“It’s comforting knowing that there is a team of professionals behind me — people who genuinely want the best for you. It really does take a village,” says Simone Crevier, a track and field and cross-country athlete.

Simone Crevier, a fifth year Bisons track and field student-athlete

BIST supports student-athlete health through a personalized, team-based approach. The team ensures student-athletes receive consistent, integrated support that blends expertise across roles to keep their minds and bodies healthy. BIST meets once a week to talk about every team — what they have noticed and how they can better support the student-athletes.

Athletic Therapist Brad Bergen says the effectiveness of BIST comes from its team approach. He says that instead of one person trying to do everything, student-athletes get a whole group of professionals who communicate constantly, taking a holistic approach to their care.

Strength and Conditioning coach Adam Stevenson says, “If someone is clearly dealing with a mental block, I can refer them to Sports Psychology, which has been incredibly helpful.”

Sports Dietitian Janelle Vincent emphasizes the supportive, student-athlete-centered approach of the team. “Our goal is to meet student-athletes where they are—physically, mentally and across their sport—to help them feel their best.”

Athletic Therapist Brad Bergen (right) alongside a Athletic Therapy Certification Candidate

BIST team members say seeing student-athletes grow and transform is what makes their work so meaningful. For Bergen, supporting athletes from their very first appointment all the way to returning to their sport is what makes being part of Bison Sports truly special.

“Seeing how happy and accomplished they are, that’s such a gratifying feeling,” says Bergen.

For Stevenson, the most rewarding part of his role is seeing someone achieve a goal they knew was going to be lofty.

“Whether it’s winning a medal, beating a long-time rival, or coming back after a serious injury, those moments are incredibly satisfying. Everyone has goals and helping them reach what once felt impossible is why we do this work.”

Vincent adds that the most rewarding part of her role is when a student-athlete comes in struggling—low energy, recurring injuries, or just not feeling their best—and after working together, they start to notice a real difference. “They often say, ‘I feel so much better, physically and mentally.’ That’s the part I love most.”

BIST emphasizes that seeking support demonstrates strength and is a skill student-athletes can carry with them for life. Bergen echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that the team truly cares for the student-athletes. “I’m invested in their progress and their success,” he says.

The impact of BIST is clear in the experiences of student-athletes like Crevier. “Having this team behind me, and all of the student-athletes, has made a huge difference in my career,” she says.

Crevier encourages others to take full advantage of the resources available. “They’re amazing. If you want to perform at your best, lean on BIST—the resources are there to support you.”

The new emblem features a forward-facing bison that is primarily brown and gold with white and blue accents. Though not a traditional Bisons colour, blue was added to the University of Manitoba’s logo in back 2019. According to the school, it has been added here “to ensure visual cohesion with the university’s broader brand.”

To read the entire article, please follow the link to 3 Down Nation.

He talks about competing internationally for the first time, preparing for the event, and what it means to represent both the University of Manitoba and Team Canada.

Turner also shares the support he’s received from Neepawa and what’s next on his athletic calendar.

To listen to the entire conversation, please follow the link to CBC Manitoba.

The No. 3 seeded Herd captured their eighth title in school history with a commanding 3-1 win (25-20, 25-19, 24-26, 25-16) over No. 5 seed Montreal on Sunday in front of a sold-out home crowd of over 3500.

And the media responded and covered the monumental win.

Here are some of the outlets who covered the big game:

Winnipeg Free Press: Bisons are best

Radio-Canada: University of Manitoba women’s volleyball team inspires the next generation

CBC Manitoba: Bisons win U Sports women’s volleyball crown on home court

Winnipeg Sun: Manitoba Bisons reach U Sports women’s volleyball final

CTV Morning Live & Virgin Radio: Chatting with Virgin Radio about Bison Women’s Volleyball

The Canadian Press: Bisons beat Carabins to win U Sports women’s volleyball crown on home court

Chris D: Manitoba Bisons Capture First National Women’s Volleyball Title in 11 Years

Did you miss the game but want to see all the action? Please follow the link to CBC’s YouTube channel

Surrounded by his past and present players, friends, and passionate football fans, Coach Brian Dobie took to the stage—not to boast of his own achievements, but to celebrate the remarkable journeys of the athletes he had the privilege of coaching. As the evening drew to a close, one thing became undeniably clear: nothing is impossible!

From the moment he began speaking, Brian Dobie’s selflessness and genuine love for his players shone through. He shared stories about the lives he had watched transform, the hurdles overcome, and the belief of potential of those who had walked through the doors of the Bison Football Program.

One of the most powerful stories he shared was that of Maya Turner, who was present at the lecture. He recalled the first time he came across her film—initially keeping it on the back burner as it wasn’t traditional game footage, however, evidently, her film stood out above all others. Turner was brought into tryouts, going up against their graduating kicker, and time and time again, she outperformed him. Dobie made sure to highlight that Maya Turner wasn’t just good for a girl—she was flat out good. Today, she holds her place in history as the first woman ever to play and score in a U SPORTS football game.

