Two Trent Excalibur student-athletes have been honored with the 2025-26 Bonnie M. Patterson Award for leadership, academic achievement, and varsity sport excellence.
Natalie Fournier, a dual-sport athlete in women’s volleyball and lacrosse, and Aly Saydam, a veteran setter on the men’s volleyball team, each received the $2,500 award, which celebrates returning student-athletes who demonstrate commitment, teamwork, and community involvement.
Natalie Fournier – Women’s Volleyball & Lacrosse
Psychology student Fournier (Georgetown, ON) has excelled at the varsity level in both volleyball and lacrosse while maintaining strong academic standing. In 2025-26, she became the Excalibur women’s volleyball program’s all-time leader in kills (542) and points (646), recording 126 kills, 151 points, 95 digs, 36 assists, eight blocks, and 17 service aces this season alone.
On the lacrosse field, she helped secure the 2025 OUA Championship and earned OUA All-Star recognition. Fournier also volunteers with Compass Community Services’ Tele-Connect program and runs youth clinics in both volleyball and lacrosse.
Aly Saydam – Men’s Volleyball
Fourth-year Kinesiology student Saydam (Ottawa, ON) guided the men’s volleyball team as setter while maintaining academic honour roll status and earning OUA Academic All-Canadian recognition. In 2025-26, he recorded 405 assists, 79 digs, 28 kills, 15 blocks, seven aces, and 46 points.
Saydam contributes as a team leader and Gzowski College ambassador, organizes high school tournaments, and volunteers with community health programs including On the Move, supporting exercise classes for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Through their combined athletic, academic, and community efforts, Fournier and Saydam exemplify the values of the Bonnie M. Patterson Award.
