CALGARY, Alberta – Illinois redshirt sophomore Taylor de Boer was recognized at the 2025 Canadian Sport Awards as this year's recipient of the AthletesCAN True Sport Award.
The True Sport Award recognizes an inspirational Canadian citizen who exemplifies true sport values of fairness, excellence, inclusion, and fun in a meaningful way. Through the pursuit of sporting excellence this Canadian hero showcases dedication, perseverance, sportsmanship, respect for others, and a true love of sport.
"I'm truly honored to accept the True Sport Award," shared de Boer in her virtual acceptance speech. "To even be mentioned alongside all the amazing Canadian athletes who have come before me is truly an honor. Growing up in Canada, I learned early that excellence isn't measured by wins and losses but how you carry yourself, how you support your teammates, and how you face challenges with perseverance and integrity. My own journey has not been without obstacles, but through those moments, I have learned more about myself than ever before.
"This sport has given me resilience, community, and a voice, a voice that I want to use to inspire others to believe in themselves and believe in the power that sport can change lives. I want to thank Volleyball Canada for giving me the opportunity to represent my country and to live out my passion for the game on the international stage. I will continue to dedicate myself to growing as an athlete, a teammate, and a person while always striving to reflect the values of fairness, excellence, inclusion, and fun, both on and off the court.
"To AthletesCAN and the Canadian Sport Awards, thank you for recognizing me not just as an athlete, but for the values that define who we are as people. Thank you to my coaches, teammates, friends, and especially my family for believing in me. I accept this award not only for myself, but for every young athlete who dreams big, faces adversity, and still chooses to play with joy. Thank you so much!"
A native of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, de Boer was honored for her perseverance and resilience throughout her battle with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis, a rare autoimmune disease that attacks the kidneys, joints, lungs, and other small vessels. Diagnosed prior to her first season with the Fighting Illini in 2023, de Boer had just returned from being a team captain for Canada's U19 team at the Pan American Cup.
Only 17 years old at the time of her diagnosis in the summer of 2023, she spent the next month in critical care at the OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois in Peoria. She used her time in the hospital to get involved with Uplifting Athletes, which raises awareness and funds for rare diseases. Continuing her work as she continued her treatment and recovery, she was tabbed a Rare Disease Champion by the organization.
After missing the entirety of her freshman season in 2023, de Boer is finding her groove once again. Playing in 11 matches last year as she continued her comeback from AVCA vasculitis, de Boer is back to her old self and finding joy in the sport of volleyball. Guiding Team Canada to its first-ever medal at the U23 Pan American Cup over the summer, she currently leads the Illini in kills and has double-digit kills in 11 of her first 13 appearances for Illinois in 2025.
On and off the court, de Boer is a leader, advocate, and inspiring role model that embodies True Sport values. Recent recipients of the True Sport Award include Ellie Black (Artistic Gymnastics, 2024), Michael Woods (Cycling, 2023), Molly Carlson (High Diving, 2022), Evan Dunfee (Athletics, 2021), Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (Football, 2020), Christine Sinclair (Soccer, 2019), and Jill Officer (Curling, 2018).
Other finalists for this year's award included Eric Furtado-Rodrigues (Wheelchair Rugby) and Ruby Stevens (Para Swimming and Wheelchair Rugby).
Learn more about AthletesCAN and the Canadian Sport Awards HERE.
