Deborah Bright-Brundle is retiring as Trent University’s director of Athletics and Recreation on September 30, following a period of impressive growth for varsity and recreation sport programs at the University. 

“Deborah has contributed greatly to the accomplishments of our athletics and recreation programs – and has been a tireless champion for our student-athletes and coaches,” says Tariq Al-Idrissi, vice-president of Finance and Administration at Trent. “She has helped to further the University’s role as a leader in the region’s sports network working in partnership with community members and local organizations, while attracting sporting events of national and international significance.” 

Ms. Bright-Brundle joined the Trent Excalibur team as director of Athletics in July 2014, bringing considerable experience and expertise from sport, non-profit and corporate sectors. In addition to her role at Trent, her career in sport and business leadership has spanned a variety of organizations including Special Olympics Canada, the Abilities Centre, and the Calgary Herald. 

“I am very proud to have worked with the Trent Athletics team and of what the team has accomplished in the last eight years. It has been an honour to build on the strong sport legacy at Trent University,” says Ms. Bright-Brundle. “I truly appreciate the support that has been provided by the senior team and the Board to myself in the role of Athletics director and to our Athletics programs. Our Excalibur student-athletes and coaches have inspired me daily. I know that Trent Athletics, and the Excalibur high performance varsity program, is poised for continued growth and success on the field and on the water and on the court.” 

With Ms. Bright-Brundle’s leadership, the reach and quality of the Excalibur sport programs, and of the 1Excalibur brand, grew to the benefit of Trent’s student-athletes. Her leadership has also translated into podium success for Trent’s varsity programs including three OUA championship victories in the past six years for the Trent Excalibur Women’s Lacrosse team, and continued success in rowing at both OUA Championships and Canadian University Rowing Championships.  

Additional advances for Trent Athletics during Ms. Bright-Brundle’s tenure as director of Athletics include: 

• Trent being named one of five Rowing Canada Aviron NextGen Hubs (2017 to 2020), in partnership with the Peterborough Rowing Club 

• Establishing a partnership with the Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario 

• High performance pathways and the Green and White scholarship program  enhanced and expanded. Hosting a variety of national and international competitions, including the 2019 World U19 World Lacrosse Championships and the Special Olympics Ontario 2018 Provincial School Championships 

• Legacy investments into facilities such as the new turf field and video scoreboard at Justin Chiu Stadium, and the East Bank Sports Fields in partnership with the City of Peterborough 

The University will begin a search for a new director of Athletics in the coming weeks.