Another inspiring story that resonated deeply with the audience was that of Nick Thomas. Also in attendance, Thomas’s journey to the Bisons was nothing short of incredible. He grew up in the foster care system, moving through ten different foster homes after his father was deported and his mother was unable to care for him and his sister. Initially skeptical about recruiting from community football, Dobie was won over by Thomas’s film. But the real challenge came when Thomas stepped into his office one day, ready to quit. He believed he was “too dumb” for university and convinced he wouldn’t be able to grasp Coach Pierre’s defensive drills. Dobie refused to let him give up, urging him to persevere. That perseverance paid off—Nick Thomas is now an Academic All-Canadian and a First-Team All-Canadian.

While the lecture had its deeply emotional moments, it was also filled with laughter. One sentiment that Dobie emphasized was what makes being a Bison so unique: this university cares. He recounted the criticisms he’s heard from others, who say, “You guys accept everyone.” His response was simple yet impactful: “Yes, and shouldn’t we? Shouldn’t we give students opportunities to further their education?”

By the end of the night, every person in the room left inspired. Brian Dobie’s words weren’t just about football—they were about life, about perseverance, and about believing in the impossible. It was a privilege to have him at the Marjorie Ward Lecture, and an even greater privilege to witness the impact he has made on so many lives.

After 27 years as an assistant coach, Pierre was the chosen successor to Brian Dobie, who retired at the end of the 2024 season after 29 years at the helm. He beat out three other finalists for the job.

A Canada West conference All-Star as a linebacker with the Bisons in 1991, Pierre returned to coach the position in 1998. He was promoted to defensive co-ordinator after one season and added the assistant head coach tag in 2005.

To read the entire story, please follow the link with the Winnipeg Free Press. 

To watch the full video, please visit the link here with CBC Manitoba. 

To watch the entire conversation, please visit CTV Morning Live Winnipeg.

“On the field she will lift up her teammates, while destroying any possible attacks from the opponent, all with the biggest and brightest smile in the stadium.”

Scott also played five years at the University of Manitoba, where she was named team MVP three times and the Bison Sports Female Athlete of the Year in 2009-10.

To read the full story on Desiree’s career and announcement, please visit CBC Sports. 

Spring 2024 Bachelor of Arts honours graduates Light Uchechukwu and Catherine Nadine St. John are no exception. The Faculty of Arts connected with each of them to ask about their time at UM:

What degree and program are you graduating with?

Light Uchechukwu: I’m graduating with a B.A. Honours degree in psychology. I have always loved learning about human behavior and how our minds function. I have a strong passion for learning and speaking out about mental health, and I’ve always wanted to help people who are struggling. 

Catherine Nadine St. John: I’m graduating with a B.A. Honours degree in history. I really, really love history- the reasons are too long to list here! I must thank Dr. Jorge Nállim, who encouraged me to do an honours degree, which was invaluable to me, and I really enjoyed it.

What is one thing that stands out to you from your time in the Faculty of Arts?

LU: Working alongside Dr. Kristin Reynolds, my thesis advisor during my last year. I learned a lot about research, specifically qualitative research. (Ed. Note: Her thesis is being refined for a first-authored publication.)

CS: It’s absolutely the community I had with my fellow students and in the history department generally. I’ve done nothing alone!

What are your plans for the future?

LU: To do my master’s degree in psychology. Throughout my time at UM, I have developed a love for research and would love to keep participating in different projects. I also hope to become a practicing psychologist.

CS: To pursue an MA in environmental history at UBC, which I’m both excited about and scared for! Thanks to all the professors who helped me apply for graduate school and offered advice on my applications.

What experiences outside the classroom were you most grateful for?

LU: The time I got to spend with my teammates (Ed note: Light was the captain of the Bisons women’s volleyball team). Getting to play the game we love at UM and playing in big games such as the CanWest Championships are moments that will stay with me forever. My team made my time here at UM the best I could ever ask for.  

CS: I love the U of M, partly because I know I was incredibly lucky. My cohort was really close, and it was great to make so many friends! I’m grateful for all the other students I met through UMHiSA (UM history student’s association). My time at the university would have been a lot lonelier without it. I’m also grateful for the URA, which allowed me to work with both Dr. Roisin Cossar and Dr. Kiera Ladner, which was really invaluable research experience. I’m continuing my work with them this summer, and it’s been very fun. 

Tell us about one of your favourite moments in the Faculty of Arts.

LU: Taking the Science of Intuition class with Dr. Launa Leboe-McGowan. I will always remember the conversations, content, and people in that seminar. We had great discussions on the science of human intuition, and I remember continually leaving that class wanting to share everything we discussed with my friends and family. 

CS: I don’t know if I can narrow my favorite specific thing, so I’ll pick a broad thing: all my seminars! In no specific order, Jocelyn Thorpe’s class on Canadian environmental history is why I’m doing the MA program I am, Jorge Nállim’s classes are why I’m learning Spanish, David Parent’s class on Urban Indigeneity was awesome, as was Jordan Howell’s class, David Churchill’s, Esyllt Jones’, Jennifer Dueck’s, and Orysia Kulick’s. Thanks for all of your help and teaching!

Any final messages?

LU: If I could go back, I would tell my first year self to be more outgoing, step out of my comfort zone, and talk to people. The people you meet are the best part of your degree.

CS: Congratulations everyone! Be excellent to each other!

Uchechukwu and St. John will convocate along with over 600 other Faculty of Arts undergraduate students in two ceremonies on June 4, 2024.