WE ARE ON A MISSION TO HELP ATHLETES SUFFERING IN SILENCE ACROSS THE GLOBE NAVIGATING LIFE AFTER INJURY, RETIREMENT OR UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
THAT FORCES THEM TO HANG UP THE JERSEY.
IF YOU’RE AN ATHLETE STRUGGLING IN SILENCE TRANSITIONING TO LIFE AFTER SPORTS ...
Pat helps Entrepreneurs, Executives, CEOs, and busy Dads all over the world build the Lean & Muscular Physique they've always wanted, while they Optimize Health, Energy, & Productivity, to match their high-performing status and help them DOMINATE every aspect of their life. Pat Woodcock is a strength, speed, & conditioning coach, personal trainer, nutrition/supplement coach, and speaker. He has coached professional athletes in football, basketball, lacrosse, and soccer, won a Grey Cup Championship as the Head Strength Coordinator of the CFL’s Ottawa RedBlacks, and is a multi-year nominee as Ottawa’s Top Personal Trainer. Pat was also named to Ottawa’s Top 40 Under 40 Business People as the owner of Elite Performance Academy, one of the premier Health, Fitness, and Human Performance facilities in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. In addition to training and coaching, Pat is a respected and sought after speaker and presenter for conferences, organizations, and companies. Whether presenting on specific training modalities or about optimizing personal health and performance, Pat is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience to help people live stronger, healthier, and optimized lives. Some of the companies he has worked with include Football Canada, CBC Hockey Nation, Royal Bank of Canada, Mackenzie Investments, and the Catalyst Conference. Prior to coaching, Pat had an 8-year Professional Football career in the NFL and CFL. During his playing career, he won a Grey Cup Championship, was named Most Outstanding Canadian Player, and was named a division All-Star. Pat earned his Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University, and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA, a National Level 3 Performance Specialist through the Poliquin Group, a Level 1 Certified Precision Nutrition Coach, a Level 1 Certified Hormone Specialist through the Nutritional Coaching Institute, and is Titleist Performance Institute Certified.
Tony Greco, Canada's Leading Fitness Specialist is a top graduate from the Sports Performance Institute (SPI), whose certification programs meet or exceed the guidelines established by the National Fitness Leader Advisory Council (NFLAC) in personal training, strength training, and aerobics instruction. Tony is the Director Of Training at his 14 schools for health and fitness and martial arts in Ottawa. Tony is the founder and Creator of Greco Lean & Fit and Yoga Lean. Tony can be heard on the TSN 1200 for "Greco Lean and Fit" on Saturday mornings from 9:00-10:00am and on CFRA from 7:00-8:00am. Also seen on Carol Alt's "A Healthy You" show on Fox News. Tony is frequently sought out by some of the biggest names in the NHL such as Claude Giroux of the Ottawa Senators, Paul Byron of the Montreal Canadians, as well as former athletes Dan Boyle of the San Jose sharks, Mike Fisher of the Nashville Predators and Chris Phillips of the Ottawa Senators. Tony is also sought out by some of the regions best young hockey prospects, such as Jason Akeson of the Philadelphia Flyers, Alex Grant of the Binghamton Senators and Corbin Mcpherson of the Albany River Rats. Tony has also created programs for and personally trained Country Star Carrie Underwood, Former Super Model Carol Alt, and Kevin Dillon from Entourage. Tony is president of his Foundation to Fight Obesity in Children. Tony has dedicated his life to: "Transforming Bodies, Lifting Spirits and Strengthening Minds" And he continues to challenge clients on a daily basis.
Selected twice as one of Canada's Top Fitness Trainers, and National Champion for the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation; Tommy Europe is one of Canada’s most recognized Fitness personalities. Tommy earned his fitness credentials in the school of very hard knocks: as a professional football player in the Canadian Football League. An 11-year veteran and two-time all-star, Tommy was a defensive back for the 1994 Grey Cup winning BC Lions, Montreal Alouettes, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and a brief stint in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints. Tommy is an honoured member of Bishop University's Wall of Distinction, BC Sports Hall of Fame, BC Lions Wall of Fame, and BC Football Hall of Fame. Following his football career, Tommy founded Tommy Europe Fitness, and developed “The SHRED® Effect”, a training, performance & success tool which he shares with audiences across the country. Today, Tommy Europe Fitness has grown from one-on-one training to include a suite of services, including: corporate wellness programs; online training sessions; personal appearances; lead actor training, professional speaking; and merchandise. Tommy is often requested to appear as an expert on live news segments across the country, and has appeared on Global, CTV, City TV, ET Canada, and more. Tommy is also a frequent expert contributor to numerous magazines including Shape, Impact Magazine, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and US Weekly to name a few. He’s also been an ambassador for SierraSil, Reebok, Fit Foods, Sketchers, and has collaborated with several companies as an influencer. Tommy has translated his success in sport and fitness into a thriving business and career, as a keynote speaker, best-selling author, stunt actor, TV personality, and award-winning fitness coach. His charisma and sterling reputation as an athlete and trainer made him a natural fit to play the tough love television host for 6-seasons on the “The Last 10 Pounds Bootcamp”, and “Bulging Brides”. Tommy is passionate about health & wellness and is a selfless ambassador for KidSport BC, receiving the KidSport Community Champion Award for his passion for sport and for ensuring that “all kids have the opportunity to play!” Tommy continues to inspire, and influence people nationwide; Audiences leave his keynotes feeling invigorated, motivated and equipped to set and reach bigger goals in any area of life. Facts about Tommy Europe: Proud Father of 2 Two-time selection as Canada’s Top Fitness Trainer Successful Entrepreneur 11-year CFL veteran Best-selling Published Author Stuntman TV Host, media personality Family, Fitness & Film
🐯Captain of the Dalhousie Tigers 🧠Usport Academic All Canadian 🧐Bachelor of science in Biology and minor in French Dalhousie University 🧐Deans List 🏒former Ottawa Jr Lady Senator
Lianne Laing is President, Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation, and VP Philanthropy, Ottawa Heart Institute. She is responsible for the leadership, management and operations of the Foundation and leads its campaign for cardiovascular research and precision medicine as well as the Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre. Lianne is a former elite gymnast and had a 20-year broadcast television career with Bell Media, including 10 years as a sports anchor and then 10 years as the host of CTV Morning Live. A passionate health and wellness advocate, she is known for her leadership, community outreach and engagement in Ottawa and beyond. Lianne has degrees in Business and Sport Management from University of Massachusetts/Amherst.
