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Let’s go Lords! A fighting fall season for Durham College teams

The Durham Lords made a strong showing in many sports this fall – including women’s softball, men’s baseball, women’s rugby sevens, men’s rugby, soccer and golf – and cheers were heard throughout the playing fields.

For the first time, the Durham College (DC) women’s softball team made it all the way to the top, winning the Canadian Collegiate Softball Association National Championship. Congratulations! In celebration, we thought we’d go deep with longstanding team captain Gracie Hearns and coach of the year Jamie Baker, to see the kind of effort required to make it to go big:

  • SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN’S SOFTBALL TEAM CAPTAIN GRACIE HEARNS

    Team captain Gracie Hearns has played softball since she was four years old and has been captain of the women’s team at DC since second year. In April, she will graduate from the Business Marketing program (she also completed a diploma in Interactive Media Design).  She talks about what team life looks like and how softball fits in with academics.

    Congratulations on an amazing season. How does it feel?

    Playing here is everything that I hoped and dreamed of growing up. It was just such an incredible feeling to be like a part of Durham College history, being the first national gold medal for us and an undefeated season. So just being part of that history that people are going to continue to talk about, and other teams are going to know about for a long time, it feels incredible to be a part of that.

    What does your team look like?

    There are 18 roster players, four coaches, two athletic trainers and a student manager. It’s a lot of people. In my four years, we've had such a great atmosphere on the team and no issues. It's a lot of time with each other for two months. So, I've been pretty blessed to have really awesome teammates throughout those four years. And amazing coaching staff and the athletic trainer, student managers, everybody has a role. I have nothing but good things to say about everybody on the team.

    What’s your practice schedule?

    For the first two months of the year, which is the college softball season, it's almost every day that includes either a practice or a workout. We have 24 games in a regular season in about two months. It’s a busy season to get that many games in, plus any exhibition games, nationals and provincials. So, it's a lot going on in two months, but there's nothing that I'd rather be doing.

    How do you fit your studies in?

    A lot of my study time is on bus trips to games, especially to Windsor or Ottawa. The majority of our practices take place later in the evening, generally after 6 p.m. A couple of them go to 9 or 10 p.m. You try to find time in this busy schedule, an hour here, hour there. For my schooling, I take morning classes, just because it makes it a little bit easier to fit in those practices and game times.

    What other training do you do?

    During the season, we have a program made for us, called the strength and conditioning program, which Durham Athletics has for all the teams. During our first bit of the season, it's a lot of keeping our body loose, and then after that, the workout portion is a lot of building up to more heavy weights, while still implementing exercises that help our sport. Then we do our own training in the winter, a lot of exercises that we don't necessarily want to do in season.

    Will you keep up with softball after you graduate?

    I will graduate in April. As of right now, I am helping coach three softball teams, two in the U13 age group, and one U15. I really enjoy doing that, it’s really nice because they all come and support me at the games. Like coming around in a full circle. I'm hoping to continue my coaching career.

  • SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN’S SOFTBALL HEAD COACH JAMIE BAKER

    Women’s softball head coach Jamie Baker started his coaching career as a volunteer with Durham College in 2013 and took over the softball program in 2021-22. He was recognized as softball coach of the year.

    Congratulations on a great season! How did it come about?

    This was a historic year for us here at Durham College softball, in a program that's already very strong. We've had a great history with 22 OCAA championships and whole pile of silver medals at the nationals. I was here for the national silver, for our provincial golds, but this is just that pinnacle that we were really searching for. That was the biggest thing this year for me, that was my goal.

    What do you think put you over the top this year?

    It was all to do with the level of talent we had, with the current players and that blend of new recruits. I couldn't ask for a better recruitment year, and obviously the seniors and juniors and sophomores who performed very well this year as well. So, it was a combination of everything.

    What’s your recruiting strategy?

    One big piece is I coach summer ball at that right age group. I was with U17 this year, so I was around a lot of kids that age. The year before I coached U19. So, the last three years, I've been around coaching players and I'm out to watch.

    Player fit is also a huge piece for my team. Having the right type of players who play the game the right way for the right reasons, who are selfless. Team-first mentality players, that's super important to me. They have to be coachable. Because when you come here, you could be really good, but with the coaches I have, we're going to make you better.

    Why do you think sports are good for students in their overall academic career?

    The athletes that come to play softball love the game of softball. It gives them purpose, organization. I hear this from so many athletes, they’re saying, ‘with softball, I have purpose, I have friends on the team, I have those outlets that I need. When school is getting tough, I can go to practice and just get it out, get that physical piece out.’ Exercise releases endorphins. That's a good thing, a positive thing.

The Highlights of the Fall Season

  • Women’s Soccer

    Winners of the Campus Cup against Ontario Tech, the team saw a strong season with an overall record of 6-8, making it to the OCAA Championship Quarter-Final where they lost to Sheridan 3-2.

    Player awards included an East Division First Team All-Star for Sage Thomas-Roberts and an East Division All-Rookie Team for Alexis Bayley.

