AthLeadership, in partnership with Canadore College and proudly designed and facilitated by COACH+, is honoured to announce Peyton Smith as the inaugural recipient of the AthLeadership Path Award, sponsored by COACH+.
The AthLeadership program is full of invested varsity student-athletes who come together with tenacity and vulnerability. Led by Glenn Cundari, and supported by Cameron Daniels and the COACH+ team, this program embodies the best qualities of young people – their creativity, their contagious energy, their curiosity about themselves and the world, tons of laughter, and their commitment to developing alongside us.
This award is designed to recognize a varsity athlete who has demonstrated meaningful leadership and a keen interest in continuing their learning. Since the start of her AthLeadership journey in the fall of 2024, Peyton has capitalized on the opportunities of our time together. She was selected for this award because, throughout her two years in the program, she consistently had a positive attitude, offered support to the other program members, and engaged deeply with topics on sport and leadership.
Glenn comments on our collective emotions at COACH+ on choosing Peyton as our first-ever Path Award recipient:
“We’re really proud of Peyton. She has a unique way of balancing quiet leadership with a more expressive side – that’s really unique. She consistently shows vulnerability, a willingness to grow. We’re excited to support her in the next phases of her education and career.”
More than a traditional award, the Path Award is an invitation into a 12-month mentorship initiative designed to support the athlete’s continued development in sport and in life outside of sport. It is unique in its malleability; Peyton, and future recipients will all experience this mentorship differently.
As the inaugural recipient, Peyton will work closely with COACH+ over the next year; she will receive personalized mentorship in relationship-building and gain real-world experiences such as career exploration and expanding her network. The purpose is not only to recognize the leadership she has already shown but also to support the next chapter of her path, tailored to her goals and interests.
Peyton, on the significance of the AthLeadership program and receiving the Path Award:
“AthLeadership has taught me a lot about growth, resilience, and what it means to lead with purpose. It’s changed how I approach challenges and given me tools that will support my leadership journey both on and off the court. I’m really thankful to Glenn and COACH+ for this opportunity. It means a lot to be the inaugural recipient of the AthLeadership Path Award, and I’m excited to keep growing from this experience.”
This inaugural year marks the beginning of recognizing the legacy of the dedicated athletes in Canadore College’s AthLeadership program. We hope to extend and expand the impact of the AthLeadership program, celebrating the courage and joy our athletes contribute to this program each season.