Kerry Joseph enters his first season as assistant quarterbacks after spending one season as assistant wide receivers (2021), and offensive assistant/running backs (2020). Joseph joined the Seahawks coaching staff on July 27, 2020, following four years coaching at the college level and a 19-year professional football career (1996-2014). He most recently served as the passing game coordinator/running backs coach for SE Louisiana State (2019). Joseph opened his coaching career at his alma mater, McNeese State, where he spent three seasons as co-offensive coordinator (2016-18). In 2016 and 2017, his duties included working with the team's wide receivers, while he coached quarterbacks in 2018. He also served training camp internships with the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A native of New Iberia, La., he joined the coaching ranks after a near two-decade professional career that saw him play in the NFL, CFL, NFL Europe and World League. He spent the majority of his NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks (1998-01), playing in 56 games with 14 starts at safety from 1998-01. He posted 143 tackles, one sack and three interceptions in his four-year NFL career. Following his time in the NFL, Joseph spent his playing career in Canada, excelling as a quarterback. During the 2007 season as a member of the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders, he was named the CFL's Outstanding Player, helping the Roughriders to their third Grey Cup in club history. As a quarterback at McNeese State from 1992-95, Joseph led the Cowboys to 41 wins and three Southland Conference titles as a starter. During his time under center, McNeese won its first playoff game in school history (1992) and advanced to the national semifinals for the first time in 1995. The Southland Conference and Louisiana Player of the Year as a senior, Joseph helped that 1995 Cowboys squad to a 13-1 record, as McNeese spent the majority of the season ranked No. 1 nationally. A 2012 Southland Conference Hall of Honor inductee and a member of the McNeese Sports Hall of Fame, Joseph threw for 7,874 yards and a school record 67 touchdown passes during his four years in Lake Charles. Joseph was born on October, 4, 1973.
Claude Julien is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player. He most recently served as the head coach of the Montreal Canadians of the NHL - National Hockey League. Prior to his leaving the Boston Bruins in 2017, he was the longest tenured head coach in the NHL. He previously served as head coach of the New Jersey Devils, as well as in the AHL - American Hockey League with the Hamilton Bulldogs. In 2011, he coached the Bruins to the Stanley Cup Finals, against the Vancouver Canucks, winning 7 games, guiding Boston to their Sixth franchise Stanley Cup title. In 2013, he brought Boston to another Stanley Cup Finals, however they lost the series to the Chicago Blackhawks in six games. Julien has also served as assistant and head coach of the Canadian National Team. Playing Career - Julien was an NHL Defenceman for the Quebec Nordiques in the 1984-85 and 1985-86 seasons. Prior to the NHL Julien played six years in the OHL - Ontario Hockey League - with the Oshawa Generals and Windsor Spitfires. Additionally he also played in the CHL - Central Hockey League for the Salt Lake Golden Eagles; in the IHL - International Hockey League for the Kansas City Blades and the Milwaukee Admirals; and in the AHL for the Fredericton Express, Baltimore Skipjacks, Halifax Citadels and Moncton Hawks. Coaching Career - Julien began his professional coaching career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the Hull Olympiques, with whom he won the Memorial Cup in 1997. From 2000 - 2003, he served as the head coach for the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, the top minor league affiliate of the NHL’s Montreal Canadians. In 2000, Julien won a bronze medal as the head coach of the Canadian Junior team. He also served as an assistant to Marc Habscheid at the 2006 Men’s World Ica Hockey Championships. Team Canada - Julien was also assistant coach for the Canadian national team at the 2014 Winter Olympics, where he helped the team to a gold medal victory. He continued to assistant coach for the 2016 World Cup, where the team won the championship. Julien was originally to be head coach of Team Canada for the 2022 Beijing Olympics. In January 2022, Julien slipped on the ice and fractured his ribs at a training camp in Switzerland. Jeremy Colliton coached the first game while Julien recovered from the injury.
