TORONTO, Ontario — University of Toronto Varsity Blues star defender Sam Gaskin was recently honoured by the Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association (CUFLA), earning all-Canadian honours on Nov 4. The lockdown defensive prowess of Gaskin contributed towards the Blues having the second-fewest goals against in the CUFLA central division this season. It is also the second consecutive year that Gaskin has earned all-Canadian honours. The Blues finished third overall in the Central Division standings, amassing a record of 2-4-4.

The 6-foot-3 defender hails from Oakville, Ontario, and is an engineering major at U of T. Gaskin scored one goal and chipped in two assists through six games with the Blues this season. Gaskin was the lone selection from the Blues to earn all-Canadian recognition, though the team did have seven honourable mentions. Additionally, Gaskin was nominated for Male Athlete of the Year.

Gaskin previously attended Appleby College and was a multi-sport athlete, competing in hockey, soccer and rugby. Gaskin was a recipient of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award back in 2015 while attending Appleby. The award recognizes a student’s completion of over six months of activity in the areas of service, skill, physical recreation and outdoor adventure.

Gaskin continues to put a shared emphasis on athletics and education, currently serving as Vice President of Financial Research at U of T. Gaskin was awarded a Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Admission Scholarship back in Sept. 2018 for his outstanding application to U of T.

Gaskin has developed admirable leadership qualities throughout the years. The morals instilled in young Gaskin were honed at Appleby in “The Chapel.” This extension of Appleby encourages students to be their best selves through four core values: respect, responsibility, integrity and compassion.

During the 2017-18 school year at Appleby, Gaskin delivered his chapel speech to fellow students and faculty members. Gaskin shared how he managed to juggle both academics and extracurricular activities through actionable decision-making.

“One reason I’m able to explore all my different hobbies and not walk the line is that I am decisive and developed in my ability to make an effective decision without external pressure,” he said.

Gaskin later expanded on this thought.

“Looking back, being exposed to making decisions, like choosing schools and sports, has helped me enjoy and have a more positive outlook on life,” he said. “I have learned to take responsibility for the decisions I make and not worry about what others think of me.”

Gaskin concluded his speech by sharing his philosophy on life.

“Understand the act of making a decision can sometimes be more important than the actual decision itself,” he said. “Recognize the importance of taking accountability in a community, for yourself and actions.”

So long as Gaskin continues to be actionable in his decision-making, the sky’s the limit for his future.

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