  • Men’s Soccer

    Winners of the Campus Cup against Ontario Tech, the team placed third in the East Division with an overall record of 6-4-6. They lost in the OCAA Championship Quarter-Final, 1-0 to Sheridan.

    Player wins include Rookie of the Year for Saail Awan, Defensive Player of the Year for Deandre Branch, First Team All-Stars for Chris Badinbengi and Deandre Branch, Second Team All-Stars for Saail Awan and Jaden Grant, and All-Rookie Team for Saail Awan.

  • Women’s Rugby Sevens

    Winners of the OCAA Championship at Loyalist College the team defeating St. Lawrence 24-14. Their overall record was 15-1.

    Player recognition included Rookie of the Year for Amber Edgerton, Defensive Player of the Year for Danika Johnston, League All-Stars for Maya Austin, Shay Morris, Camryn Wood, All-Rookie Team for Amber Edgerton, Championship MVP for Shay Morris, and Championship All-Stars for Maya Austin, Amber Edgerton.

  • Men’s Rugby

    Made it to the OCAA Championship Quarter-Final, losing 31-20 against Georgian, with an overall record of 3-3.

    Special recognition included Rookie of the Year for Owen MacKinnon, East Division Rookie of the Year for Owen MacKinnon, East Division All-Stars for Tyler Janes, Patrick Lynch, Owen MacKinnon, Ethan Montgomery, Andrew Neveu, and All-Rookie Team for Owen MacKinnon.

  • Women's Softball

    Winners of the CCSA National Championship at the University of Ottawa, defeating Humber 7-1, and the OCAA Championship at Durham College, defeating Humber 8-0. Their overall record was 37-1.

    Player highlights included Player of the Year for Peyton Jones, Coach of the Year for Jamie Baker, Rookie of the Year for Peyton Jones, Batting Champion for Grace Hearns, First Team All-Stars for Jessica Benz, Grace Hearns, Peyton Jones, Second Team All-Stars for Jayden Bennett, Makayla Benz, Jessica Greene, Chelsea Oke, All-Rookie Team for Jessica Benz, Peyton Jones, Championship MVP for Peyton Jones and Championship All-Star - Jessica Benz, Jessica Greene.

  • Men's Baseball

    Bronze medal winners at the OCAA Championship, losing to Lambton 7-0. Their overall record was 16-6.

    Player highlights included First Team All-Star for Griffin Oliver, Second Team All-Star for Zach Rivers, All-Rookie Team for Mark Baxter, Championship All-Star for Griffin Oliver.

  • Golf

    DC’s golf team placed 5th out of 10 at the OCAA Championship, qualifying for nationals. Player accomplishments were as follows:

    OCAA Championship: Team: +98; Sean Michalicka (+21 - Tied for 16th); Cory Pharand (+24 - Tied for 20th); Barrett Potter (+28 - Tied for 25th); Quin Doherty (+30 - 29th); Ethan Johnston (+34 - Tied for 32nd)

    CCAA National Championship: Cory Pharand (+30 - Tied for 28th); Sean Michalicka (+33 - Tied for 33rd); Barrett Potter (+45 - 40th); Ethan Johnston (+50 - 45th); Quin Doherty (+67 - 47th)

DC recognizes the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Today, Durham College (DC) joins Canadians across the country in observing the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This date marks a somber anniversary when, on December 6, 1989, a shooter entered a mechanical engineering class at L’École Polytechnique in Montréal, and murdered 14 young women and wounded 14 others.

“The loss of these bright and talented women continues to deeply impact our post-secondary communities across Canada,” said DC President, Dr. Elaine Popp. “As we mourn them, we also reflect on all those whose lives have been impacted by gender-based violence.”

Memorial ceremonies will be held at both the Oshawa and Whitby campuses for students and employees to come together, remember and reflect. Flags at the college have been lowered to half-mast.

Durham College is committed to creating a safe campus community, free of all forms of violence. All members of the DC community are encouraged to speak out against harmful behaviours to help end gender-based violence in our communities.

“This day is a call to action to build a world where everyone can pursue their aspirations without fear of violence and where we can all thrive,” said Dr. Popp. “To achieve this, we must challenge the systems, attitudes, and behaviours that perpetuate gender inequality.

“Together, we can work to dismantle harmful stereotypes, support survivors, and advocate for policies that protect victims while holding perpetrators accountable. Education, awareness, and allyship are critical tools in the fight to end gender-based violence.”

Launch your future at Durham College’s Fall Open House on November 9

The doors are open at Durham College (DC) for Fall Open House on Saturday November 9 creating opportunities for prospective students to explore 145+ career-driven programs, meet with faculty and to see state-of-the-art learning spaces including shops and labs.

Visitors can explore both the Oshawa campus at 2000 Simcoe St. N. and the Whitby campus at 1610 Champlain Ave. during Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kaeli Caguicla, a first-year Mechanical Technician – Elevating Devices student, explains she found her path at a DC Open House last year.