Ettore Lattanzio was born in the Ottawa region, he began his playing career at the age of 12, with the Nepean Redskins (now Eagles) in NCAFA. After a few seasons he joined the Myers Riders varsity team to play in the OVFL. After having alot of success in the league, he was able to compete on the national level for team Ontario. After high school he joined the UOttawa’s GG football team and over the course of 5 seasons he set the school sack record and won the JP Metras award as Canada’s Best Linemen. From there he entered the draft and was selected by Winnipeg in the 5th round. He made it through his first CFL camp only to be cut a week later, after which he joined the Redblacks and was able to play 5 seasons and win a Grey Cup in 2016. He retired in 2021 having played his last season in 2019 and missing the 2020 due to the pandemic cancellation. He is now a realtor and father of two and has been adjusting to life after football ever since.
Dan Tessier played major junior hockey in the OHL where he was named team captain for the Ottawa 67s. He established his success with top honors as a faceoff specialist, being awarded the OHL Top Faceoff award three years in a row through 1998 to 2000. He was also awarded the CHL Top Faceoff Award in 1999. In the 1998/99 season, Dan had and 84-point season while leading the 67s to a Memorial Cup victory. In the years that followed, Dan played at the professional level in the East Coast Hockey League, as well as playing overseas in the Holland Super League. He also played in the AHL and multiple European leagues making a name for himself internationally. In 2002, Dan opened his own hockey instruction school, running training camps for youth during the summer. In 2017, Dan started coaching girls hockey, establishing his teams as true competitors in the league. His second year coaching brought medals in nearly every tournament entered, and an OWHA Provincial Championship. Over his years of coaching, Dan has proven to know how to get the best out of his team and his tireless dedication shows his love of the sport and bringing it to the kids.
Ken is a former television journalist, host and former professional football league player. At present, Evraire is a keynote speaker/presenter, Interim Executive Director at TGC Ottawa and pre/post game analyst for the Ottawa Redblacks on TSN 1200. Football History - At the university level, he played as a slotback (SB), for the Golden Hawks of the Wilfred Laurier University from 1985 to 1988. He was named three times in the Ontario University Athletics’s first all-star team and twice in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport First All-Canadian Team. He was also named the OUA MVP in 1988 and the league's rookie of the year in 1986. In 1987, the Golden Hawks won the Yates Cup and was involved in a historic play in which he received a 106-yard pass that led the team to the Ontario championship. He was inducted in the Golden Hawks Hall of Fame in 1993. While playing football, he also earned at the same time a bachelor’s degree in communications. Evraire played nine seasons in the Canadian Football League for the Ottawa Rough Riders, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Saskatchewan Roughriders. He spent seven years with Hamilton. In 1992, while with the Tiger-Cats, he won the Lew Hayman Trophy which is awarded to the most outstanding Canadian in the Eastern Division. Ken Evraire is on a daily pursuit to set others in for success. As Principal of TECTONIC TLC, Ken advocates the power of the shift. A shift in how we think, believe, problem solve, learn and how we connect, communicate and collaborate with those who become part of our life path. Ken drawdown his experiences as a former professional athlete, award winning broadcaster and student of life. He cannot remember a single final score of a game he has played but he celebrates life connections with teammates, coaches and his supporters on a daily basis.
Janine played NCAA Division 1 ice hockey at the University of New Hampshire. She went on to play in the National Women’s Hockey League, backpacked around Europe, ran two half marathons, one full marathon, a sprint triathlon and lost 30 lbs in 8 weeks to compete in bodybuilding figure competition where she took first place. Just like the direction of a hockey game can change in an instant, so did her life….. Little did Janine know what the next decade had in store for her: from divorce, to bankruptcy, to breast cancer. Regardless of what life has thrown at her; she is true to herself, loves fiercely and is passionate about sharing her message: LIFE’S CURRENCY IS SHOWING UP. THIS CONVERSATION IS FOR ALL UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE ATHLETES; WITH AN EMPHASIS ON THOSE WHO ARE GRADUATING THIS YEAR!
❤️ LOOK UP ❤️ LOOK IN ❤️ LOOK OUT
Stephane was a NAIA Div 1 York University Freshman recruit in Nebraska, USA when his professional athletic career ambitions and his active lifestyle were immediately crushed. Although he was previously recruited by Div 1 and Div 2 NCAA universities, Steph suffered a shoulder injury in the summer before his senior year that prompted him to accept an offer at York. Only in his second month of university and recovering from a shoulder surgery, Stephane was the passenger in a terrible car crash where he suffered serious neck fractures that resulted in a complete spinal cord severance leading to quadriplegia (total paralysis from the shoulders down). This Ottawa native had moved to Rwanda at the age of 9 but it was in Uganda where he moved at 11 that his basketball skills really flourished. He found himself playing U20 basketball at the age of 13 and 14 and was part of the Jr NBA program which recruited top national talent. At 14, he left home to join Canada Topflight Academy in Ottawa for two years where he was part of the national championship team before moving to Oklahoma where he trained privately and played for Casady school for three years before being the only freshman recruited to York University varsity team. Despite the catastrophic injury, and after spending 7 months in hospital, Stephane is now back home and maintains a positive outlook on what his future will hold.
