Stronger together: Canadore College Sports Academy builds performance and community

As its summer training programs approach the finish line, Canadore College’s Panthers Sports Academy is celebrating another season of helping athletes elevate their performance, build meaningful connections and become part of a supportive training community.

 Based at the Canadore Panthers Sportsplex, the Academy provides expert-led strength and conditioning programs designed to improve speed, agility, strength and mobility. Its programming supports athletes at different ages and stages of development, from young competitors building foundational skills to advanced athletes preparing for elite-level competition.

 “The Panthers Sports Academy is about more than physical training,” said Ryan Drouin, Manager, Athletics and Student Life at Canadore College. “It brings together outstanding facilities, knowledgeable coaches and Canadore’s academic expertise to create meaningful opportunities for athletes, students and graduates. Just as importantly, it creates a community where participants can challenge one another, celebrate their progress and feel supported as they work toward their goals.”

 The Academy includes four primary program streams: the Summer High Performance Academy, Summer Speed Training, the Team Academy and the Breakfast Academy.

 Running from May through August, the Summer High Performance Academy provides intensive training for competitive athletes aged 14 and older. Athletes participate in programming focused on speed and acceleration, changes of direction, strength, power, endurance, flexibility and mobility.

 Summer Speed Training is open to athletes aged 10 and older, with a focus on developing speed, explosiveness, agility, reactivity, footwork and coordination. Performance testing conducted at the beginning and end of each training commitment helps participants measure their progress.

 Training takes place at the 85,000-square-foot Canadore Panthers Sportsplex. The year-round facility includes a full-sized FIFA regulation soccer field, two multipurpose courts and a high-performance training area equipped with advanced fitness equipment.

 Leading the Academy’s programming is Performance Director Caleb Mady, who brings nearly a decade of experience working with high-performing athletes. Mady holds a Master of Science in Kinesiology and several professional credentials, including Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Functional Range Strength Coach. He is also a professor in Canadore’s Strength and Sport Conditioning program and Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the North Bay Battalion.

 “Every athlete who comes through the Academy has different goals, abilities and experiences, so our approach is built around meeting them where they are and helping them move forward,” said Mady. “At the same time, they are not doing that work alone. We are building a supportive community where athletes encourage one another, form connections and feel like they belong. That environment helps participants push themselves, stay accountable and grow both as athletes and as people.”

 That combination of individualized training and community support has made an impact on participants across different sports and levels of competition.

 “This summer, Canadore training has pushed me to become stronger, faster, and better in every aspect,” said professional hockey player Ty Nelson. “The hard work, long days, and constant challenges have helped me grow not only as an athlete, but also as a person. With this being a contract year, this summer is especially important for my career, and I know the work I put in now can make a big difference in what comes next. I’ve learned the importance of discipline, consistency, and pushing through when things get tough. I’m grateful for everyone who has pushed me and helped me along the way. I’m leaving this summer stronger, faster, more confident, and ready for whatever comes next.”

 For participant Aria Loewen, the Academy has provided support while transitioning between sports.

 “The Sports Academy has supported my change in sport from mogul skiing to triathlon, keeping me injury-free and training safely,” said Loewen.

 The Academy also provides an important connection to Canadore’s academic programming. Two Strength and Sport Conditioning students entering the second year of their program currently coach in the Academy alongside two recent graduates. These roles allow students and graduates to apply what they have learned, work directly with athletes and pursue professional accreditations while building their experience, professional networks and connections within the local sport community.

 The Academy’s impact also extends beyond traditional sport. Through a partnership with ITTC Canada, student pilots have access to training and resources that help prepare them for the physical demands of advanced tactical flight training.

 “The Sports Academy is an important partner in supporting the performance and well-being of our student pilots,” said Marcus Tignanelli, Business Operations Manager at ITTC Canada. “Their team provides access to professional training, conditioning and recovery resources that help our students meet the physical demands of advanced tactical flight training. It is another example of the strong local partnerships that make North Bay an ideal home for ITTC and allow us to deliver a world-class training experience.”

 Through partnerships like this, the Academy is creating connections among athletes, students, graduates, local teams and community organizations. These relationships expand access to high-quality training while strengthening North Bay’s broader sport and performance community.

 With summer programming nearing completion, the Academy is preparing to welcome teams for its Team Academy beginning in September. The weekly program provides customized in-season training based on each team’s age, ability, goals and desired performance schedule. Programming emphasizes strength and conditioning for athletes aged 14 and older and speed and agility development for younger teams.

 “The continued growth of the Panthers Sports Academy demonstrates the value of high-quality, locally available sport performance training,” said Drouin. “We are proud of the community taking shape around the Academy and the connections being built among participants, coaches, students and partner organizations. We look forward to carrying that momentum into the fall and continuing to support athletes and teams throughout the coming season.”

For more information about the Panthers Sports Academy, visit canadorecollege.ca/experience/sports-academy