Corporate
Getting to know your U SPORTS athletics staff: Shaun Ranni, Cape Breton CAPERS
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…”
- Name: Suzanne Fenerty
- School: Ryerson University
- Position: Community Engagement Coordinator
- Seniority: 6 years
- Hometown: Cole Harbour, N.S.
1. How did you get to your current position, and what do you enjoy most about our job?
Following my undergraduate degree in Nova Scotia, I moved to Toronto to pursue a Sport Marketing Diploma. Through that program, I did my work term at Ryerson where I fell in love with the culture of the department and the great work they were doing. I always wanted to get involved in university sport and work with student-athletes and I was lucky enough to get the call to stick around. What I enjoy most about my job is the tight-knit community and talented group of colleagues and students I have the pleasure of working with.
2. Who has had the most influence on your career?
She doesn’t know this, but Lauren Wilson – the former Academic Services Coordinator for the Rams – was an integral part of me finding my passion in pursuing a career in higher education. She was studying her PhD with a focus on student-athletes and opened my eyes as to what was available to me for professional development. I am now halfway through my Master’s degree in higher education and hope to continue supporting student development and success.
3. What is your greatest sporting moment or achievement?
Receiving a silver medal with StFX at the 2011 U SPORTS Women’s Hockey Championship. Although we lost to a very good McGill team, it was a proud moment and a big step for our program at the time. That same year, winning a gold medal with Team Canada at the FISU Winter Universiade in Turkey was a memorable experience.
4. How would you define a Ryerson University student-athlete?
Simply put, they are inspiring. To pursue academic and athletic excellence while contributing over 4,000 hours each year to their community and initiating co-curricular leadership opportunities for one another is exceptional. I learn a lot from the students.
5. What does success look like for the Ryerson University athletics program?
Academic achievement, playoff and national accomplishments, and significant contribution to our community through our Ryerson Rams Care program.
6. Where would you like to see Canadian university sport in the next three to five years?
More visibility on multiple platforms. Canadian university sport is a great product and deserves the exposure.
7. 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’m a big tennis fan so I’d have dinner with Serena Williams and chat about empowering women and girls through sport.
8. What would you say to a sports fan who’s never watched a U SPORTS game/tournament/competition?
Best kept secret. Get out and watch, you won’t be disappointed.
9. What do you enjoy doing when you’re away from work?
Playing golf and hockey and spending time with my daughter.