Dan is a Congolese-born Canadian football linebacker for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played U Sports football at Laval and was selected by the Redblacks in the second round of the 2020 CFL Draft. His rookie season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. He signed a contract with the team in February 2021. That year, he saw limited action as a special teams player and appeared in five games. Basambombo’s role increased in 2022, as he played in all 18 games and posted six special teams tackles. During 2023 training camp, he was placed on the six-game injured list with an undisclosed injury. What stands out to me in his younger years is Dan actually started out as a soccer player, turned to badminton and then was convinced to try out for football. A perfect example that we never know what life has in store for us. Dan takes pride on being more than an athlete. He’s currently running two businesses. One being a mobile parking application named Phista Inc. Technologies and the second one being a soft/pressure washing business called Pressure Clean. Tune in to this great chat around his mental fitness throughout his career and his plans for life after sports.
Lauren is a model, child youth counsellor, activist, social work university student and title holder of Miss Ottawa World 2022. She grew up competing in A/AA level ringette, where she developed a passion for intense sports and team bonding. Ringette was her main focus, until having to move due to family conflict to a new location where there weren’t any teams locally! This led her to try out hockey, which then became a new healthy outlet. However in a few years, she competed in her first pageant! Placing in the top 10 at her first pageant Miss Ontario 2022, she was crowned Miss Ottawa 2022 and went on to compete for Miss World Canada that fall! Lauren placed as a finalist in Miss World Canada, and won in the fitness category along with placing in the top for all speaking competitions. Since the competition Lauren has navigated life after being crowned miss Ottawa, and how to switch priorities back onto completing graduate school and transitioning back to life off the runway.
Elisa Kurylowicz is a former member of the Canadian Freestyle Ski team. She is 2 x National Champion, and a World Cup Gold medalist in the sport of Mogul Skiing. Following her professional ski career, Elisa excelled in high performance coaching. With over 20,000 hours experience at this level, Elisa is considered one of the Top female coaches in Canada and has been instrumental in the development of the sport both technically and strategically. After missing the Olympic Games in 2006, Elisa fell into a deep depression. She quit skiing, gained 85lbs in 1 year, abused her body and mind, was in an abusive relationship and was over $30,000 in credit card debt. She then hit rock bottom in 2010 where she sat for over a year. Then one day, she had a wake-up call that turned her life upside down. In that moment she was able to see her responsibility in the life she was living and how she had been conditioned to make choices that went against her true self. From that day forward, Elisa went through a conscious and unconscious journey to UNLEARN, let go, and detach from her domesticated thinking. She then lost over 85lbs, left her abusive ex-husband, got out of debt, she shifted her perspective on the world, and began her journey to self-love and self-appreciation through the practice of intuitive self-awareness. She is now a Body Image & Self Love coach, specializing in Intuitive Self-Awareness. Elisa works with women worldwide who struggle with body image, weight loss and self-worth so they can reclaim their power, heal their unconscious wounds (and conditioned beliefs) that keep them small, stand tall in their worth with integrity and live their lives by design. Her Instagram (@elisakurylowicz) has launched her into influencer status around the world. Her message is authentic, and she shares her vulnerability to connect with others in a truly relatable way. She is a big part of the #NormalizeNormalBodies movement. In addition to this, Elisa is the creator and host of Elisa Unfiltered: Living Life Out Loud the podcast. On her show, she continues her blog topics on a deeper more intimate level. Her show has over 100k downloads and is ranked in the top 1.5% globally. Elisa is a mental health advocate and leads by example. She finds the magical moments and joy in every day and understands that balance is found within the pendulum swing of life.
