Human Kinetics

“We’re only just getting started:” HK alum are changing the game in women’s pro sports

Eve Uwayesu headshot and Eva Ou on the ice with a press passUWindsor alumnae Eve Uwayesu and Eva Ou turned their experience in the Faculty of Human Kinetics into roles in pro women's sports (PROVIDED BY E. UWAYESU & PWHL/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

The first time Eve Uwayesu walked into the Toronto Tempo's offices, the WNBA's newest team was still being built — and so was a moment in professional women's sport that nobody could have predicted a decade ago. 

"Everyone watches women's sports." 

A dream role puts Human Kinetics student on the World Cup stage

Casandra Asoufi with her arm raised in the World Cup stadium in TorontoCasandra Asoufi is volunteering at five FIFA World Cup games in Toronto (PROVIDED BY C. ASOUFI/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

When Casandra Asoufi applied to volunteer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup back in September, she didn’t think much of it. 

That was until she received word just a few weeks before kick-off that she had been selected from thousands of applicants. 

Not only was Asoufi going to be part of the World Cup; she was going to be on the pitch in the centre circle as part of pre-match ceremonies at Toronto Stadium. 

Getting proactive about women’s bone density: Partnership with Field Hockey Canada to explore athlete spine health

A young woman sprints while a man records information from a chairDr. Andrew Perrotta worked as the physiologist with the Canadian national women’s field hockey team during the Rio Olympic cycle (PROVIDED BY A. PERROTTA/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

For female athletes — and women in general — bone health is key to long-term health.

At the same time, research on women’s physiology has often been overlooked in medicine and sports science.

University of Windsor reappoints Faculty of Human Kinetics Dean for second term

Linda Rohr in front of Assumption Hall Dr. Linda Rohr has been reappointed as Dean of the Faculty of Human Kinetics (MICHAEL WILKINS/University of WIndsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

Dr. Linda Rohr will serve a second five-year term as Dean of the Faculty of Human Kinetics beginning July 1. 

“I am thrilled to continue to champion the blue and gold. I look forward to growing our impact, from research and scholarly endeavours, to campus wellness and community engagement,” said Rohr of her reappointment. 

Three-time UWindsor alum named director and CEO of Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board

John Ulicny at his deskJohn Ulicny will be the next director of the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (PROVIDED BY WECDSB/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

In his three decades in education, John Ulicny has seen it all. 

“Or...” he laughs. “You think you’ve seen it all in 34 years.” 

Starting his teaching career at the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB) in 1992, the three-time University of Windsor alumnus is set to take over as the board’s director and chief executive officer this August. 

Making friends, having fun and getting moving: Inclusive exercise program expands to more local high schools

A teacher helps a student play baseball with other students in backgroundSTEPS teacher Joey Filipic coaches a student through some batting practice during the APEX wrap-up event at Westview Freedom Academy (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

With baseballs and frisbees flying, music pumping and students dancing, the Adapted Physical Exercise (APEX) program wrapped up for the summer at Windsor’s Westview Freedom Academy.   

APEX — started 15 years ago in the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Human Kinetics — provides exercise programming for community members with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD).  

Watch parties, recruitment and walking soccer: How grassroots clubs are turning World Cup buzz into lasting change

Kristen Morrison holding a soccer ball next to a soccer netDr. Kristen Morrison is studying the way community soccer organizations are leveraging World Cup buzz (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Soccer fans are gearing up to watch Canada take on the best teams from around the globe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Some supporters will even have the chance to support their team in person in Toronto and Vancouver, as Canada hosts the tournament for the first time alongside Mexico and the United States. 

Among those cheering on Team Canada will be community soccer organizations, who plan to leverage the World Cup excitement to support the goals of their clubs. 

LEAD medallion recipient makes connections across Human Kinetics

Aravind Manilal Valliyate in grad robe in front of Human Kinetics buildingAravind Manilal Valliyate will graduate with a BSc in kinesiology and health studies and a gold LEAD medallion (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

When Aravind Manilal Valliyate started his BSc in Kinesiology and Health Studies, he says he was unaware of all the opportunities that awaited him. 

“Initially, I had no idea what was going on here because I came from a different country,” he says.  

An international student from India, Valliyate did not take long to get involved. 

Shedding light on new possibilities in Parkinson’s research

photo portrait of Brooke ShepleyBrooke Shepley, a PhD candidate in kinesiology at the University of Windsor, is studying the effects of near-infrared light therapy on Parkinson’s disease. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)

 

By Victor Romao

By studying how near‑infrared light affects the brain, a University of Windsor PhD candidate is exploring a potential new approach to managing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. 

Brooke Shepley (MHK ’21, BHK ’19), a kinesiology researcher specializing in cerebrovascular physiology and vascular biology, is studying an approach known as photobiomodulation (PBM).

Try a little bit of everything: LEAD medallion recipient gets the full HK experience

Sophia Boucas outside the sign for the Faculty of Human Kinetics wearing a graduation gownSophia Boucas will graduate in June with a gold LEAD medallion (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Throughout her UWindsor experience, Sophia Boucas says she tried a little bit of everything, from student clubs to research, co-op and internships. 

Now preparing to graduate with her BSc in Kinesiology, Boucas will receive a gold LEAD medallion for her efforts, recognizing her involvement across activities related to Leadership, Engagement, Application and Discovery.