CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. - Senior captain Stephanie Bourque of the Union College women's hockey team has been named the recipient of the ECAC Hockey Wayne Dean Sportsmanship Award, as announced by the league on Friday afternoon.

The Wayne Dean Sportsmanship Award, inaugurated in November 2022, is named in honor of the late Wayne Dean, former Yale University Deputy Director of Athletics, who played a significant role in the growth and success of ECAC Hockey and NCAA collegiate ice hockey. The award annually recognizes an ECAC Hockey student-athlete who demonstrates the highest level of integrity and sportsmanship, shows respect toward student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and officials, and encourages others to uphold ethical conduct both on and off the ice - qualities that Dean exemplified.

"This award means a lot to me because it reflects the values that I try to bring both on and off the ice," said Bourque. "I would not have been able to do this without my teammates and coaches who have pushed me everyday to become the best version of myself." 

Bourque has established herself as one of the most dedicated and distinguished student-athletes on the Union women's hockey team. Known for her relentless work ethic, she consistently goes above and beyond adding extra on-ice sessions, committing to strength training, and actively seeking feedback from her coaches to refine her game. 

In addition to her individual efforts, Bourque embodies the true spirit of teamwork and demonstrates a genuine commitment to elevating those around her. She encourages her teammates to bring the same level of effort and regularly offers guidance during practice, including on special teams.

Bourque carries herself with grace and humility, embodying a selfless, team-first mindset. She emphasizes the importance of staying humble, prioritizing team success over individual achievements, and supporting one another. Her leadership fosters an environment where teammates grow together and work collectively toward team success.

"Stephanie embodies everything the award stands for in honoring Wayne," said head coach Tony Maci. "She sets the example for our team on and off the ice leading through, respect, integrity, and commitment to every game. Stephanie is a true professional in all aspects of her life and approaches each challenge with the highest level of character to her teammates, opponents, and everyone she encounters. We are incredibly proud of Stephanie for earning such an honor and recognition."

Off the ice, Bourque is equally respected for her character. She consistently treats teammates, faculty, staff, rink personnel, and members of the media with kindness and respect, taking time to connect with others.

She has also excelled academically, earning ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team honors for the 2024–25 academic year. Student-athletes qualify for the All-Academic Team by maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 or posting a GPA of 3.00 or higher over the previous three semesters.

Her character and work ethic are reflected in her on-ice performance. During the 2025–26 season, Bourque delivered a historic campaign. Against Clarkson on Oct. 24, she recorded her 51st career point with an assist, surpassing the program's all-time points record for a defenseman while also setting the defenseman assists record with her 38th. She added another assist the following day against St. Lawrence on Oct. 24 to become the program's all-time assists leader among all skaters (39).

Bourque tied a single-game program record with a five-point performance in a 7–0 win over Delaware on Nov. 28, scoring her first goal of the season and adding four assists. Her five points matched the Division I single-game program record, while her four assists tied for the second-highest single-game total.

In the Mayors' Cup against Rensselaer on Jan. 24, she recorded her 19th assist of the season, breaking a single-season record that had stood since 2012–13. On Feb. 13 against Dartmouth, she tallied her 69th career point to set a new all-time program record, ending a 19-year mark.

During her junior season, Bourque set the single-season goals record by a defenseman (8) with a goal at Quinnipiac on Feb. 15, and the single-season points record by a defenseman (22) with an assist in Union's first ECAC playoff win over Brown on Feb. 22, 2025.

Bourque is also a five-time ECAC Hockey Defensive Player of the Week selection, and also earned Rookie of the Week honors once. 

Her list of team honors reflects her consistent impact. As a rookie, she received the "Ancora Imparo" Process Award for significant growth and development. As a sophomore, she was named co-recipient of the George Morrison MVP Award, recognizing a player who plays a key role in team success and inspires others. In her junior season, she earned the Hana Yamashita '97 Award, given to the player who demonstrates exceptional competitiveness and a relentless work ethic.