London, ON - The OUA announced their 2026 Women's Basketball Major Award Winners and All-Stars Thursday morning. A pair of members of the Women's Basketball team were recognized.

Sydney Cowan was named OUA Rookie of the Year & a member of the All-Rookie Team. Renée Armstrong Second Team All-Star.



Cowan produced a breakout debut season in the OUA. She averaged 16.3 points per game (good for ninth overall in the league) and 358 points scored in total. She had one of the biggest highlights of the season when she drained the last-second three pointer to defeat the defending OUA champions Ottawa Gee-Gees.

Cowan is the ninth Mustang to take home the rookie of the year nod in program history.

"What an amazing first year! To set so many Western rookie records and to lead Canada in so many statistical categories, it was only fitting she was recognized as the top rookie in the OUA." said Mustangs Head Coach Nate McKibbon. "From talking to the other coaches we often had to remind ourselves that she was in first year! Her confidence, composure, and talent show a maturity on the court well beyond her age. She did it all while always making sure the team came first, and being an empathetic and supportive teammate. We can't wait to see all what she will accomplish in upcoming years, but for the moment we focus on celebrating all she has accomplished in an incredible first year."



Armstrong stepped into the Mustangs lineup this year and not only did she finish with 327 points this season, she also led the OUA & U SPORTS with 127 assists this year. She was also a key contributor to the purple and white in take aways, she led the OUA and was 2nd in the nation with 87 steals.

"We have always known how special Renee was from the time we recruited her out of high school, to the time we competed against her when she was at Guelph." said McKibbon. "However, to see it from a front row seat all year was truly special. Her numbers this season place her among an elite group of players at Western, but her impact as a leader and teammate is what we are going to remember most. She made us better individually, and she made our program better collectively, there is no greater compliment."

Congratulations on the well-deserved honours.

Full 2026 OUA Awards details are available HERE