How a career shift advanced anti-racism in sports and enriched student experiences
Navigating new paths can be challenging, yet it can also lead to remarkable growth and success. Dr. Sarah Teetzel’s journey beautifully illustrates the importance of embracing opportunities that present themselves.
With a background in Kinesiology and Chemistry from Western University, and experience as a competitive athlete, Dr. Teetzel initially aspired to work in Canada’s sport drug-testing lab. However, a pivotal conversation with her PhD supervisor changed her trajectory. Her supervisor highlighted that the core questions surrounding drug testing were ethical, not chemical. For instance, while a drug test can detect substances, it cannot determine what should be banned in sport or justify restrictions placed on what athletes can consume.
This insight opened a new world of possibilities for Dr. Teetzel, leading her to study applied ethics in-depth.
Confronting racism in sport
Dr. Teetzel’s commitment to fostering positive change extends beyond academics into the realm of sports. Partnering with St John’s College fellow, Dr. Lori Wilkinson, in what she calls a St John’s collaboration, with colleagues in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, Dr. Teetzel contributed to the research informing Winnipeg’s Anti-Racism in Sport Campaign (ARISC). This research was done in partnership with Immigration Partnership Winnipeg (IPW) and 37 community organizations focused on sport, recreation, education, and youth.
Through focus groups, Dr. Teetzel and the research team uncovered deeply concerning experiences of microaggressions and racist actions in sport, and heard from participants changes they would like to see happen in how racism in sport is addressed.
Now, Dr. Teetzel is working with the same research team to gain insight into the role of microaggressions, racist actions and racism on the dropout rates of youth athletes, particularly among girls aged 14-17. They hope to make further strides in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment in sports.
Adapting to a new role
As the former Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, Dr. Teetzel sought out new ways to better support students and create a meaningful experience for them at the University. After returning to her role as a professor, she missed the ability to influence student life in a more direct way.
When the opportunity at St. John’s College presented itself, Dr. Teetzel saw it as a chance to contribute more actively to students’ overall experiences, ensuring their time at the University of Manitoba was more than just earning a degree.
What really stands out to me about St John’s College is that it’s a place where everybody has chosen to be. Nobody is required to join. Nobody is required to participate because it’s a course or degree requirement. Everyone, from students to staff and fellows, is here because they have elected to be in order to experience the community, fellowship, and camaraderie of the College.
Dr. Teetzel’s experience offers invaluable lessons: embrace the discomfort of change, trust in your ability to adapt, and focus on the connections you can create along the way. Just as her work continues to impact the lives of students and the broader community, your own journey may lead to opportunities to contribute to something greater than yourself, all while growing and evolving as a professional.