Two standout Niagara College Knights, Cienna Toromoreno and Emma Riches, are stepping into new leadership roles as members of the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Student-Athlete Committee for the 2026-2027 varsity season.
The committee provides a platform for its members to share their perspectives and engage in conversations that help enhance the student-athlete experience within the OCAA.
Toromoreno, a co-captain and midfielder on the Knights Women’s Soccer team, is described by NC coaches and Athletics staff as a person of strong character and high moral standards with an outstanding work ethic and genuine concern for her teammates and others.
“We think Cienna is an ideal representative to give student-athletes a direct voice within the OCAA,” said Lorelle Weavers, Intercollegiate Coordinator with NC Athletics and Student Engagement. “She will bring integrity, leadership, and thoughtful perspective to the committee while working to strengthen the student athlete experience across all OCAA sports.”
During her first season with the Knights in 2024-2025, Toromoreno was named OCAA Rookie of the Year, West Division Second-Team All-Star, and West Division All-Rookie Team. In 2025-2026, she was named a West Division First-Team All-Star.
“My experience as a Niagara College Knights student-athlete has given me a strong understanding of both the opportunities and challenges that come with balancing academics, athletics and personal commitments,” said Toromoreno, a third-year Sport Management student who hopes to build a career that combines her passion for sports with creative storytelling and fan engagement.
“As a co-captain of the women’s soccer team, I have learned the importance of communication, leadership and supporting others. I hope to use these experiences to advocate for student-athletes, share ideas and help create an environment where all athletes feel supported and valued,” she added. 
Riches is a member of the Knights Curling team (Mixed Doubles) and a second-year Educational Assistance and Adult Supports student who is admired for her optimism and commitment.
“Emma is known around the Knights arena as a ray of sunshine, always with a smile on her face and ready with a high-five for her teammate,” said Weavers. “She is positive, very coachable, and a great teammate who is committed to representing NC as a student-athlete. She will be a fantastic voice on the Student-Athlete Committee for her peers.”
During the 2025-2026 season, Riches and her teammate, Noah LeBrun, won the Gold medal at the OCAA Curling Championships. She was also named Championship MVP for the mixed doubles event, awarded an OCAA All-Academic Award, and received the Curling Scholastic Award at the NC Athletics Banquet.
“My experience as a Knights student-athlete has been nothing short of fantastic because of a great group of coaches, teammates, Athletic Coordinators, and professors, who have all supported me both in my classes and on the ice,” said Riches, who hopes to work as an Educational Assistant with a local school board.
“I want to make sure that student-athletes at different schools have the same experience that I have had so far and that everyone is able to enjoy their time in the OCAA as much as I have,” she added.
Through her involvement with the committee, Riches would like to use her voice to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and advocate for stronger mental health supports for student-athletes.
This year marks the first time NC has been represented on the committee, which was launched during the 2024-25 varsity season.
“I think it’s important for student-athlete voices to be heard and for them to understand the ‘why’ behind the decisions that affect them – from scheduling and eligibility to the broader decisions that shape their athletic experience,” said Michele O’Keefe, Senior Director, Athletics and Student Engagement. “This committee gives them a platform to have a voice in the process and gain a deeper understanding of how sport administration works.”