Marc Methot is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. During his NHL career he played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ottawa Senators, and Dallas Stars. He also played for Team Canada during the 2011, 2012 World Championships. Marc was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He played Junior Hockey for the London Knights in the OHL. After his first season with London he was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets. He played 3 seasons with the Syracuse Crunch (Columbus’ farm team) and finally made the NHL full time in his 4th pro season. A proud moment & accomplishment for Methot in the OHL was winning the Memorial Cup in his last season. (Having the honour to play against Sidney Crosby’s team in the final game - Rimouski) He spent 5 seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets, 5 seasons with the Ottawa Senators & 2 seasons with the Dallas Stars. His career ended due to a knee injury in Dallas. Seemingly appearing out of nowhere, Marc had no cartilage left in his left knee. That made transitioning and accepting retirement very challenging. Not being able to go on his own terms, coinciding with two babies at home right around that same time. Some FUN FACTS about Marc: - Erik Karlsson was his D partner in Ottawa - He’s a big advocate of wellness and exercise - Huge sauna guy. 4 times a week - He’s high strung, lots of energy - Transitioned from a busy schedule to a stay at home dad, almost overnight……
Sasha Scott was born and raised in the Bronx, NY to a Dominican-born mother and Jamaican-born father. Her parents sent her and her brothers to high school in Connecticut where she was a 3-sport varsity athlete who excelled in volleyball, basketball, and softball earning MVP honors in all three sports, as well as the captain title. In her senior year, she was selected as an All-State player in all 3 sports, a first for anyone at her high school. Although she had received interest from different schools for different sports, Sasha decided to pursue her passion for Marine Biology at The University of New Hampshire and join the Division 1 volleyball team as a walk-on her freshman year. As a result of her strong work ethic and unwavering dedication, Sasha earned a full-ride scholarship by the end of her freshman year. Sasha quickly became a force in the weight room, breaking records for squat and power clean which she still holds to this day. Sasha was also the first 3-year captain of the UNH Volleyball Team and during her career there, earned America East Defensive Specialist of the Year honors in 2002 and 2003, while helping her team win America East Championships those same years, respectively. In 2005, after earning her Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, Sasha moved cross country to San Diego, California to teach High School Biology. She kept her passion for athletics alive by coaching volleyball, basketball, softball, and a sport new to her, girls lacrosse! She later went on to becoming an Assistant Principal at the high school level for 10 years and now for the past year, you can find Sasha continuing to lead and serve her community as the proud principal of Mar Vista Academy, a 7th and 8th grade middle school in southern San Diego. Her mission is to continue to make a positive difference in the lives of today’s youth, while empowering young girls to be the best versions of themselves. Sasha’s drive, motivation, and strong work ethic doesn’t only apply to her career as she is also the proud mom of two amazing boys, Jordan (9 years old) and Kai (2 years old).
After only two years of arriving to Canada from Croatia, Milan and his family were in a car accident at the age 14 and he was orphaned. In high school played soccer at a high level, basketball, and ran track. Milan played for GG’s and was drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. In his second season he ended up breaking his hand. Next he came to play for the Ottawa Roughriders where he broke his hand once again. At this point in time, the decision to stop playing was his own as he realized that he needed to look for a career versus the uncertainty he felt from week to week. Winnipeg contacted him to come back to play but he decided not to as he had just joined London Life as an insurance advisor. Milan coached the University of Ottawa football team for one year and 14 years for the Cumberland Panthers where a number of their players went on to play in the CFL. Today Milan is the founder of TK Financial Group working with business owners and professionals to build their wealth and protect them from catastrophe. They create proven strategies combining Life Insurance, Estate Planning and Business Advising for their clients.
Mathieu Ouellette was a late bloomer, born in Clarence Creek, who finally ended up playing in the Central Junior Hockey League at the age of 18. After three and a half successful years he went on to play CIS and eventually pursued his career overseas where he would play semi-pro in both Europe and Australia! Mathieu felt lost twice after his career ended, the first one was after an ACL tear which kept him out of commission for a little over a year and the second one was after he decided to hang up his skates for good! Upon coming back from overseas, Mathieu didn’t know what was next for him! Sports was all he’d ever known and now had to do what everyone at some point has to do and that is to enter the working world! First starting out with the government, to coming home one day and deciding to start his own personal training business with the little equipment he had and barely any resources. He started his first summer with 6 athletes and today has over 70 athletes and 50 Lifetime athletes who come train through his doors. Today, Mathieu is the owner of Wally Strength & Conditioning that is dedicated and committed to helping hundreds of athletes live out their true passion!
Muji A. Karim is a successful entrepreneur and world-class adaptive athlete. His story is a truly remarkable journey up, literally, from the smouldering ash of adversity. Muji emerged from a crushing (high probability fatality), fiery automobile accident to survive (after flatlining twice) a severe head injury, burns over 30% of his body, loss of a hand, and loss of much of both legs. The accident didn’t take his incredible talent and resolve. “The burns on my body put the fire in my eyes, be the silver lining” Muji is a compelling inspirational speaker. His presentations to corporate, academic, and healthcare audiences are uplifting, enlightening, and memorable. He often includes well-received music and spoken word presentations. Muji also delights in encouraging children and adults who suffer burns and amputation to look beyond their differences to the ways that they are “differently-abled.” A short sample of Muji’s accomplishments: ✨Brand Ambassador and featured speaker for Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors (20 million members worldwide). ✨Keynote Speaker for the 3rd Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit (MIAA and MSAA) ✨Bronze medal for the 200-meter dash at the 2017 Paralympic National Championships ✨Winner of the gruelling Spartan race 2019 (Las Vegas, Nevada). ✨Speaker for Partners Healthcare System (2013 – present). ✨Featured speaker for Annual Burn Survivor ✨Conference of Brigham and Women’s Hospital (October 2019). ✨Speaker for Tedy Bruschi’s (former New England Patriots Star) “Tee Off” golf tournament ✨Dozens of corporate speaking engagements. ✨All-Conference strong safety and captain of the University of New Hampshire Football Team. ✨University of New Hampshire graduate; Bachelor’s Degree in Policy and Management ✨High school in Burlington, Vermont: All-State basketball and football player and football team captain as quarterback and defensive back; post-graduate football and basketball star at Worcester Academy, Worcester, MA. ✨Next Level Leadership -Certified ✨Muji is an entertaining spoken-word artist and musician. He is a multi-talented delight for audiences of all ages. Muji’s work can be found on iTunes and YouTube. ✨Keynote speaker at Harmony healthcare‘s annual conference ✨Founder Of Nonprofit MuJiBLaDes Inspirers .Corporation Mujiblades Apparel Brand
