Preparing for Life Beyond Sport
Welcome to Sport ExtendED, where your student-athletes' success is our top priority. As a former student-athlete with three degrees and one certificate, I understand firsthand the unique challenges and pressures your athletes face.
Choosing Sport ExtendED means choosing a partner who is deeply committed to the success of your student-athletes. My lived experience, combined with a proven track record of supporting athletes, makes me the best option for helping your athletes thrive academically while excelling in their sport.
Join us in empowering your student-athletes to reach their highest potential. Together, we can create a future where they not only succeed in their sport but also build a strong foundation for life beyond it.
ABOUT
Sport ExtendED
Who I Am
As a former student-athlete who has earned three degrees and one certificate, I intimately understand the unique challenges your athletes face. My journey to this point was not smooth; I encountered many setbacks and challenges due to injury; both mental and physical. However, with the right support, a mindset shift, and a strong community around me, I was able to overcome these obstacles, successfully completing a Bachelor's of Science (BSc) in Kinesiology, a certificate in Fitness Assessment & Exercise Counselling, a Masters of Fitness Science (MFSc) in Kinesiology, and a Masters of Teaching (MT) in Education, Curriculum, and Learning.
I believe education is a crucial stepping stone to a better quality of life, and I'm passionate about helping others achieve their version of academic success while competing in and training for the sport they love. My lived experience equips me with the empathy, insight, and strategies needed to support your athletes in preparing for life beyond sport. Let’s work together to unlock their full potential, both on and off the field.
My Credentials
As a former high-level student-athlete, I understand the scheduling challenges that athletes face. My professional background includes:
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Academic Advisor for Student-Athletes at York University: I developed and implemented the academic support program for at-risk student-athletes, ensuring they received the necessary assistance to succeed academically.
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Education: I hold a Master’s Degree in Teaching from the University of Toronto's Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE).
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Certifications & Courses:
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Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT #: 718677)
Ontario College of Teachers - June 2022 -
Certified Exercise Physiologist
Health and Fitness Federation of Canada (HFFC) - April 2017 -
Appreciative Advising
Florida Atlantic University - March 2023 -
Challenging Ableism Breaking Barriers to Social Inclusion
York University: Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion - December 2023 -
SafeTalk Start: Suicide Prevention Training
LivingWorks – February 2023 -
Introduction to Special Education & Mental Health
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (Master of Teaching program) - April 2022 -
Foundations of Teaching & Pedagogy
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (Master of Teaching program) – December 2020
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Teaching Experience: With five years of post-secondary teaching experience, I have served as a teaching assistant and instructor for both undergraduate and graduate courses. Additionally, I have been an "Incoming Student Mentor" with the Halton District School Board and a former high school teacher at the Toronto District School Board. During my time at the Toronto District School Board, I completed a specialized placement with the Centre for Black Student Achievement geared towards exploring teaching strategies and building academic programs to best support Black students.
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Research and Advocacy: I assisted with the Ontario University Athletics "Are We One?" Report (2020-2022) and worked as a research assistant with the Indigeneity, Diaspora, Equity & Anti-Racism in Sports (IDEAS) Research Lab at the University of Toronto (2020-2022) and Brock University (2024).
At Sport ExtendED, we are dedicated to supporting student-athletes in preparing for life beyond sport. Our holistic, student-centered approach aims to provide the tools and resources needed for academic success and career readiness.
Alyssa McQuaid
Owner, Lead Consultant
OUR SERVICES
Helping Athletes Achieve
Academic and Athletic Success
Academic Support Consultation
We work with coaches, athletics departments, and post-secondary institutions to build and strengthen academic support structures tailored to the unique needs of student-athletes.
Learning Needs Assessment
We conduct thorough educational assessments to identify the individual learning needs of student-athletes and audit the available services at their institution, providing guidance on how to access these resources effectively.
'Next Steps' Career & Higher Education Assessment
We take your athletes through a series of assessments to determine their interests, aptitudes, and curiosities. These findings inform recommendations on what subject areas to study, degrees to pursue, and/or jobs to apply for.
Workshops
Our workshops cover a range of essential skills, including career readiness, resume design, cover letter writing, interview preparation, and custom content to address specific needs.
Pricing
Academic Support Consultation*
$1500 per hour
*Ideal for athletics departments and/or post-secondary institutions.
Learning Needs Assessment*
$250 per assessment
*Contact for team pricing.
'Next Steps'
Assessment
$250 per assessment
*Contact for team pricing.
Workshops
Existing*: $125 per hour
Custom: $175 per hour
*contact for a list of existing workshops.
Why Choose Sport ExtendED
We are student athlete-centred, research-backed, community-informed, and passion-driven.
5+
250+
10+
Years of Experience
Student Athletes Supported
Teams Supported