London, ON - Western's prestigious Purple Blankets are presented to the student athletes who, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, achieved superior distinction at the Provincial/National level of competition as representatives of Western.

Jonelle Clarke of the Mustangs Wrestling team is a 2026 recipient of this honour.



Jonelle has built one of the most decorated and impactful careers in the history of Western Women's Wrestling.  Her accomplishments extend across national and international competition, academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.

Within OUA and U SPORTS, her progression and consistency have been remarkable. Her championship progression includes: 2022 OUA 5th, 2024 OUA Silver & U SPORTS Bronze, 2025 OUA Silver & U SPORTS Bronze, and a defining 2026 season, where she captured OUA Gold, earned the title of OUA Female Wrestler of the Year, and secured U SPORTS Gold to become a national champion.

Jonelle has been a provincially carded athlete for the past two years, and will represent Canada at the 2026 FISU University Championship in Brazil.

Clarke shares what it meant to win a purple blanket and also a few key memories of his time as a Mustang.



Congratulations Jonelle on this well deserved honour. The full list of Purple Blanket winners can be found HERE.