For more than two decades, Leigh Goldie and Michele McConney have selflessly served the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association.
It’s only fitting that the long-time delegates, who began their CCAA careers in the early 1990s as volleyball convenors, are stepping away at the same time.
“Michele and Leigh each have more than 20 years of elected service to the CCAA, a feat that is truly remarkable and fitting of the name ‘Senator’,” said Sandra Murray-MacDonell, CCAA Chief Executive Officer. “Being elected to a CCAA position for this amount of time is a testament to their dedication and a reflection on their ability to lead and guide the Association over the last quarter century.”
Goldie and McConney were both honoured at the CCAA annual general meeting in Quebec City. They received “CCAA Senator” commemorative rings.
Goldie, who had a 41-year teaching career in the Kinesiology Department at GPRC in Grande Prairie, AB, served the CCAA for 26 consecutive years. He was the Men’s Volleyball Convenor for an incredible 19 straight seasons (1992-2011) before joining the CCAA Executive in 2011. Goldie sat as VP Programs from 2011-14 and President from 2014-18.
As CCAA President, Goldie had a calming effect at the table. He was a respected leader who served as mediator and never let discussions sway to the unproductive side.
As VP Programs, Goldie was responsible for the ideas of having a CCAA future host workshop as well as having a member of the host committee attend the previous year’s National Championship.
“Leigh is a true champion of CCAA National Championships,” said Murray-MacDonell. “He always ensured through policy and best practices that hosts were well prepared to put on the best championship possible for student-athletes.”
Alan Rogan, who was elected as the CCAA’s 13th President at the AGM, appreciated Goldie’s relaxed approach to each situation as well as his passion and dedication to collegiate sport in Canada.
“He has a ton of history and knowledge about the CCAA and knows almost every person who has been on the Executive from the start of the association, or it seems like that,” he said.
After serving on the CCAA Executive for the past six seasons with Goldie, Rogan learned that how you treat people is how they will treat you.
“Kindness goes a long way,” he said.
McConney, the Manager of Athletics at Georgian College in Barrie, ON, was a part of the Association for 21 years. She was Women’s Volleyball Convenor for 11 straight seasons (1991-2002). McConney next served as the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Director from 2008-14 before joining the CCAA Executive as VP Governance from 2014-18.
“Michele always brought an objective view to the CCAA table,” said Murray-MacDonell. “As a director and as an Executive member she always a wore a CCAA hat – a feat that is difficult to do.”
As VP Governance, McConney was instrumental in updating human resources policies and securing a pension plan for CCAA staff.
Linda Stapleton, former CCAA President and current OCAA Director, always appreciated McConney’s professionalism, sense of humour and calming presence at the table.
“Throughout her career, Michelle has been an advocate within the OCAA and the CCAA for student-athletes and in particular, women’s sport development,” said Stapleton.
McConney’s many years as a National Convenor and member of the Executive are a reflection of her passion and dedication.
“Her success in each of these positions is in part attributable to respectful reflection of diverse opinions and her amicable, positive nature,” said Stapleton.
Thank you, Leigh & Michele!
