Sydney McDermott - the 2025 Evelyn Holick Award Winner

Sydney McDermott's journey in volleyball began at just nine years old, progressing from school teams to house league, select, rep, and ultimately national-level programs. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has seen her compete at the highest levels, including:

• Team Ontario Elite
• U19 Team Canada Training
• National Excellence Program (NEP)
• NexGen Beach

Her dedication extends beyond just playing—she constantly seeks ways to improve, even in adversity. When indoor training was limited during COVID-19, Sydney trained at home daily and traveled to Ashbridges Bay at 4:45 AM for beach volleyball sessions before online school. She also took up beach volleyball to sharpen her indoor skills, eventually competing at elite levels in both disciplines.

Her leadership shines through in every aspect of her athletic career. She fosters a positive, encouraging environment for her teammates, always leading by example. Her infectious humour has made her a natural role model, while her focus and work ethic set the standard for those around her.

McDermott's sportsmanship is equally remarkable. Whether interacting with referees, coaches, or her fellow athletes— and even competitors—she demonstrates respect and camaraderie. As she’s progressed through the youth volleyball circuit, her focus has shifted from just winning to embracing the spirit of competition, often staying to cheer on peers in final matches.

Beyond her own achievements, Sydney is deeply committed to growing the sport. She has coached and mentored young athletes through:

• Synergy Spikes
• Pakmen Volleyball Camps
• School teams
• Leaside Volleyball Club house league and beach programs

Although she now plays for Pakmen Volleyball Club in her final year in the OVA, Sydney remains a beloved part of the Leaside Volleyball Club community, serving as assistant coach for the 13U Thunderbolts. Her ability to inspire young players—helping them fall in love with the game—is what truly sets her apart.

Sydney's athletic prowess is undeniable, with a decorated career that includes:

• 3x Provincial Champion (2022 with Pakmen, 2023 & 2024 with Leaside)
• 17U and 18U Girls Grand Prix All Star (2023)
• Transitioning to adult-level beach volleyball at just 16
• Committed to Kansas State University (K-State) for NCAA volleyball

Her technical skill, tactical awareness, and relentless drive make her a dominant force in every competition.

Before focusing solely on volleyball, Sydney was also a talented tennis player, volunteering at her community club to organize matches and mentor younger athletes—further proof of her natural leadership.

Sydney embodies what it means to be a true athlete—dedicated, humble, and passionate about uplifting others. Her impact on the volleyball community, both as a player and a mentor, makes her the perfect choice for the Evelyn Holick Award.

The Evelyn Holick Award is presented annually to a female Age Division athlete in recognition of outstanding commitment, dedication to the sport of volleyball, leadership, sportsmanship and athletic ability.

The 2025 Evelyn Holick recipient will be honoured on the first day of the 18U Ontario Championships event in the gymnasium (court 16) at RIM Park.

ABOUT EVELYN HOLICK

Throughout her years on the volleyball scene, Evelyn Holick accomplished many firsts in her life. She was the first female "National" level official in Ontario and the Head Coach for Ontario's first Women's Provincial Team in the inaugural Canada Games in Quebec City, where the team won gold. She coached the Women’s team at York University in 1974-75 and continued coaching with the OVA, leading the Women’s Provincial Team in the 1971 Canada Games in Saskatoon.  

Prior to her successful coaching career, Evelyn was an avid volleyball player. Evelyn played for the Team Ontario All-Stars in the International Volleyball Tour of Canada held at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto in October 1965.   She captained the Toronto Blues teams and won numerous National Championship medals throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. 

A true leader, in 1967 Evelyn found time to be on the organizing committee for Canadian National Volleyball Championships and PanAm Trials in Toronto. Evelyn was a player-coach for the A.A.E Club from 1967-73, and her team won the silver at the Canadian Volleyball National Championships 1970 in Winnipeg.  Evelyn also coached with the Scarborough Volleyball Club program.

Her accomplishments and commitment to volleyball established Evelyn as the first role model for female players, coaches and officials in the Province of Ontario. 

PAST RECIPIENTS

2024 - Sarah Bumstead
2023 - Victoria Potvin
2022 - Pascale Galarneau-Haley
2021 - Holly Biasi
2020 - Katerina Georgiadis
2019 - Haley Armstrong
2018 - Lauren Wong
2017 - Maddie Lethbridge
2016 - Emie Gaboury
2015 - Michelle Chelladurai
2014 - Lauren Sanderson
2013 - Shainah Joseph
2012 - Brett Hagarty
2011 - Michaela Reesor
2010 - Ali Goc
2009 - Lauren Carter
2008 - Meagan Nederveen
2007 - Amanda Cowdrey/Shannon Anderson
2006 - Amber Campbell/Annabelle Pellerin
2005 - Tess Edwards
2004 - Sarah Pavan
2003 - Kim Todd
2002 - Danielle Walker
2001 - Laura Horner
2000 - Stacey Gordon
1999 - Stacey Gordon
1998 - Sherene Lemonias
1997 - Allison Peckham
1996 - Kera Carter
1995 - Marnie Simpson
1994 - Barb Ifejika