Gilles was drafted 10th Overall by the Edmonton Eskimos in 2004. He played in 2005 for The Ottawa Renegades. At the start of the 2006 season the Renegades franchise folded and Gilles was drafted by Hamilton in the dispersal draft but ended that year Calgary. His last year was with Winnipeg in 2007. Since retiring from Football in 2008 Gilles has remained active within the Quebec football community as a coach at various levels. Since 2010, he has worked as an educator for the Tulattavik Hospital of Ungava. Parts of his duties are to help Inuit youth return to their communities after rehabilitation. Gilles is married to Sophia since 2008 and has 2 sons Joshua (13) and Kenji (10)
Ryan Is a former Humboldt Bronco, current Team Alberta para-ice hockey member and a hopeful for the 2026 Team Canada para-ice hockey team. After the horrible bus crash April 6, 2018, Ryan was paralyzed from the chest down. He lost many of his teammates and staff members that tragic day. He was not able to play the game he loved in the way he always played it. 🏒 He attends physiotherapy regularly to achieve his dream of walking again someday. Through his commitment and determination, he is making progress at each and every session. Ryan’s journey has not been an easy one. He understands that each and every day will be a battle not just physically, but mentally as well. He enjoys public speaking where he spreads messages of positivity and motivation to those looking for ways to adapt and change their lives for the better. Ryan has received incredible support from around the world and recently started the Straz Strong Foundation. Through his foundation Ryan hopes to give back to the disabled community. His dream is to one day live in a world where people with both mental and physical disabilities can have a better quality of life through adaptive sports, gain access to inexpensive rehabilitation, and increase social awareness for those who have a limited understanding of how life is for someone with a disability. strazstrongfoundation.com/launch
Doug Smith was drafted 2nd overall to the Los Angeles Kings at 18 years old. At that time he would be the youngest player to have ever played for the LA Kings Franchise. in his rookie season, Doug was the only player on Los Angeles to play all regular season, and all playoff games. After 5 years with Los Angeles Doug played for the Buffalo Sabres (Scotty Bowman), Edmonton Oilers (Glen Sather), Vancouver Canucks (Pat Quinn) and Pittsburgh Penguins (Mario Lemieux). In his professional game #607, with a young family, Doug went full speed, head first into the end boards shattering his neck into 100s of pieces. At 29 years old his world stopped. Doug had shattered C5 and C6. He was conscious and he was lying face down on his gloves… Hearing the breaking of the bones, he had somehow protected himself from dying. Now he was severely broken. It would be traction using halo-fixation for 3 months, 3 surgeries then living in a hospital bed for over a year. Paralyzed, career over, suicidal, Doug’s physical body and emotional being had suffered catastrophic physical and catastrophic emotional trauma. His fascinating story of learning how to walk again (climbing the mountain) is unbelievable and will resonate. Today, Doug is the Award-winning author of ‘The Trauma Code, Unlocking your Performance: http://dougsmithperformance.com/books/ & ‘Thriving in Transition, How to Turn Adversity into the Opportunity of a Lifetime’ http://dougsmithperformance.com/thrive/ Doug Smith helps people to better understand healing and high-performance. Once a person sees the process it is hard to go back. “Recovery after severe trauma and the achievement of extremely high performance are the same thing to the human brain. The mind leads the body.” - Doug Smith Doug inspires, educates , and delivers a simple system each audience member can use, benefit from and share.
Jeff grew up playing hockey in St. Louis at a time when the best hockey cities laughed at us for trying to compete with them. Through hard work, dedication and self discipline he willed himself to a Division I scholarship at Western Michigan University. Jeff says "willed" because he never had the most innate ability. He made up for his lack of natural skill with one hundred percent commitment to maximizing his potential. After three years at WMU he signed with the Boston Bruins. Although he never got to play in a regular season game, he did play in seven NHL pre-season games with the Bruins and he was on their roster for playoffs. He played for the Bruins AHL team for three years before being traded to the Florida Panthers and playing for their AHL team for a season and a half. Unfortunately, he sustained multiple concussions and decided it was best for his career longevity to start playing overseas. Over the next six years he was fortunate to play in the top leagues in Italy, Norway, Austria, and Asia. Living in places that had different values and societal norms than what he was accustomed to was instrumental in his development as a person. Learning to work around ideological and cultural barriers has taught him a lot about communication, leadership and patience. Three years into his professional career he started his own off ice training company, RIPT Hockey. What started out as a hobby during his offseason’s has now turned into his full time business post playing career! Each year he personally works with hundreds of clients and as of April 2020, he began allowing people from all over the world to train with him via Train Heroic. In his first year over 2,000 people have used his online training from thirteen different countries. He considers himself very lucky that he has found a way to turn his passions into serious careers. Every day he wakes up with one goal in mind : Help his clients be better than he was and make it further than he did...by any means necessary! Give More, Be More
Craig Smith is a native Angeleno who graduated from Fairfax high school. Smith attended Worcester Academy, for a year as a post graduate student before college. He then graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. Smith was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 36th overall pick in the 2006 NBA draft. He also played for the Portland Trailblazers and most notably for The Los Angeles Clippers. After his stint in the NBA, Smith went overseas and played for teams in Israel and China. Smith is now an ambassador to his former team the LA Clipoers, a recent author with his book: Craig and his Magical Basketball, an assistant coach at Crossroads in Santa Monica, and the director of partnerships at Sootchy inc. Craig just finished the NBPA’s Broadcaster U.
