Laurier Athletics - Waterloo Campus

Laurier Grads Soar is a multi-part series featuring former Wilfrid Laurier University athletes and student-leaders in the Athletics and Recreation Department, and highlights 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.

2021-22 Features

• Justin Shakell - Inaugural CLFAA Indigenous Champion Award recipient
• Kimberly Shillington - Registered kinesiologist practicing exercise rehabilitation, McLauchlin Wellness Clinic
• Lance Freeman - Videographer and owner of Freeman Productions
• Jennifer O'Neill - Manager of Fitness, Recreation and Client Services, University of Guelph
• Patrick James - Global Partnerships Coordinator, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE)

2020-21 Features

• Jeremy Laidlaw - Managing Director, Servant7
• Hollie Duncan - Decision Writer, Royal College of Dental Surgeons; Curler
• Ian Troop - Corporate Executive, Board member, Strategic Adviser and Community builder
• Omar Miles - Head Coach, Humber College Men's Basketball; Teacher
• Lee Anna Osei - Head Coach, StFX University Women's Basketball; Founding Director, Black Canadian Coaches Association
• Bernie Lee - NBPA Certified Agent and President, Quartexx Basketball
• Liz Knox - Carpenter/Construction, McMunn and Company; Advisor, Professional Women's Hockey Players Association
• Jeff Carefoote - Owner & CEO, Amsterdam Brewing
• Roberto Aburto - Municipal Lawyer and Partner, Gowling WLG
• Alena Luciani - Owner, Training 2XL
• Allister Scorgie - Director of Sport Hosting, Region of Waterloo
• Cassandra Mensah - Education Fellow, National Women's Law Center
• Pat Langdon - Executive Managing Director, Newmark Canada

2019-20 Features

• Steve Bienkowski - Chief Operating Officer, Kitchener Rangers
• Scott Driscoll - NHL Official
• Andrew Quattrin - Professional Rugby Player, Toronto Arrows
• Dean Boles - Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technical Officer, Swim Ontario
• Tamika Marks-Grant - Marketing & Branding, Canadian Olympic Committee
• Ian Noble - Lawyer
• Chrissy McEwan - Account Executive, Detroit Pistons

2018-19 Features

• Ryan MacDonald - Strength and Conditioning Coach, Volleyball Canada National Beach Team
• Eric Calder - Owner and President, Skills Plus Hockey
• Melanie Witzell - Founder and Agency Director, Mad Hatter Technology
• Jahmeeks Beckford - Support Worker, Carizon Family and Community Services
• Donnie Ruiz - CFL alum, artist, personal trainer, and award-winning body builder
• Christina Polano - Lawyer
• Sandy Nixon - Loopstra Nixon law firm
• Ginger Whitney - Vice President, Whitney and Company Realty Limited
• J.R. Edwards - General Manager/Country Director, Carlsberg USA
• Ashley Stephenson - Teacher and member of Canada's national women's baseball program

2017-18 Features

• Alyssa Lagonia - Professional Soccer Player
• Andrea Elliott - Sports Information Specialist, Ryerson Rams
• Sadie Anderson - Firefighter
• Jeremy Hedges - Founder and President, Inksmith
• Dr. Fiona Aiston - Family Doctor
• Rohan Thompson - Social Worker and Professor, Conestoga College
• Jennifer Elliott - Sports Information Officer, uOttawa Gee-Gees
• Todd Cooney - Vice President and Broker, CBRE Limited
• Emily Rudow - Founder, Oneiric Hockey
• Joe Vernon - Lawyer, Miller Canfield
• Marcia Powers-Dunlop - Senior Manager of Professional Support Services, Toronto District School Board
• Andrew Agro - Director of Corporate Sponsorship and Business Development, New York Jets
• Dr. Megan Yaraskavitch - Neurologist
• Kevin McDonald - Vice President of Football Operations and Player Safety, CFL
• Denise Burke - President, Niagara Ice Dogs
• Wayne Kemick - BMO Wealth Advisor
• Tania Pedron - Manager of Administration and Operations, Maple Leafs Sport and Entertainment

2016-17 Features

• Bill Burke - Chief Executive Officer and Owner, Niagara Ice Dogs
• John Morris - 2010 Olympic Men's Curling Gold Medalist
• Cheryl Pounder - Former Canadian National Women's Hockey Team Member
• Hugh Lawson - Director of Business Development, Staples Promotional Products
• Rebecca Watts - Manager, 2017 World Junior Hockey Championship
• Mike Bartlett - Executive Director, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Foundation
• Nicole Lee - Director of Integrated Marketing, National Hockey League
• Mike McKenna - Former Director, Telecom, Media and Technology Investment Banking
• Sophie Kotsopoulos - Senior Director of Integrated Marketing, National Hockey League
• Steve Griggs - Chief Executive Officer and President, Tampa Bay Lightning