RICHMOND HILL, Ont. –
Gabriela Cross of the University of Calgary Dinos wrestling program has been selected as one of the Top 8 Academic All-Canadians for the 2024-25 season, U SPORTS announced Monday afternoon.
Cross is coming off a remarkable season on the mat for the Scarlet & Gold. She was selected from the more than 5,600 student-athletes who achieved U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status in the 2024-25 season.
Joining Cross as this year's honourees are Clara Gascoigne of Saint Mary's, Jacob Benoit of Dalhousie, Madalyn Weinert of Brock, Mathias Onuska of Waterloo, Étienne Cloutier of Laval, Corinne Fréchette of Laval, and Isaac Heslinga of Alberta.
Cross now becomes the 10th student-athlete in Dinos history to be honoured as a Top 8 Academic All-Canadian, joining Nathan Versluys (2023-24) of swimming, 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).
Among the over 5,600 student-athletes who achieved Academic All-Canadian status in 2024-25, one female and one male student-athlete from each of the four U SPORTS conferences were selected to make up the Top 8.
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.
"The Top 8 Academic All-Canadians represent the very best of U SPORTS. These student-athletes have demonstrated that excellence in the classroom and excellence in competition are not competing priorities, but complementary pursuits. Their recognition in Ottawa—alongside leaders of our country—is a powerful reminder of the role university sport plays in developing thoughtful, disciplined and engaged leaders for Canada's future." - Pierre Arsenault, U SPORTS CEO.
About Gabriela Cross
Program: Nursing
Year: Undergraduate
Sport: Wrestling
GPA: 4.0
A model of consistency and excellence,
Gabriela Cross has distinguished herself as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in Canadian university sport. A four-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian, Cross maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA in the Faculty of Nursing while competing at the highest level of women's wrestling.
On the mat, Cross delivered a historic 2024-25 season, capturing Canada West and U SPORTS gold in the 56-kilogram class, going a flawless 4-0 at the national championship without conceding a single point. Her dominance earned her U SPORTS Women's Outstanding Wrestler honours, while also helping the Calgary Dinos secure a national team silver medal.
Beyond U SPORTS competition, Cross continues to excel internationally. She claimed silver at the 2025 Pan-American Championships at 57 kg and has represented Canada on both the U23 and U20 national teams. Her sustained success across multiple seasons reflects not only elite athletic ability but also exceptional discipline and preparation.
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