A new award celebrating exceptional team spirit has been presented for the first time to Dawson women's basketball player Salina Haynes. The Troy Cornford Team Player Award honours the memory of Troy Cornford, who passed away in December 2024 after a courageous battle with ALS. It is funded by donations in his memory to the Dawson College Foundation.
Troy played on the Dawson men's basketball team from 1983 to 1985. After his time at Dawson, his passion for basketball endured, earning him the nickname "Coach Troy" during more than 40 years of coaching boys and girls at the juvenile level.
As a coach, Troy emphasized that selflessness is a player's most valuable contribution. He is fondly remembered by his players and colleagues for his unwavering generosity, motivational spirit, and deep passion for the game.
This inaugural year, the award goes to Salina Haynes, a teammate of Troy's daughter, Regan Cornford, who exemplifies the integrity, selflessness, and dedication that Troy both embodied and encouraged.
"Winning the Troy Cornford Team Player Award is an incredible honour," Salina said in an interview with Dawson's Communications Office. "Troy was an amazing, kind and generous person and a passionate supporter of the Women's Division 1 basketball team."
Salina reflected on her journey at Dawson, which included overcoming significant injuries: "I wasn't able to play some of my first and second year, which was extremely difficult for me, but I worked hard to become a better version of myself for my senior year."
"It took a lot of physical and mental work, but I am extremely proud of the person and teammate I became. I wanted to make sure that I became a person my teammates could rely on no matter what, from the basketball court to the classroom and even in life. I am extremely grateful to my teammates, coaches, friends and family for being an incredible support system throughout my time at Dawson."
For Salina, being a good team player means "making sure you are a person that a teammate can rely on and talk to," being accountable to yourself and others, and sharing knowledge with younger players so they can develop to their full potential.
She recalls how much she benefited from the generosity of older players when she first joined the Dawson team: "In my first and second year, the seniors put in a lot of effort in getting the younger players out of their shells and creating a fun but disciplined environment. I really looked up to them and how they taught us to be great players while still having fun. Being a senior myself this year, I wanted to have good relationships with everyone on the team to help build a feeling of trust. I believe as a leader and teammate, the players must trust you on and off the court. I wanted to make sure that the first- and second-year players were enjoying the entire college basketball experience and feeling comfortable asking questions."
Salina will graduate with a DEC in Social Science (Commerce profile) and plans to attend McGill University to study English and Cultural Studies, marketing, and communications.
"I intend on working in the music industry in the marketing and communications field," Salina said. "I would like to study abroad to expand my knowledge about the music industry, as well as the world in general. Additionally, I would like to intern at a music venue or a record label to get more hands-on experience in the music business. I am very excited to take this next step in my life, and I am extremely grateful for everything Dawson and the Division 1 Women's Basketball team has taught me."
The Troy Cornford Team Player Award is funded by donations to the Dawson College Foundation. You may donate online or by your method of choice. Use the notes section to indicate "Troy Cornford Team Player Award."
