Smith School of Business welcomes eight Team Canada Athletes this spring

Smith awards march 2025

Toronto/Kingston, Ont. (March 31, 2025) – Today, Smith School of Business, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Game Plan announced a new cohort of Team Canada athletes that will be welcomed into the Smith community. 

After years of elite-level sport, eight athletes have been granted Game Plan Awards to pursue their post-secondary education and build their business acumen across five Smith graduate programs: Executive MBA Americas, Executive MBA – The National Program, Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence, Master of International Business, and Master of Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship. 

Congratulations to:  

  • Ahmed Shamiya, Wrestling (Executive MBA Americas)

  • Sami Jo Small, Hockey (Executive MBA Americas)

  • Carolyn Ganes, Rowing (Executive MBA - The National Program)

  • Emmanuela Jada, Rugby (Executive MBA - The National Program)

  • Jules Lefebvre, Snowboard (Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence)

  • Mark Zielonka, Canoe/Kayak Slalom (Master of International Business)

  • Dakota Whyte, Basketball (Master of Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship)

  • Martin Robitaille, Sailing (Master of Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship)

These successful applicants join a network of over 350 Team Canada athletes who have attended Smith’s professional graduate and Certificate in Business programs. Smith is the Official National Business Education Partner for both the COC and Canadian Paralympic Committee, and a Founding Partner of Game Plan, Canada’s holistic athlete-support network.

"Smith is proud to empower athletes from Canada's national teams with the tools they need to succeed in the business world, recognizing that their drive and experience with teamwork and coaching enriches both their own growth and that of their peers," said Lynnette Purda, Dean (Interim), Smith School of Business. "Together with Game Plan, we are excited to welcome these athletes to the community at Smith and showcase what can be achieved through education and collaboration.”

Smith’s academic awards program is a key component of Game Plan, which empowers Canada’s national athletes with practical ways to live healthy, balanced and personally successful lives at every stage of their journey. In partnership with Game Plan, Smith provides financial awards to current and former Canadian National Team, Olympic and Paralympic athletes across its professional graduate programs and Certificate in Business.

“We’re so proud to celebrate these eight incredible athletes as they take the next step in their journey, whether they’re still competing, transitioning, or retired,” said Cara Button, Senior Manager, Game Plan. “Education can be a game-changer for athletes, helping them expand their skills, explore new career paths, and continue striving for excellence beyond sport. We’re grateful for our partnership with Smith, whose support gives Canada’s national athletes the chance to grow wherever they are in their journey.”

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 is Canada’s holistic athlete-support network. Its nationwide team of world-class experts and specialized advisors empower national athletes with practical ways to live healthy, balanced, and personally successful lives at every stage of their journey. Game Plan’s growth-centred programs, structured services, and everyday resources are custom designed to support the total well-being of every individual athlete.

Established in 2015, Game Plan is a globally leading initiative which functions in collaboration with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), Sport Canada and the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN).