Corporate
Canadian University Tennis Championships: Good as gold for University of Montreal
U SPORTS sits down with one key athlete, coach, and staff member of each U SPORTS athletic program in our new interview series “Getting to know…”
Name: Marlena Stubbings
School: University of Victoria
Position: Events & Championship Coordinator
Seniority: 16 years
Previous job/position: Vikes Summer Camp Supervisor, On-call teacher
Hometown: Victoria, B.C.
1. How did you get to your current position, and what do you enjoy most about our job?
I joined the Vikes family as a student-athlete right out of high school and then began work as a Vikes summer camp leader during my undergraduate degree. After completing a second degree at UVic, I was hired as the Vikes Athletic Event and Summer Camp Supervisor. In 2014, I was appointed as the Vikes Events Coordinator.
I enjoy the dynamic work environment in university athletics and find creating outstanding experiences for the athletes, coaches, fans, partners and community very rewarding.
2. Who has had the most influence on your career?
Our Vikes student-athletes and the dedicated team at Vikes Athletics and Recreation. I grew up visiting campus for training as an athlete, then completed two degrees at UVic before working in a variety of roles for the department. The University of Victoria feels like a second home to me with the Vikes being like family.
3. What is your greatest sporting moment or achievement?
Winning the 400-metre individual medley at the 1997 CIAU Swimming Championship and in 2003 completing Ironman Canada in Penticton, B.C.
4. How would you define a Vikes student-athlete?
Dedicated, hard-working individuals that enjoy the lifestyle offered by UVic’s beautiful campus and city.
5. What does success look like for the Vikes University athletics program?
Beyond winning and hosting successful championship events, creating amazing experiences, relationships and programs that build responsible global-minded citizens. It is so rewarding to watch our student-athletes compete and also talk to them and celebrate their successes in the classroom, as well as beyond as they continue to set and achieve their goals on and off the competition field.
6. What’s the biggest challenge you face in today’s sports world?
Today there are so many choices for community events and activities, ensuring university sport is front of mind for supporters in the community is an on-going focus.
7. Where would you like to see Canadian university sport in the next three to five years?
It would be great to see more support for Canadian university sport as we continue to build partnerships with NSOs as well as with athlete development programs.
8. If you could sit down for dinner with one person in the sports industry (athlete, coach or manager), who would it be? Why? What would you talk about?
I was blown away watching Kieran Perkins break the world record at the 1994 Commonwealth games. Now I’m inspired by talking to our Vikes coaches and athletes – there is so much rich history in our coaching staff – I’m always learning something new!
9. What would you say to a sports fan who’s never watched a U SPORTS game/tournament/competition?
I would encourage them to come out and take in the experience! Watching varsity student-athletes compete at a high level is inspiring entertainment.
10. What do you enjoy doing when you’re away from work?
I still enjoy being in or on the water - swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing and wake surfing.