Q&A: Jessymaude Drapeau looks back on a championship career

Success became the standard during Jessymaude Drapeau's career at Concordia.

The fifth-year forward from Rivière-du-Loup, Que., closed out her university career with one of the finest seasons by a player in U SPORTS women's hockey. Drapeau led the nation in scoring with 39 points, including 22 goals and 17 assists, earning RSEQ Player of the Year and U SPORTS Women's Hockey Player of the Year honours. She helped guide the Stingers to a 22-2 regular-season record, an RSEQ championship and a silver medal at the 2026 U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship.

While the individual accolades were impressive, they represented only part of Drapeau's impact on the Concordia program. As team captain, she helped lead the Stingers through one of the most successful eras in program history, finishing her career with two national championships, two national silver medals and more than 100 career points. Off the ice, she was equally accomplished as an Academic All-Canadian, recipient of Concordia's Weider Award and winner of the RSEQ Leadership and Social Engagement Award.

As she prepares for the next chapter and reflects on her nomination for the Lois and Doug Mitchell U SPORTS Athlete of the Year Award, Drapeau spoke with U SPORTS about leadership and the experiences that shaped her career with the Stingers.

U SPORTS: What made this season special?

Drapeau: Relationships. After last season, one of my goals was to build stronger relationships within the team. I would go for coffee, meals or little outings with teammates just to get to know them better. The more connected we became as a group, the more confidence we had as a team. Looking back, I think investing my energy into those relationships helped me become a better leader and a better player.

U SPORTS: What does this athlete of the year nomination mean to you?

Drapeau: It means a lot. When I look back at my years at Concordia, I think about all the work that happened behind the scenes. The early mornings, the sacrifices and the challenges. Nothing was given to me. I worked hard for a long time, and it's rewarding to see that effort recognized.

U SPORTS: Who would you like to thank?

Drapeau: Definitely my family. I remember asking my parents when I was 14 if I could leave home to attend a sports-study program so I could play hockey every day. That wasn't easy for them, but they supported me because they knew how much I loved the game. They've made countless sacrifices over the years. My brother inspired me to start playing hockey, and my parents were always there supporting me. I'd also thank my coaches, teammates and friends at Concordia. They've helped me become the player, person and leader I am today.

U SPORTS: What are your goals moving forward?

Drapeau: I want to play professionally. My focus right now is training, getting stronger and preparing for opportunities. My goal is to earn an invitation somewhere and play in the PWHL or another professional league next season.

U SPORTS: What would the younger version of yourself think about everything you've accomplished?

Drapeau: I think she would be really proud. I've always been resilient and determined, but I never knew exactly where that would lead. I wasn't working hard because I expected awards or recognition. I was doing it because I wanted to push myself and improve. After nationals this year, I remember talking to my mom and realizing that all those years of work had finally paid off.

U SPORTS: What advice would you give young athletes?

Drapeau: Keep going. There will be obstacles, setbacks and difficult moments, but you never know what's possible if you keep moving forward. That's what I tell the young players I coach. Be resilient, believe in yourself and never give up. You never know where the journey will take you.