From the Classroom to the Locker Room: Students Explore Sports Careers at Scotiabank Arena
By Ms. Romanowich and Ms. O'Connor
This week, our Grade 12 Kinesiology class and aspiring sports professionals traded the classroom for the bright lights of Scotiabank Arena. The day kicked off with a Raptors Career Forum panel right on the arena floor, where five MLSE professionals pulled back the curtain on the multi-billion dollar sports industry.
The panel featured a diverse range of expertise:
- Emily Sitarz (Specialist, Game Presentation)
- Connor Kelly (Account Executive, Sales)
- Chris De Leon (Manager, Lifecycle & Performance Marketing)
- Spencer Gibson (Manager, Community & Sport Partnerships)
- Lauren Kilgour (Manager, VIP Experiences & Hospitality)
Following the discussion, students were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour, including a rare stop in the Toronto Maple Leafs dressing room. After some free time to explore and eat, the group cheered the Toronto Raptors to a dominant 121-95 victory over the Miami Heat.
While the win on the court was huge, the real "W" was the career wisdom our students brought home. Here are some of the key takeaways from the pros:
- Volunteer Your Way In: Emily Sitarz called volunteering the "stair stepper" of her career, urging students to be intentional with their community service hours to gain experience where they currently lack it.
- Build Your "Disney World": Spencer Gibson shared how his time at Walt Disney World became his biggest interview talking point. He encouraged students unsure of their path to find a "cool experience" at a top-tier organization to build world-class customer service skills and something that jumps off the page on a resume.
- Persistence Pays Off: Connor Kelly, a massive Raptors fan, shared his story of being rejected twice before finally landing his dream role. His message: "Do not throw in the towel. Share your dreams and ideas with your connections and go for it!"
- Be a Great Teammate: Chris De Leon reminded students that technical skills matter, but being someone people want to work with is what keeps you in the building.
- Don't Fear the Pivot: Lauren Kilgour, a former professor at The University of Waterloo, highlighted that it is okay to change your mind and shift from academia to industry to find fulfillment.
The day offered a valuable opportunity to gain insightful advice from industry professionals, experience the world of sport from a unique perspective, and build meaningful new connections.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
