March 9, 2009
UNB News Release:

University of New Brunswick women's soccer player Isabelle Miles has been named by Atlantic University Sport as the 2009 recipient of the 23rd Annual James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award.

Isabelle Miles. UNB / Doug Estey Photo

Miles was presented with her award during a ceremony in Halifax at the Metro Centre on Saturday night.

Phil Currie, Executive Director of Atlantic University Sport and a member of the three-person selection committee commented that, "Isabelle exemplifies all the outstanding qualities that James Bayer lived his life by. This award embodies those principles and values. Isabelle's achievements and passion for excellence in the classroom and on the pitch make her the ideal recipient of Atlantic University Sport's most prestigious award. On behalf of Atlantic University Sport, I wish Isabelle every success in all her future endeavours."

"Isabelle is an outstanding young woman who reflects the highest qualities of commitment, work ethic and respect and she is an outstanding selection as this year's recipient of this prestigious award," said Kevin Dickie, Director of Athletics at UNB.

Academically, Miles is a biochemistry student, who in three and a half years of study at UNB has received nothing less than an A+ in the 129 credit hours in which she has enrolled, giving her a perfect GPA of 4.3. She is a three-time academic all-Canadian and is on pace for that distinction once again this year.

A native of Fredericton, NB, Isabelle is a two-year captain of the women's soccer team and the team's representative on the UNB athlete's council. Miles also finds time in a very busy schedule for volunteer work. She volunteers her time with a number of initiatives, including the 'Read with the Reds' and 'Heads up with the Reds' programs in which UNB athlete's read and deliver presentations on positive life lessons to over 2,500 students in the Fredericton community each year. Isabelle also helps out as a volunteer coach in Soccer NB's regional development program.

As this year's recipient, Isabelle receives a $1,000 Scholarship.

The James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award was established in 1985 and is awarded annually to an outstanding student athlete in Atlantic University Sport for excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, sportsmanship and citizenship. James Bayer taught education and physical education at both high school and university levels. He served as Supervisor and Consultant for the NS Department of Culture, Recreation and Fitness. At Acadia University, he served as Dean of Recreation and Physical Education and as Director of Athletics from 1978-1985. As an administrator in the AUAA and the CIAU, he was a key player in the establishment of intercollegiate athletic policy. This memorial scholarship is the most prestigious award offered annually by Atlantic University Sport.

Media Inquiries
Maureen Sparks
(P) (506) 451-6894
(E) sparks@unb.ca

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