The University of Alberta is proud to announce the appointment of Leah Pezer as the 7th Director of Athletics, effective October 1st, 2024.
A familiar face in Canada West, Pezer will bring the experience of spending over a decade as a student-athlete, full-time assistant coach, and administrator with the UBC Thunderbirds to the University of Alberta. Since 2022, Pezer has served as the Director of Athletics, Student Services at UBC.
As the Director of Athletics, Student Services, she was responsible for developing goals and priorities for the 26 UBC varsity programs to align with departmental and University strategies, while cultivating an environment that promotes both athletic and academic excellence and an exceptional experience for the 650 Thunderbird student-athletes. Pezer also directly supported the student-athlete services team, and collaborated with internal and external stakeholders, including UBC colleagues, alumni/donors, and community leaders.
“When I look at university programs across Canada, the University of Alberta is the most exciting place to be. Returning to Alberta where my roots are, it feels like I’m completing a full circle in my journey,” said Pezer, who was born in Edmonton and raised in the Calgary area.
“The U of A’s commitment to fostering both athletic and academic excellence aligns perfectly with my values and professional aspirations. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the chance to contribute to this vibrant future, and I’m eager to build on the great work already being done while bringing new perspectives to help the Golden Bears, Pandas, and Augustana Vikings reach even greater heights.”
Pezer (nee Allinger) was a star with the UBC women’s volleyball team in the late 90’s and early 00’s, highlighted by twice being named a Canada West All-Star, and a 2002 CIS All-Canadian. After earning her undergraduate degree in 2002, Pezer carved out a successful professional beach volleyball career spanning Australia, Canada and the United States. Returning to UBC campus in 2010, she spent six years as a full-time assistant coach with the women’s volleyball program, helping lead them to national titles in 2011, 2012, and 2013.
“We are thrilled to welcome Leah to the University of Alberta. As the new Director of Athletics, Leah will build on the incredible legacy of the Golden Bears, Pandas, and Vikings programs and strengthen the integration of athletics into the broader University of Alberta community,” said Tim Tang, Associate Vice President, Student Experience.
“She brings a broad and diverse set of experiences as an athlete, coach, and athletics administrator, has a commitment to excellence and innovation, and a passion for developing high performance teams and individuals. In this role, Leah will be working across campus to build on the academic and competitive excellence of our student-athletes and foster a culture that is inclusive, safe, and reflective of the University's overall vision and values.”
Pezer brings extensive sport administration experience to UofA Athletics, which includes previous roles with the Canadian Olympic Committee and 2010 Vancouver Olympic Committee. She also co-founded Lead The Future, an organization which specializes in leadership and high functioning team development.
Owning an undergraduate degree from UBC, and a masters degree from Royal Roads University, Pezer is currently completing a PhD in Industrial-Organizational psychology with the Individual and Team Performance Lab at the University of Calgary, specializing in group dynamics and team effectiveness.
“I am excited about the opportunity to join a program and work alongside a group of people who have already accomplished so much and are deeply committed to excellence in both athletics and academics,” said Pezer. “The University of Alberta has a rich Athletic history and a strong foundation, and I’m eager to build on that legacy.”