Jackie is currently the NCAA Head Coach at Aurora University. She has an impressive array of coaching experiences, instructing and teaching the game of hockey at various levels. Currently Girls Hockey Director for Illinois Select and before that was Head Coach of Girl's Hockey at her alma mater, Culver Academies Prep High School. She has worked with USA Hockey for the past 8 years as a player development coach and has also coached at numerous camps and clinics in Illinois and across the country. Kooistra earned a Bachelor of Science degree at University of New Hampshire while majoring in Kinesiology and Sports Management & a minor in psychology. As a player for the Wildcats, Kooistra had an impressive career, garnering many awards and accolades. During high school and college, she was selected to play at the Olympic Training Centre in Lake Placid, NY and to participate in Team USA 18U and 22U camps. Her diverse coaching background, along with her focus on team culture, player development and skating skills make her an incredible asset to her team.
Taylor Winnett is an American Record holder in the Women’s S10 50m Backstroke and National Team Member for U.S. Paralympics swimming. She began swimming at age 4. After an unexpected spinal injury at 17 and diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome left her depressed and suicidal; she found her happiness again when she began paraswimming in 2019 as a S10/SM10/SB9. She is a Paris Paralympic hopeful and competes in 100 Butterfly, 100 Backstroke, and 400 Freestyle. She is the middle child with two sisters and wife to Jeric Winnett. In her free time she enjoys studying the Bible, spending time in nature, watching movies, playing games, and babysitting.
Cooke started playing football at a young age having grown up with her two older brothers, Jack and Sam. At the age of 10 she joined Preston North End F.C. whilst also playing in Woodlea Junior School’s football team. Cooke went on to study at Balshaw’s Church of England High School, where she captained the girls’ football team, and signed for the Blackburn Rovers F.C. Centre of Excellence at the age of 14. One year later, Cooke was sidelined by a recurring back injury and discovered freestyle football videos online. She began to learn the basics in her back garden and stopped playing football in 2015 to focus on freestyle. In 2016, at the age of 17, Cooke left Runshaw College early to pursue a career as a professional football freestyler. Since becoming a professional freestyler, Cooke has diversified her career through social media and TV, ambassadorial roles, and founding several companies.
Following life as a professional basketball player, Kurt re-created his successes in education, television, and corporate training. Kurt authored multiple books on the topic of change, and is the creator and host of the Emmy Award winning TV show - From Glory Days - that features interviews with Hall of Fame and World Champion former professional athletes about their successful transitions into life AFTER pro sports. He is the co-founder and chairman of PurposePoint and the Purpose Summit, and the driving force behind Change Like a Champion (CLAC), which is an educational, transmedia platform designed to support business and sports professionals in transitioning through life’s changes. The CLAC platform includes books, film, television, workshops, keynote presentations, events, and online learning modules. In simple terms, Change Like a Champion (CLAC) help individuals and organizations Change on Purpose, For a Purpose.
