Setting the Standard for Future Generations
John Abbott College awards student-athlete Marina Gustke with the Jeff Mills Memorial Cup
The Jeff Mills Memorial Cup is presented annually to the student-athlete who best embodies athletic, academic and community leadership characteristics. This year, John Abbott College awarded women’s volleyball player and Social Science – Commerce student Marina Gustke for her hard work, dedication, and leadership, both on and off the court.
She is a true testament as to what it means to “SET THE STANDARD,” not only as an Islander, but as a strong and confident, yet humble woman. She has always carried herself, and lead the team to do the same, with great dignity, honour, professionalism and class, serving as a role model not only for the teammates remaining, but for the many young girls who have had the pleasure to meet and speak with her.
Shawn Hughes, Head Coach, Women’s Volleyball
Marina Gustke (centre) accepting the Jeff Mills Memorial Cup. Pictured with Marina are past winners of the Jeff Mills Memorial Cup. Directly to Marina’s left is George Wall, first Islanders Athletic Director, and Teresa Berghello, Director General. To Marina’s right is Luca Quintana-Gadisco, President of the Student Union of John Abbott College.
Marina began playing volleyball at eight years-old in Chicago. In 2015, Marina and her family moved to Montreal, where there was unfortunately no volleyball program for young girls. She got back into volleyball once she got to high school, and finally in 2018, she found a club to play for.
After playing high school volleyball, Marina joined the Espoir (Lac-St-Louis) beach volleyball team. In 2021 she made the Espoir indoor volleyball team and in 2022, she made Team Québec, competing with some of the best athletes in the province. Starting CEGEP, Marina instantly joined the Islanders women’s volleyball team. Marina was named RSEQ’s First Team All-Star in her rookie and second season.
Then starting my third season, I set a goal to get First Team All-Star again. My coach said two times in a row would be hard enough but three would be very difficult, so I got to work. After finishing this past season, I received First Team All-Star and League MVP.
Marina Gustke, Recipient of the Jeff Mills Memorial Cup, John Abbott College
During her time at John Abbott College, Marina was involved in the Social Justice Committee, a committee run by student-athletes that discuss and implement ways to raise awareness for important causes, such as the fight against sexual violence. She has led the team in all its community service activities and handles the social media pages for various sports teams at John Abbott. In addition to over 146 volunteer hours in the past year, she has mentored many upcoming athletes from the Panthers Volleyball Club.
The Jeff Mills Award means so much to me. I feel so honoured to have received such a prestigious award and to be nominated with three other amazing [student-]athletes.
I felt great to be recognized for all the hard work I had put in over the past three years and it reminded me that hard work does pay off. This award isn’t just a trophy, it represents personal growth, hard work and overcoming many challenges. This achievement motivates me to keep striving for excellence in life and university.
Marina Gustke, Recipient of the Jeff Mills Memorial Cup, John Abbott College
Marina Gustke, recipient of the Jeff Mills Memorial Cup.
The Jeff Mills Memorial Cup is named after Jeff Mills, a John Abbott College student and football player with the Macdonald-Abbott Clansmen in 1973-74, who met an untimely death in 1975. Mills was known as a leader on and off the field and was a true representation of a team player. The award has been given out since 1975 and has had over 50 recipients. Amongst those recipients are Gord Brabant, the first recipient of the award, Mike and Sean Smallwood, the father-son duo, Georgina Paull, one of two female CFL officials, and Scott, Robert, and Justin Pemberton, three brothers who each won the award individually.
This year’s Annual Islanders Awards Night highlighted the past 50 years of Islanders excellence. Alumni, coaches, retirees, and more gathered to celebrate the rich Islanders history and reward current student-athletes for their dedication in school and in their sport. Read more about the event on our website. Marina also won RSEQ League MVP and Most Valuable Student-Athlete.
When asked what her hopes are for future generations of athletes, Marina says:
I hope that the future generations of athletes not only work hard but give back to their community. I hope they are encouraging, supportive and positive teammates who leave a mark on the people that they meet. I hope that they give back to the people that help them get to where they are today. Whether it’s family, friends, their high school, their old club, I hope they continue to give back to them the way they were supported.
Marina has committed to the University of Toronto Varsity Blues for the upcoming fall semester where she will continue her volleyball career while working on a double major in business and psychology.