With an interest in the skilled trades, Caguicla attended Open House at DC’s Whitby Campus and met with a faculty member from the program she wanted to pursue.

“It was very valuable, basically he just talked about how amazing the program was and how special it was,” she said, adding that she was interested to learn it was just one of two Elevating Devices programs in Ontario. “He seemed like he really enjoyed the program and highlighted the career options.”

Caguicla got her questions answered, learned more about the courses in the program and visited her future learning spaces. She also enjoyed the energy at Open House.

“It’s very welcoming and I really liked the atmosphere,” she said. “It was easy to get around and I thought the shop spaces were really cool.”

Now, she says she loves her program and looks forward to attending her classes.

Navjot Sehgal is a campus tour guide and marketing assistant at DC and he’ll be leading tours during Open House.

“One of things people get excited about on campus tours is seeing the facilities and services that we offer,” said Sehgal, who is also a student pursuing a Cybersecurity graduate certificate.

He said prospective students love seeing spaces like the fitness facilities and gyms at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre, the Esports Arena and learning about services like Career Development or Student Academic Learning Services (SALS) which provides free academic support to DC students.

“These are the kinds of things students really don’t know about before they come here,” Sehgal explains. “Durham College has a vast campus; you can’t really know about all the things we have to offer unless you visit us. There’s a lot to explore and you can get a first look at your campus life.”

He said Open House is a one-stop-shop event where they can meet the recruitment team, explore programs and meet faculty, take a tour and apply. DC will cover the $150 Ontario Colleges application fee for domestic students who visit an Apply Now room and submit their application.

Top reasons to register for and attend DC’s Fall Open House:

  • Meet with expert faculty to learn about our 145+ career-driven programs
  • Learn about DC’s supportive financial aid services, including over $5 million in available bursaries and scholarships
  • Find out about campus life and why our students love DC
  • Explore inspiring spaces with a guided campus tour
  • Apply for a DC program at the event and we will cover the $150 application fee for domestic students

Register to attend Fall Open House! Attendees who register will be entered into a draw to win a $5,000 Durham College tuition credit.

Durham College celebrates largest fall graduating cohort in school’s history

More than 2,200 graduates were invited to cross the stage this week at Durham College’s (DC) Fall Convocation, making it the largest fall graduating cohort in DC’s history. Skilled, career-ready graduates, ready to thrive in in-demand industries received their credential, including:

“Convocation is an incredible event that serves as a time to celebrate our graduates’ achievements and the commencement of their next chapter,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President. “Whether they’re choosing to continue their studies, enter the workforce, or start their own business, the education they received is transformative and positively impacts their lives, their families, and our community.”

Guest speakers at the ceremonies included:

  • Adam Ruppel, 2024 Alumni of Distinction award recipient, President of Chico Racing, and Co-founder of Drive Festival
  • Rachael Wraith, DC Alumna, Associate Vice President of Strategic Communications at Global Public Affairs

During the afternoon ceremony on October 29, the college also recognized Don Lovisa, past DC President, with the honorary designation of President Emeritus in recognition of his many years of outstanding service to DC students, employees, and the community.

For more information about Fall Convocation, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/convocation.

Durham College’s student recruitment team gearing up to connect with thousands of prospective students this fall

Durham College (DC) is preparing for a busy fall season, with its recruitment team primed to connect with prospective students at a variety of local events. These interactions provide valuable opportunities for future DC students to explore more than 145 innovative programs, engage with recruiters, and discover the college’s vibrant community and student life.

DC’s recruitment team will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the college’s wide range of career-driven programs and services at several upcoming events, including:

Ontario College Fair – October 16 and 17
DC will be participating in the Ontario College Fair, one of the largest post-secondary education events in Toronto. This highly anticipated event allows attendees to meet face-to-face with recruiters, ask questions, and explore programs and support services. Whether prospective students are interested in upgrading their education, pathways to university, or gaining career-ready skills, the Ontario College Fair provides a prime opportunity to discover how DC can support their future goals.

College Information Program – October 24
For those seeking a more personal connection, DC will host College Information Program (CIP) events at both the Oshawa and Whitby campuses. Attendees can tour the campuses, speak directly with recruiters from more than 20 Ontario Colleges, and learn about college programs available across the province. With both campuses offering different program options and state-of-the-art facilities, the CIP events provide a comprehensive look at the DC experience.

Fall Open House – November 9
Prospective students and their families are invited to join us at our Fall Open House for the chance to experience DC firsthand. This event offers an immersive look into campus life, where attendees can tour the college’s cutting-edge facilities, engage with faculty and student services representatives, and meet current students. Whether guests are upleveling their education or just beginning their academic journey, Open House serves as a perfect opportunity to explore everything DC has to offer.

For those unable to attend these events, DC’s student recruitment team is available year-round to answer questions and provide guidance. From virtual meetings to in-person campus tours, prospective students can connect with the team to make informed decisions about their academic future.

Get to know our recruiters and discover a full list of recruitment events online.