Pri Piantadosi-Lima (PREE pea-ANT-ah-DOE-cee LEE-mah) was named as the first head coach of Bulls Beach Volleyball by Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly on June 6, 2023. South Florida Beach Volleyball Head Coach (2023-present) Owner & Founder Optimum Beach (2014-23) • 2022 USAV Beach Club of the Year • 2021 Florida Region Outstanding Club Director • Develops high-level juniors and professional players • Produced 92 collegiate players USAV Beach Head Coach, National Team Development Program (2019-present) • 2022 USAV Female Junior Coach of the Year Co-founder Women’s Beach Volleyball Coaches Alliance (BVWCA) Eckerd College Assistant Coach (2012-18) • Helped launch beach volleyball program in 2015 • Helped lead the team to its first AVCA National Championship and two consecutive NCAA Championship podium finishes. Playing Background • 17-year professional career • 28 semifinal and 19 finals appearances on US pro beach tours (AVP/NVL/Jose Cuervo) • Captured 8 US professional tournament championships • Five tour titles and eight finals on Banco do Brasil Tour • Six-time champion representing Brazil on South American Tour • Continental Cup Olympic Qualifier Champion • 2009 AVP Most Improved Player • Louisiana Lafayette Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee • Two-time All-Sun Belt selection (indoor volleyball)
Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Pronger is one of the NHL’s 100 greatest players ever. Known as one of the fiercest and most dominant defensemen in the history of the league, Pronger built an impressive legacy during his 19 seasons in the National Hockey League. Over the course of his career, he was a four-time All-Star and won a Norris Trophy as the league’s best defenseman; a Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player; a Stanley Cup; and two Olympic Gold medals. Pronger is in elite company as one of 30 Triple Gold Club members – having won an IIHF World Championship (1997 - Canada), Olympic Gold (2002 and 2010 - Team Canada), and a Stanley Cup (2007 - Anaheim Ducks). Pronger grew up in Dryden, Ontario, where he played hockey on the outdoor rink, on the street, in the driveway, and at the local arena. Hockey was his passion, and the NHL was his dream. He moved away from home at the age of 15 to play in Stratford for the Cullitons. After one season in Stratford, he went on to play for the Peterborough Petes in the OHL (Ontario Hockey League) for two seasons, serving as an assistant captain and winning the OHL Championship his second season. After two seasons in Peterborough, Pronger was drafted second overall in the NHL Draft by the Hartford Whalers (now Carolina Hurricanes). He turned pro in 1993, and over the course of his career, he played for five teams, including the Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, and Philadelphia Flyers. After almost two decades in the league, he retired in 2011 due to a career-ending eye injury along with post-concussion symptoms. He finished his NHL career with 157 goals and 541 assists for 698 points, as well as 1,590 penalty minutes in 1,167 regular season games. He also had 26 goals, 95 assists, and 121 points in 173 playoff games. Following his retirement, Pronger moved back to St Louis and stayed connected to the game as a special assignment scout for the Flyers (2011-2014); a director in the NHL’s Department of Player Safety (2014-2017); and a senior advisor to the general manager (Dale Tallon) of the Florida Panthers (2017-2020). Inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame in 2015, Pronger has been a winner at every level he has played and is pursuing the same success on the business front. He brings that winning mentality and entrepreneurial spirit to his new venture, Well Inspired Travels, a boutique luxury travel company that caters to athletes, entertainers, C-suite executives, and high net worth individuals. From junior hockey to the NHL to the world stage at the Olympics, Pronger has been a leader on every team he’s played on throughout his career. Having led three different teams to the Stanley Cup Finals and served as a three-time NHL captain, he embodies the traits of a strong leader and mentor, and he has always set an example as the hardest worker in the room. An avid golfer, fisherman, reader, and traveler, Pronger currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife, Lauren, and one of his three children. His sons, Jack and George, attend Southern Methodist University, and his daughter Lilah is a freshman in High School.
After finishing a 5-year junior hockey career at both the OHL & Jr A levels, Keenan enjoyed a brief stint in USPORTS hockey with Carleton University before retiring at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to focus on his academics. Upon retiring from hockey, Keenan immediately joined the coaching ranks as both a skills development coach with Shelley Kettles//Edgemaker, and an assistant coach with the Nepean Raiders U18AAA; two years into his coaching career, he is now the associate coach of the Nepean Raiders Jr A team. He also recently founded a business in January of 2023 called Spotlight Hockey, a hockey media agency that is the first of its kind in Ontario, specializing in hockey photography, videography, & player promotion on social media.
Brad, is a Mindset and Mental Skills Coach and the Founder of The Complete Athlete. Brad uses a unique, wholistic, people first approach to help athletes and coaches find it in themselves to be the absolute best version of themselves so they can experience long term success on and off the field. Creating The Complete Athlete development programs for players, coaches and parents has been a lifelong endeavour. Learning from personal experiences and pulling from 47 years of ups, downs, overcoming obstacles, injuries and healing to ultimately living a life of consistent personal growth. Everything Brad shares, he has experienced and uses in his own life. Brads experience playing on the Canadian Junior National team, the National Baseball institute, college baseball in Long Beach California, Western International League across Canada, the U.S and ultimately a pro contract offer from the California Angels, assist him in truly understanding the individual needs of the player. Brad has also had a successful career in the Fire Service for 18 years as a Firefighter, Lieutenant and Acting Captain, giving Brad an unparalleled skillset in leadership and team dynamics, most notably, the ability to understand group dynamics while building strategies for successful outcomes in extreme high pressure situations. Brad has also owned a successful fitness business, and while in the Fire Service he was an IAFF Peer Fitness Trainer and Health and Wellness chairperson. Recent Coaching Experience: Douglas College Royals ( NWAC ) - Head Coach 2022/23 Team BC 14U 2022 - Head Coach Coaching Association of Canada - NCCP Learning Facilitator and Coach Developer Complete Athlete Clients and Partners: Baseball BC, Baseball Canada, BC Minor Baseball, Abbotsford Cardinals, Coquitlam Reds, White Rock Tritons, North Shore Twins, South Okanagan Minor Baseball, Cloverdale Minor Baseball, Big League Experience, Yale Baseball Academy, Coquitlam Little League, Chilliwack Minor Baseball, Kamloops Minor Baseball, Aldergrove Minor Baseball, West Kelowna Minor Baseball, Ridge Meadows Minor Baseball
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