2025 MLA Awards
Coach of the Year
Cory Henkewich was selected in 2023 to serve as Head Coach of the 2025 Canada Summer Games U17 Girls Team. Widely recognized as one of Manitoba’s most accomplished and dedicated coaches, Cory has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and expertise in developing female athletes across the province.
Throughout the preparation process for the Canada Summer Games, Cory invested countless hours recruiting, training, and mentoring athletes to ensure the highest standards of performance and teamwork. In addition to his role with the Games team, Cory is a core coach within Manitoba Lacrosse’s Development Program and the co-owner of Legends Lacrosse, where he also coaches’ boys field lacrosse.
A true testament to his adaptability and leadership came this past summer, when Cory was asked—just one day before the start of week 2—to assume the position of Head Coach for the Boys Canada Summer Games Team. Remarkably, he led both teams to impressive fifth place finishes at the Games. Cory’s dedication to Manitoba Lacrosse and the growth of the sport in our province is commended and does not go unrecognized.
Please join us in congratulating Cory Henkewich, our 2025 Coach of the Year.
Female Athlete of the Year
For the second consecutive year, Payton Cvetkovic has earned the title of Female Athlete of the Year. Payton is a standout athlete who currently attends The Hill Academy, one of Canada’s most prestigious lacrosse programs. Her relentless dedication, work ethic, and commitment to excellence have made her one of Manitoba’s most accomplished young players.
In 2025, Payton was selected to represent U19 Team Canada East, where she had the opportunity to compete against Team USA. She also captained the Team Manitoba U19 Women’s Field Lacrosse Team, leading them through Nationals in British Columbia. Her exceptional play earned her a spot on the All-Star Team, and she finished fourth overall in tournament points, recording 23 points in just five games.
Among her many achievements this year, one of the most remarkable was her commitment to Jacksonville University’s Women’s Field Lacrosse Team for 2026. With this, Payton became only the second female player in Manitoba history to commit to play NCAA Division I lacrosse.
Additional accomplishments include being named to the New Balance All-America Highlight Team by Inside Lacrosseand being selected as an alternate for Team Germany in the World Lacrosse Sixes competition.
Payton’s success is a testament to her dedication, talent, and passion for the game. Congratulations to Payton Cvetkovic, our 2025 Female Athlete of the Year.
Male Athlete of the Year
Luka Tetrault has been a dedicated member of the Manitoba Lacrosse community for many years. In 2025, Luka played a pivotal role on his high school field lacrosse team, the Louis Riel Voyageurs, where he stood out as one of the league’s top performers. His impressive offensive abilities earned him the title of Top Goal Scorer in MHSFLL Division I, recording an outstanding 56 points in just nine games.
Luka’s exceptional season performance earned him the MHSFLL Men’s MVP Award, recognizing his impact, consistency, and leadership on the field. Beyond high school competition, Luka was also a key member of the Team Manitoba U19 Boys Field Lacrosse Team, where he once again distinguished himself as the top scorer at Nationals and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. In addition, he received the Offensive Player of the Year Award for Team Manitoba U19 Boys Field.
Luka’s accomplishments are matched by his humility, sportsmanship, and dedication to his teammates. He is widely respected by coaches and peers alike for his positive attitude and leadership both on and off the field. Currently, Luka continues to excel as a member of the Varsity Winterhawks and gives back to the game by contributing his time as an official.
Please join us in celebrating Luka Tetrault, our 2025 Male Athlete of the Year.
Sportsmanship Award
Miley Sigurdur began her lacrosse journey in 2024 and quickly established herself as a talented athlete and an exceptional teammate. Her athletic ability, combined with her grace, humility, and positive attitude, has made her an invaluable member of every team she joins.
