Victoria Coates came to McMaster hoping she could do her best as a student and as an athlete, but not quite sure how she would do it.

She certainly found a way, earning an impressive collection of the university’s highest honours for athletics and academics.

She graduates Friday in geography and political science, after a McMaster experience that has included top finishes as a runner in cross-country and track and superlative performance in her academic work.

Earlier this year, Coates was named the recipient of the Dr. Mary Keyes Award for a female McMaster athlete who excels in academics and athletics. She was also named winner of the Therese A. Quigley Award for Female Athlete of the Year after winning bronze medals in both the 3000m and in cross country.

At Friday’s Convocation, Coates is to receive three major awards:  the R.C. McIvor Medal, awarded for outstanding scholarship in Social Sciences, the Lloyd Reeds Prize and the E.S. Moore Prize, both for outstanding scholarship in Geography.