Smith School of Business welcomes 10 Team Canada Athletes

Toronto/Kingston, Ont. – Today, Smith School of Business, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Game Plan announced a new wave of Team Canada athletes that will be welcomed into the Smith family. 
 
Ten athletes have been granted Game Plan Awards to pursue their post-secondary education across four graduate programs as part of Smith and the COC’s ongoing partnership. They are:  

• Michelle Caron, Water Polo (Executive MBA Americas)
• Alysia Olsen, Bobsled (Executive MBA Americas)
• Murray McCullough, Sailing (Executive MBA – The National Program)
• Victoria Nolan, Para Rowing (Executive MBA – The National Program)
• Sam Bonin, Sailing (Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence)
• Liam Kopp, Beach Volleyball (Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence)
• Kaylee Glagau, Beach Volleyball (Master of Management Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
• Bret Himmelman, Canoe Kayak (Master of Management Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
• Madi Thurgood, Fencing (Master of Management Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
• Coralie Vittecoq, Sailing (Master of Management Innovation & Entrepreneurship)

These successful applicants join a network of over 350 Team Canada athletes, including Olympic gold medalists Brad Gushue, AMBA’22; Erica Wiebe, EMBAA’23; and Tessa Virtue, EMBA’22, who have attended Smith’s professional graduate and Certificate in Business programs. Smith was named the Official National Business Education Partner of the Canadian Olympic Committee in 2016.  

“Smith’s team-based approach to learning prepares students for leadership, and these high-performance athletes bring the skills, tools and mindset from world-class coaching and training to the Smith experience,” said Wei Wang, associate dean, professional graduate programs. “Smith is honoured to support Canada’s national team athletes in developing the skills necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape. In doing so, their classmates also benefit from their determination, collaboration, coachability and resilience.

Smith’s academic awards program is a key component of the COC’s Game Plan, which empowers Canada’s national team athletes to pursue excellence by helping them plan for their careers after competitive sport. 

“We are thrilled to see these 10 Game Plan Awards recipients further their education through Smith’s graduate programs,” said Cara Button, senior manager, Game Plan. “These athletes exemplify the drive to excel not only in their sport but also in their future careers. This opportunity is a testament to their hard work and dedication. We are proud to support them in their journey to success beyond competitive sports.”

About Smith School of Business:   

Smith School of Business at Queen’s University is renowned for its excellence, innovation and leadership in business education. From establishing the first undergraduate business degree over a century ago to creating groundbreaking programs and courses in emerging areas, Smith is at the forefront of preparing students for the business marketplace. In addition to its rich tradition of academic and teaching excellence, Smith is known for delivering an outstanding learning and development experience. Personal attention, individual and team coaching, opportunities for specialization and a deep commitment to student success characterize the Smith experience.   

About Game Plan:  

Game Plan, powered by Deloitte, is Canada’s total athlete wellness program that strives to develop holistic, well-rounded individuals that excel in and out of sport through a fully integrated program where long-term personal, educational, and professional achievement does not come at the expense of athlete wellbeing. Game Plan supports athletes on and off the field of play, and equips them to stay in sport longer, perform better, and retire healthier knowing they have the tools to prepare and be positive members of their communities at all stages of their career.  

Game Plan is a collaboration between the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), Sport Canada and Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN) to provide the best resources this country has to offer to our national team athletes – a team that has given so much and inspired so many.   

About the Canadian Olympic Committee:  

The Canadian Olympic Committee believes sport has the power to transform Canada. We achieve this by leading the achievement of Team Canada’s podium success and by promoting Olympic values through the Team Canada Impact Agenda. Together with our partners, the COC is committed to making sport safe, inclusive and barrier-free so more young people can play and stay in sport. Learn more at olympic.ca.