Miley plays for the Dakota Lancers Women’s Field Lacrosse Team and, in 2025, was selected to both the Team Manitoba U19 Women’s Field and the U17 Girls Canada Games Team. Unfortunately, her season was cut short by an ACL injury in the spring. Despite this setback, Miley’s response was nothing short of inspirational. Rather than stepping away, she chose to remain deeply involved—supporting her teammates and giving back to the sport she loves.
She took on an assistant coaching role with Team Manitoba U13 Girls Box Team, where she quickly became a role model to the young athletes. She regularly attended team practices for her Canada Games Team and Field Team, despite not being able to play. Miley even contributed through timekeeping. Miley’s resilience, kindness, and unwavering commitment to others embody the true spirit of sportsmanship.
She is a model teammate and a pleasure to coach—someone whose positivity uplifts everyone around her. Those who know her can attest that her kindness and respect for others, both in sport and out.
Congratulations to Miley Sigurdur, recipient of the 2025 Sportsmanship Award.
Team of the Year
Every four years, provinces have the opportunity to compete at the Canada Summer Games, showcasing their best athletes on the national stage. This year, Manitoba’s strength and progress in high-performance lacrosse were exemplified by the Canada Summer Games U17 Girls Box Lacrosse Team.
The team comprised of 16 rostered athletes and 5 alternates—most with only two years of playing experience— who demonstrated exceptional growth and resilience throughout the season. Despite facing early injuries that required roster adjustments, the team remained focused and cohesive. They competed in two pre-tournament events, finishing second at both the Lobster Trap Tournament and the Prairie Cup.
At the Canada Games, the team faced significant challenges, including venue changes caused by wildfire conditions, restricted spectator access, and extreme heat. Despite these obstacles, the team went undefeated in round-robin play, fell in a close quarterfinal to the eventual champions, and rebounded with two strong victories to secure fifth place overall.
Their remarkable season record of 12-2-1, with 85 goals for and 38 against, earned them a promotion to the A Pool for the next Games. Additionally, four Manitoba players ranked among the top 13 scorers in Canada, reflecting the team’s depth of talent and hard work.
Congratulations to the Canada Summer Games U17 Girls Box Lacrosse Team, our MLA Team of the Year.
Volunteer of the Year
Tannel Harvey is a devoted and passionate volunteer whose contributions have had a tremendous impact on the growth of lacrosse in Manitoba. Her dedication, initiative, and leadership were instrumental in advancing the sport within the Wheat City Lacrosse community throughout 2025.
Tannel played a key role in expanding participation by organizing drop-in sessions that helped boost player registration and engagement. She also served as team manager for the U9 Box and two U11 Box Teams, ensuring each program ran smoothly and efficiently.
One of Tannel’s most significant achievements this year was the creation of the Wheat City Wranglers Field Lacrosse Program—the first of its kind in the region. She coordinated games and festivals with teams from both Manitoba and Saskatchewan, helping to build valuable interprovincial connections and opportunities for young athletes. With the launch of the new field program, Tannel managed two U11 Field Teams and one U13 Field Team, dedicating countless hours to organizing the teams.
Her leadership extended beyond the local level, as she also served as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Prairie Cup Regional Tournament in Brandon. Over the three-day event, Tannel successfully oversaw all volunteer operations, including the coordination and scheduling of timekeepers and shot clock operators.
Tannel’s tireless commitment, organization, and passion for the game exemplify what it means to be a volunteer leader.
Congratulations to Tannel Harvey, our 2025 Volunteer of the Year.
Official of the Year
Brad Becker has been a dedicated and respected official within Manitoba’s lacrosse community for many years. His professionalism, consistency, and commitment to the sport have made him an invaluable part of both field and box lacrosse programs across the province.
Brad is a certified official with the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League (RMLL), where he regularly officiates Winnipeg Blizzard games. He also contributes his expertise to the Winnipeg Box League and the Manitoba High School Field Lacrosse League (MHSFLL).
His continued service and leadership on and off the field embody the standards of excellence that define our sport. Congratulations to Brad Becker, our Official of the Year.
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