U SPORTS News

U SPORTS sits down with one key athlete, coach, and staff member of each U SPORTS athletic program in our interview series “Getting to know…”

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  • Name: Shaun Ranni
  • School: Cape Breton University
  • Position: Varsity Athletics & Recreation Coordinator
  • Seniority: 3 years
  • Previous job/position: Athletic Director, Clifford International School of Guangzhou
  • Hometown: Sydney, N.S

1. How did you get to your current position, and what do you enjoy most about our job?

I had been a sport administrator and teacher for nine years abroad and was looking to move back to Canada. I was lucky that a position at my alma mater came up at the same time. My favorite part of the job being an integral part of moving the university’s goals in varsity athletics and recreation.

2. Who has had the most influence on your career?

I have had many mentors that I have learned from including the current CBU Athletic Director John Ryan.

3. What is your greatest sporting moment or achievement?

My greatest sporting moment during my time at Cape Breton University was being involved with the 2017 U SPORTS men’s soccer national championship team at Cape Breton University. Being able to be at the game and on the field as the final save was made and be part of the celebration.

4. How would you define a CBU University student-athlete?

Proud, Strong and Fierce. Deeply connected to Cape Breton Island.

5. What does success look like for the Cape Breton University athletics program?

A complete champion. Success in the community, in the classroom and on the field.

6. What’s the biggest challenge you face in today’s sports world?

The best plan for an online presence of our programs without taking away attendance at our events and changing the student-athlete experience.

7. Where would you like to see Canadian university sport in the next three to five years?

I would like to see the reversal of cutting programs at universities and see schools add more teams and individual athletic opportunities.

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 would love to sit down with Bobby Clarke. The main reasons would be that I am a lifelong hockey and Flyers fan and second because he was able to successfully transfer from being a player to a coach, to a general manager and finally to team president. I would pick his brain on that transition from player all the way through to an administrator.

9. What would you say to a sports fan who’s never watched a U SPORTS game/tournament/competition?

Get out to game in person! Come watch high-level student-athletes compete and give their all every time they step in competition.

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10. What do you enjoy doing when you’re away from work?

I love to travel, I’ve been lucky enough to visit over 90 countries and have learned many life lessons from those travels.