varsity news

Durham Lords Media Release
August 13, 2010

Mandi Doris - What being a Durham College student-athlete is all about
- Doris awarded the prestigious Doris and Gordon Willey Founder's Cup for Excellence -

Written by Sarah Worthington, DC/UOIT Athletics Communications Assistant

A recent graduate of the Durham College women's volleyball program, Mandi Doris has left behind a legacy that incorporated everything a student-athlete should stand for.

"Mandi embodies all the qualities and attributes it takes to be a successful student-athlete," said Durham College athletic director Ken Babcock. "Her accomplishments both on the court and in the classroom are extraordinary. I am excited to see Mandi apply her commitment to success in her professional career."

For her athletic extracurricular and academic excellence, Doris was the 2010 recipient of the Doris and Gordon Willey Founder's Cup for Excellence, which was awarded at this year's commencement. It is annually awarded to the student who best demonstrates scholastic, leadership, integrity and involvement in college affairs. These attributes reflect the concepts of Dr. Willey's original college motto - excellence through perseverance.

Doris could not have been more thrilled about receiving this award, "When I received the Doris and Gordon Willey Founder's Cup of Excellence, I was very honoured. I worked really hard on the application process and of course all year with my academics and extra-curricular activities. All of my volunteering for fundraisers, volleyball outings in the community, events at the college and my time dedicated to my school work all paid off. I was surprised when I received the phone call letting me know that I was the recipient. It was a thrill going up on stage to be recognized as the 2010 award recipient."

Doris racked up a number of accomplishments on the court throughout her five year career, being coached by Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame inductee Stan Marchut and current head coach Shane Christopher. She is the OCAA all-time record holder for most career blocks (217), while also holding the provincial record for most blocks in one season (80). She is Durham College's record holder for the most career points (771), blocks (217), kills (484) and matches played (81).

"Mandi has been a pleasure to coach and watch for the time I have known her," said Christopher. "Watching her accomplish so much is inspiring and I know she will continue to strive for and reach her goals in the future. I wish her nothing but the best."

Doris gained as many achievements off the court, as she brought her competitive spirit over to the classroom and in the community. She graduated with a Diploma in Advanced Accounting (Business Administration) as well as Office Administration - Executive, which ultimately led her to begin building her career working for the government at the Ministry of Finance. She is also joining the Lords women's volleyball coaching staff for the 2010/11 season.

She left Durham with a number of awards besides the Doris and Gordon Willey Founder's Cup for Excellence. She also won the Durham College athletics "Bonnie Ginter-Brown" leadership award, women's volleyball leadership award, women's volleyball MVP as well as being a participant in the RBC 2010 Vancouver Olympic torch relay. Doris was also a large part of Durham College receiving the 2010 Canadian Colleges Athletic Association National Community Service Award.

"Over my college career, I have learned to be an excellent organizer and time manager," said Doris. "For five years I have balanced two part-time jobs, being a member of the varsity volleyball team, a full-time student, a tutor, a community volunteer, and spending time with my family and friends. Planning, being prepared and prioritizing comes in handy with all that on my plate. My personality strives for all of it; I love it. One quote by Wayne Dyer that I always seem to come back to is, 'Doing what you love is the cornerstone of abundance in your life.' My personality strives to help out in any situation and that is definitely part of why I was so successful."

When looking back on her college career, Doris has many memories that will be cherished for the rest of her life. She is happy and proud that she took advantage of every opportunity that college offered her.

"Words cannot sum up my experience at Durham College; but it indeed has been an exhilarating rollercoaster ride. I wouldn't have done it any other way, I have built character and attributes to my personality that you don't learn in school. Of courses there are bumps along the way like persona, and social aspects, but I think my experience overall was unforgettable and invaluable. Being a varsity athlete and a full-time student allowed me to have a different perspective of post-secondary education. With sports, I had the opportunity to travel to different schools and campuses. With working on campus I got to see many different events take place, and being in two different programs I was able to see and meet different groups of people. I definitely did a lot of growing up during my time at Durham, making good choices and traveled the right direction to accomplish many outstanding things."

Overall, Mandi Doris is somewhat of an inspiration to any young adult trying to point their lives in the right direction. Throughout her entire collegiate career, Doris focused on her future and the positives that could come out of her actions. The last thing she stressed when speaking to her could have not been more true, "Life is all about how you make it. If you chose the right direction, the right crowds, do well in school, and be involved incredible things can happen."


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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College & UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.721.3117 (F)
scott.dennis@dc-uoit.ca