John Abbott College awards student-athlete Brooklyn McBride with the Jeff Mills Memorial Cup
The Jeff Mills Memorial Cup is presented annually to the graduating student‑athlete who best embodies excellence in athletics, academics, leadership, and community involvement. This year, John Abbott College’s Sports and Recreation department is proud to award the 2025–2026 Jeff Mills Memorial Cup to Brooklyn McBride, a women’s volleyball libero and Visual Arts student, in recognition of her outstanding dedication, leadership, and lasting impact on the Islanders community.
A three‑year member of the Islanders women’s volleyball program, McBride has been widely recognized as one of the most consistent liberos in the league. A two‑time Coaches’ Choice Award winner and co‑captain, she finished third on the team in digs this past season with 110, while leading the team in hitting coverage—providing a dependable defensive presence that allowed her teammates to compete with confidence and freedom on offense.
Brooklyn is the embodiment of what it means to SET THE STANDARD. Fiercely competitive on the court yet deeply compassionate off it, she leaves behind a legacy rooted in kindness, resilience, and authentic leadership. Often described as the team’s “mother bear,” Brooklyn became someone her teammates instinctively turned to for reassurance, encouragement, and support. Her empathy, emotional intelligence, and ability to sense when someone needed a boost made her an irreplaceable presence within the program.
Brooklyn’s volleyball journey at John Abbott College was defined by consistency and trust. Known throughout the league for her exceptional hitting coverage and defensive instincts, she anchored the backcourt while setting an example through her tireless work ethic and positive attitude. Regardless of the scoreboard, Brooklyn led by example—diving for every ball, encouraging teammates after difficult points, and keeping the group grounded during moments of adversity.
Beyond athletics, Brooklyn distinguished herself as a leader within the broader John Abbott community. Over her three years, she played a significant role in shoreline clean‑ups, scorekeeping events, Christmas basket drives, open houses, recruiting showcases, and youth volleyball evaluation camps. An active member of the Social Justice Committee, she also contributed to sexual‑violence awareness initiatives and fundraising booths on campus.
Brooklyn further supported the athletic department by managing Instagram and media content for the women’s volleyball team, creating highlight videos for Awards Night, producing appreciation videos for athletic therapists, and assisting with Volleyball Québec evaluation camps. Her efforts extended beyond volleyball, as she contributed to events supporting Islanders soccer, rugby, hockey, and other programs—promoting unity, school spirit, and collaboration across teams.
The Jeff Mills Memorial Cup is named in honour of Jeff Mills, a John Abbott College student and football player with the Macdonald‑Abbott Clansmen in 1973–74, who passed away in 1975. Remembered as a leader, teammate, and role model, Mills exemplified the values this award continues to celebrate. Since its creation in 1975, the Cup has been presented to more than 50 outstanding student‑athletes whose contributions have shaped the Islanders legacy.
This year’s Annual Islanders Awards Night celebrated decades of excellence while recognizing current student‑athletes whose dedication extends beyond competition. Brooklyn McBride’s selection as the 2025–2026 Jeff Mills Memorial Cup recipient reflects her profound impact—as an athlete, leader, and person—on the John Abbott community.
“Brooklyn’s resilience, tireless work ethic, and contagious positivity inspired her teammates to reach new heights, while her empathy and inclusiveness fostered a sense of family and belonging. She represented the school with integrity and heart, leaving a legacy of kindness, strength, and community that will continue to inspire others for years to come”, says Shawn Hughes, Head Coach, Women’s Volleyball.
