Two Team Canada athletes to join Smith’s Accelerated MBA program in early 2026

Kingston, Ont. — Today, Smith School of Business, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Game Plan announced that two Team Canada athletes, Elissa Alarie (Rugby) and Declan McCormack (Alpine Ski), will join Smith’s Accelerated MBA program beginning in January 2026. Both athletes have been granted Game Plan Awards to support their academic journeys.

Elissa and Declan join a growing number of Canadian national team athletes who are choosing Smith for their next chapter. Through its partnership with Game Plan, Canada’s holistic athlete-support network, Smith has supported over 250 athletes in developing the knowledge and leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s business landscape via its professional graduate programs and Certificate in Business.

A high-performance pathway to business leadership

Smith’s Accelerated MBA is designed for professionals with an undergraduate degree in business or commerce. The program offers an intensive 12-month experience that builds on prior academic and career foundations, emphasizing real-world application, strategic thinking, and Smith’s signature team-based learning model.

For Elissa, who earned a degree in accounting prior to competing internationally for Team Canada, the Accelerated MBA is a natural next step.

“After earning my accounting degree 15 years ago, my focus shifted entirely to chasing my dream of representing Canada on the world stage,” says Elissa. “Now, as I transition from my athletic career, it feels like the right time to return to school. The Accelerated MBA at Smith stood out because of its strong reputation, incredible network and team-based approach to learning.”

She’s eager to bring the lessons from her time in elite sport to the business world.

“Rugby shaped who I am, both on and off the field. It taught me how to thrive under pressure, work toward ambitious shared goals and embrace feedback as a tool for growth. On the field, every player has a role, and success depends on having complete confidence in one another. Those same principles apply to business.”

Declan, who represented Canada in alpine skiing, brings a similarly focused mindset to the program. With a deep understanding of resilience, discipline and continuous improvement, he is looking to apply those same principles to business challenges and leadership development.

“Ski racing for my nation for multiple years taught me resilience, discipline and accountability. Success required more than talent; it demanded preparation, total self-belief and high standards,” says Declan. “I carry those same principles into business, aiming to contribute with persistence and adaptability while supporting others and keeping the team’s long-term vision in focus.”

Supporting athletes beyond sport

Emily Saunders, Director, Accelerated MBA says Smith is thrilled to welcome Elissa and Declan to the program. “Their accomplishments in sport are impressive, and we know they will bring that same drive, discipline and collaborative spirit to the classroom and beyond.”

Smith is proud of its continuing role as the Official National Business Education Partner for both the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee and a founding partner of Game Plan, supporting athletes in their post-athletic career journeys and providing the opportunity for athletes and classmates to learn from one another.

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 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).