Calgary Dinos Wrestling Star Gabriela Cross Earns Prestigious Academic All-Canadian Honour
University of Calgary Dinos wrestler Gabriela Cross has achieved a remarkable dual distinction, being named one of the Top 8 Academic All-Canadians for the 2024-25 season by U SPORTS. This prestigious recognition places her among the elite student-athletes in Canada who excel both in their academic pursuits and athletic competitions.
Selection from Thousands of Qualified Student-Athletes
Cross was selected from an impressive pool of more than 5,600 student-athletes who achieved U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status during the 2024-25 academic year. To qualify for this distinction, student-athletes must maintain an academic average of 80 percent or higher throughout the entire academic year while competing at the university sports level.
The Top 8 Academic All-Canadians represent the highest achievement within this already distinguished group. Each year, one female and one male student-athlete from each of U SPORTS' four conferences are chosen to make up this elite group of eight individuals.
Continuing Athletic Excellence on the Mat
Cross, who is the reigning U SPORTS Outstanding Wrestler of the Year, has continued her athletic dominance into the current season. In her first competition of the season, she captured the gold medal at the annual Golden Bear Open in Edmonton, demonstrating her continued excellence in the sport.
Her performance at the tournament was particularly impressive. Cross began with a pin in just 29 seconds during her first bout, followed by convincing technical fall victories that propelled her to the championship match. In the final, she faced professional wrestler Madisyn Grof from British Columbia, earning a 6-3 decision to top the 56-kilogram weight class.
Historical Significance for University of Calgary
Cross becomes the tenth student-athlete in University of Calgary Dinos history to receive this prestigious Top 8 Academic All-Canadian honour. She joins an impressive list of previous Dinos recipients that includes notable athletes such as Olympic swimming medallist Curtis Myden, women's hockey legend Hayley Wickenheiser, and football standout Andrew Buckley.
This recognition follows her recent selection as the Canada West BioSteel Women's Wrestler of the Week, further cementing her status as one of the country's premier university wrestlers.
National Recognition and Celebration
Cross and the other seven honourees will be formally recognized during special ceremonies in Ottawa on January 27-28. The complete list of this year's Top 8 Academic All-Canadians includes:
- Clara Gascoigne (women's basketball) of Saint Mary's University
- Jacob Benoit (cross country/track and field) of Dalhousie University
- Madalyn Weinert (women's basketball) of Brock University
- Mathias Onuska (men's hockey) of University of Waterloo
- Etienne Cloutier (football) of Université Laval
- Corinne Fréchette (rugby) of Université Laval
- Isaac Heslinga (men's volleyball) of University of Alberta
Philosophy of Balanced Excellence
U SPORTS CEO Pierre Arsenault emphasized the significance of this recognition, stating: "The Top 8 Academic All-Canadians represent the very best of U SPORTS. These student-athletes have demonstrated that excellence in the classroom and excellence in competition are not competing priorities, but complementary pursuits."
Arsenault further noted that "Their recognition in Ottawa — alongside leaders of our country — is a powerful reminder of the role university sport plays in developing thoughtful, disciplined and engaged leaders for Canada's future."
This dual achievement by Gabriela Cross highlights the University of Calgary's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who succeed both academically and athletically, while also showcasing the exceptional talent within Canada's university sports system.
