Human Kinetics

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. 

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).  

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. 

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. 

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).

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. 

By Kate Hargreaves 

From academic advocacy to community engagement, Dr. Sean Horton’s work is consistently imbued with a focus on equity and inclusivity. 

These efforts will be recognized by the Windsor University Faculty Association’s (WUFA) Status of Women, Diversity and Equity Action Committee as Horton is awarded the 2026 Mary Lou Dietz Equity Leadership Award at an award celebration on May 27. 

By Kate Hargreaves 

Lancer midfielder Robbie Oates (BSc Kin ’24, BEd ’26) has maintained a packed sports schedule over his last few years at UWindsor. 

Some nights, he’s on the basketball court, others surrounded by cheering volleyball fans and others still on the sidelines at football games. He’s even been known to make the occasional appearance at a pre-game tailgate. 

By Kate Hargreaves 

Cricket may be the second most popular sport globally — after soccer — but until this summer, UWindsor cricket players had few options on campus to set up their wickets. 

All that will change this summer as the Graduate Student Society (GSS), with support from the Faculty of Human Kinetics, the Faculty of Engineering and the Odette School of Business, opens a newly renovated cricket pitch on campus. 

By Kate Hargreaves 

While having your dad teach at your high school may sound like a nightmare to some, for Brett Bjorgan, it was an inspiration. 

“My dad is a secondary physical education teacher, and my high school experience was great having him there as a mentor and making sure I was doing the right thing and staying in line,” he says.