of women's hockey, Kelly Matheson (1999-2000) of women's soccer and Olympic swimming medallist Curtis Myden (1993-94 and 1998-99).

U SPORTS student-athletes achieve Academic All-Canadian status for maintaining an average of 80 percent or better over the academic year while competing for one – or more – of their university's teams that participate within U SPORTS. 

In recognition of their achievements, a ceremony will be held in Ottawa later today to present the student-athletes with the Governor General's Medal for Academic Excellence. They will be honoured Wednesday in a reception on Parliament Hill hosted by The Honourable Greg Fergus, P.C., M.P, Speaker of the House of Commons, followed by a visit with Her Excellency, Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada at Rideau Hall.

"These eight outstanding individuals represent the more than 4,900 U SPORTS student-athletes who achieved excellence in the classroom and on the field of play this past year. They're the crème-de la-crème of Canadian students, and we are fortunate to have the support of the Governor General and the Speaker of the House as we recognize our Top 8 Academic All-Canadians" - Pierre Arsenault, U SPORTS CEO.

About Nathan Versluys:

Sport (Year): Swimming (4th year)
Program: BSC (Geography)
2023-24 GPA: 3.91 / 4.0
Year of Study: 5th year
Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.

Edmonton's Nathan Versluys graduated with distinction in Geography, achieving a 3.91 GPA. A three-time Academic All-Canadian, Versluys has consistently placed on the Canada West and U SPORTS swimming championship podiums.

His career highlights include winning gold in the 400-meter freestyle at multiple conference championships and silver at the U SPORTS Championships in 2024.

In 2024, Versluys was named a second-team All-Canadian at the U SPORTS Swimming Championship, recognizing his exceptional national performance.

In his final year, he achieved a lifetime best of 3:58.43 in the 400m freestyle.

Versluys also volunteers with the Big Dino Little Dino program, mentoring young swimmers and showcasing the rewards of varsity athletics.

His academic achievements, athletic performance, and dedication to inspiring others define his exemplary career at the University of Calgary.

-UC-