Women’s hockey captain Jill Morillo wins UOIT’s first-ever CIS major award

EDMONTON, ALBERTA – For the first time since the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) joined Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) in 2006-2007, a UOIT student-athlete has won a CIS major award.

Jill Morillo, a forward and captain of the Ridgebacks women’s hockey team has been named winner of the CIS Marion Hilliard Award, which celebrates excellence in athletics, academics and community involvement. The third year Nuclear Engineering student also earned top honours as she was named a second team CIS All-Canadian, alongside three-time Olympic gold medallist Hayley Wickenheiser of the University of Calgary.

The awards were presented at the CIS national championship banquet held in Edmonton, Alberta.

The third-year forward finished third in Ontario University Athletics (OUA) scoring with 32 points in 26 conference games, collecting six multi-point outings and establishing several new team records along the way. Her performances also earned her first-team OUA all-star status.

In the classroom, Morillo has earned the UOIT All-Academic award for the past two years and was named a CIS Academic All-Canadian in 2010-2011. She is also a member of the Canadian Nuclear Society and was the recipient of the 2011 James-Baun Cup, presented to a student who shows commitment, dedication, perseverance, academic responsibility, leadership and is a great teammate in the pursuit of excellence. The Cup is named after former Toronto Maple Leaf defenceman Bobby Baun and his long-time friend Don James.

The Ridgebacks’ captain also stays active in the community, appearing at fundraisers and conducting elementary school visits. She also takes on a leadership role while the Ridgebacks run numerous clinics and practices for local girls hockey organizations, helping promote CIS hockey and grow the sport at the grassroots level.

“I am very proud of Jill’s accomplishments this season,” said UOIT head coach Karen Nystrom. “She showed much poise, determination and confidence throughout the season. In her role as captain and with her performance, she led our program to new heights. Jill is a true varsity athlete, achieving academic and athletic success through commitment, focus and discipline, as well as finding the time to play a valuable role within the community. Not only is this important for the Ridgebacks, but it is for Jill too, which was seen in her active involvement within the community.”