Laurier Grads Soar is a multi-part series that returns for it's third installment during the 2018-19 season. The segment features former Wilfrid Laurier University athletes and student-leaders in the Athletics and Recreation Department, and the success they have enjoyed since leaving Laurier. Written by award-winning journalist David Grossman, different features will be released throughout the year that will emphasize the role Athletics and Recreation played in helping them achieve success.Ryan MacDonald: Strength and Conditioning Coach, Volleyball Canada National Beach TeamThose who know Ryan MacDonald are very much aware that he is a terrific strength and conditioning coach.
Members of Canada's Beach Volleyball squad that competed at the Olympics are among the many individuals who say the thing that makes him so effective goes beyond his practical knowledge, savviness and great decision-making skills.
With a professional goal of having the biggest positive impact on athletes, MacDonald has been at his forte for some time. Since 2014, he has been with the Toronto-based Canadian Sport Institute Ontario.
The attainments that come from education, research and wisdom are important to MacDonald, but he claims there are more things that have contributed to his success.
“To be honest, I have to look back at my days at Laurier - and I was very fortunate to have gone there, and have had the opportunities to learn in more ways than just in the classroom,” said MacDonald, who grew up in Barrie and was a multi-sport athlete at Barrie Central Collegiate.
Chosen the Most Improved Player in rugby during his early high school years, MacDonald played on teams that won three Ontario high school medals – and, in 2004, celebrated as a member of the Provincial under-18 squad that won a Canadian championship.
It wasn't long, before universities had him on their recruiting radar.
MacDonald checked out several post-secondary sites, but there was one that stood out. After feeling the comfort of a small campus and reviewing the top notch Kinesiology program, MacDonald knew it was Laurier.
"Laurier had the academic program that I was looking for, the resources and so much more – I didn't need anyone to convince me,” recalled MacDonald, who would graduate with an Honors Bachelor of Arts Degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education.
Sure, he played rugby for the Golden Hawks – and even had a few concussions. That was the case in high school, too.
“I had my (head) rung a few times – including that game against McMaster in Hamilton in 2006 - and I am sure concussions had some kind of an impact on my studies,” said MacDonald. “I studied anatomy, and in the winter of my second year at Laurier, figured something was wrong. I knew it was time to get involved in other things on campus.”
That he did, and MacDonald believes his involvement in everything from managing the Fitness Centre to coordinating summer programs for kids to responsibilities for residential life as a Don for three years, all had a huge impact on him.
To say that he enjoyed his time at Laurier might be an understatement.
“The ability to be engaged at Laurier, the experience outside of the academic classroom, the skills from each and every job and responsibility along with working with people, really contributed to me learning and becoming successful,” said MacDonald.
Smart and efficient, MacDonald savors his luxuries of knowledge and experience and knows he has had some great opportunities. Now, he is mastering personal goals of improving athletic performance, emphasizing fitness skills and doing what he can to help reduce athletic injuries.
“Now, I am working with Volleyball Canada's Beach National team,” he said. “My responsibilities include sport science and medicine – doing whatever I can to help for some of the best male and female athletes in the world.”
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David Grossman is a multi award-winning communicator and storyteller with a distinguished career in Broadcasting, Journalism and Public Relations in Sport and Government RelationsPrevious FeaturesSteve Griggs - Chief Executive Officer and President, Tampa Bay LightningSophie Kotsopoulos - Senior Director of Integrated Marketing, National Hockey LeagueMike McKenna - Former Director, Telecom, Media and Technology Investment BankingNicole Lee - Director of Integrated Marketing, National Hockey LeagueMike Bartlett - Executive Director, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment FoundationRebecca Watts - Manager, 2017 World Junior Hockey ChampionshipHugh Lawson - Director of Business Development, Staples Promotional ProductsCheryl Pounder - Former Canadian National Women's Hockey Team MemberJohn Morris - 2010 Olympic Men's Curling Gold MedalistBill Burke - Chief Executive Officer and Owner, Niagara Ice DogsTania Pedron - Manager of Administration and Operations, Maple Leafs Sport and EntertainmentWayne Kemick - BMO Wealth AdvisorDenise Burke - President, Niagara Ice DogsKevin McDonald - Vice President of Football Operations and Player Safety, CFLDr. Megan Yaraskavitch - NeurologistAndrew Agro - Director of Corporate Sponsorship and Business Development, New York JetsMarcia Powers-Dunlop - Senior Manager of Professional Support Services, Toronto District School BoardJoe Vernon - Lawyer, Miller CanfieldEmily Rudow - Founder, Oneiric HockeyTodd Cooney - Vice President and Broker, CBRE LimitedJennifer Elliott - Sports Information Officer, uOttawa Gee-GeesRohan Thompson - Social Worker and Professor, Conestoga CollegeDr. Fiona Aiston - Family DoctorJeremy Hedges - Founder and President, InksmithSadie Anderson - FirefighterAndrea Elliott - Sports Information Specialist, Ryerson RamsAlyssa Lagonia - Professional Soccer PlayerAshley Stephenson - Teacher and member of Canada's national women's baseball programJ.R. Edwards - General Manager/Country Director, Carlsberg USAGinger Whitney - Vice President, Whitney and Company Realty LimitedSandy Nixon - Loopstra Nixon law firmChristina Polano - LawyerDonnie Ruiz - CFL alum, artist, personal trainer, and award-winning body builderJahmeeks Beckford - Support Worker, Carizon Family and Community ServicesMelanie Witzell - Founder and Agency Director, Mad Hatter TechnologyEric Calder - Owner and President, Skills Plus Hockey
