By Tyler Waugh / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Mount Pearl Sports Alliance inducted three individuals and one team at the 31st Sports Hall of Fame and Annual Athletic Awards during a ceremony at the Reid Centre.
Greg Noble (rugby/builder), Malorie Harris (soccer), Leah O’Grady Blackburn (soccer) and the O’Donel High School Patriots female soccer team (2009-2014) were all called to the hall during the June 24 ceremony.
“Tonight we should reflect on the hundreds of volunteers who continue to help, for without them, there would be no awards and no competitions,” said Roy Locke, chairman of the Mount Pearl Sports Alliance (MPSA), which hosted the event. “So on your way to your success, do not ever fail to say thanks to the people around you.”
Noble was inducted posthumously for rugby and as a builder after more than four decades of work in different roles.
“Widely respected for his leadership, he helped shape the infrastructure and volunteer culture that continue to support local sport today,” read the nomination form for Noble. “From the earliest days of the Sport Alliance, Greg played a central role in the success of major fundraising events.”
Noble volunteered for 43 consecutive weeks on one of the Alliance’s final fundraisers, netting $175,000 for local sports. He is also credited with a lasting impact on rugby in Newfoundland and Labrador, serving as president for 17 years after being elected in 2009.
“Greg will be remembered for his steady leadership, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to community sport. His contributions have helped ensure that local clubs remain strong, accessible, and sustainable, and his legacy continues to benefit future generations,” the nomination decision read.
Noble passed away on March 16 of this year.
Harris enjoyed an exceptional soccer career that started in Mount Pearl Minor Soccer. She was named a second team all-Canadian in 2007 by Canada Interuniversity Sport for her play with the Memorial University Seahawks women’s team. Her university career also included a second team all-star honour from Atlantic University Sport in her freshman year in 2005, and first-team honours in each of the following four seasons.
Harris cemented her legacy at a national level as the all-time Golden Boot leader in goals scored at Canada’s National Jubilee Trophy tournaments. She competed at the senior level with the Mount Pearl Soccer Association Jubilees in 2004, 2005 and 2007 and scored a memorable overtime goal to secure the team a championship title.
She earned junior player of the year honours in 2005 from the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association and was also a member of the Mount Pearl Summer U13 girls team.
She was inducted into the Mount Pearl Soccer Association Hall of Fame in 2022.
Leah O’Grady Blackburn also enjoyed a decorated soccer career, including rookie of the year honours in 2004 and offensive player of the year honours from 2004-2007 as a member of Bethel College. She also represented Canada on the international stage as a member of the U17 squad in 2001 and was the youngest member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Canada Games squad at only 15 years old.
She was named the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association (NLSA) Junior Female Player of the Year in 2002, and the NLSA Female Player of the Year and Gold Boot Award winner in 2003. She added the Breen’s Golden Boot Award and the Jubilee Trophy MVP in 2004.
O’Grady Blackburn was inducted into the MPSA Soccer Hall of Fame in November 2022.
The O’Donel High School Patriots female soccer team established itself as one of the premier teams in provincial high school sports from 2009 - 2014.
During that time, the Patriots captured 4A Provincial championships in 2011, 2012 and 2014, and also earned a silver medal in 2010.
“Their back-to-back provincial titles in 2011 and 2012 were especially notable, as both seasons were completed undefeated, an outstanding achievement at the highest level of female high school soccer in the province,” read the nomination. “Their sustained excellence, combined with their positive impact off the field, secured the O’Donel Patriots Female High School Soccer Team a lasting place among the most accomplished programs in provincial school sport history.”
The Annual Sports Awards were also handed out, with Helena Gorina earning Official of the Year in part due to her longstanding commitment to the growth and development of the sport of gymnastics. Her dedication and impact were also recognized with the Campia Gymnastics Official of the Year Award in 2025.
Jira Hiscock (gymnastics) was named female Athlete of the Year after emerging as one of the province’s top young gymnasts. She placed 9th among 26 competitors in the inaugural Open High Performance category at the 2025 Canadian Championships in Alberta in 2025. She also finished 8th on balance beam and ninth on vault.
The Hall of Fame selection committee included chairman Harold Stapleton, Barb Predham, Jim Bulger, Pat O’Keefe Sr., and Darren Windsor.