A joyous victory takes a strong team and determination, and York alumni are up to the task. While the Toronto Argonauts worked hard to bring home the franchise’s 18th Grey Cup win, two York alumni played key roles as team athletic therapists. Valerie Chuong and Amanda Deluca, 2018 graduates of the Kinesiology & Health Science program in the Faculty of Health, are integral members of the medical staff for the organization. They are responsible for assisting in injury prevention, management, and with the rehabilitation of all positional groups both on and off the field. 

“Being able to start off the program as friends, and then go on to win the Grey Cup together is an experience I am very grateful for!” says Amanda. It was at a York University placement where the two met, starting as lab partners which later led to friendship. During the season, the Argos’ athletic therapists are required to work seven days a week to help athletes reach their full potential. “Spending everyday with the team since the beginning of May builds a strong rapport. I was both nervous and excited for them on the sidelines.”

York’s School of Kinesiology & Health Science has been consistently ranked among the top three programs in Ontario and among the top twenty-five in the world according to the ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.  Working towards a vision of positive change, the School is known for knowledge creation, integration, and dissemination about physical activity and its importance for human health, health science and society.

The sense of community established by the Argos organization and the family dynamic of the team stands out to both Valerie and Amanda, as does the inclusion of women working in the industry. “I know no matter what the day brings, someone will make you smile. Being part of a professional organization is not always easy, but the support shown by the team makes a huge difference,” says Valerie.

When asked about the overall experience the day of the big win Amanda added, “I am very grateful to be part of such a historic win. The environment was electric, the team was overjoyed, and it is hard to explain in words the overall experience. This is something I will never forget and will be a highlight in my athletic therapy career.” 

Valerie describes it as “surreal. I am so incredibly proud of this team and honoured to celebrate this win with them!”