While competing on the world stage at the Winter Olympics, some of Canada’s top athletes are being left in the hands of Kelsey Marshall (MSc ’25).

Brock University’s Lead Athletic Therapist has been in Milan Cortina for the past several weeks supporting Team Canada’s bobsleigh athletes — and living a lifelong dream in the process.

“It’s hard to put into words,” Marshall says of this significance of this unforgettable moment in her career. “Anytime an athlete trusts you with their performance and health, it’s meaningful. But when you’re standing there wearing Canada across your chest, supporting athletes at the pinnacle of their careers, it hits differently.”

Brock graduate and Team Canada brakewoman Niamh Haughey (BPhEd ’21), left, is competing in bobsleigh at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The team is being supported by fellow Brock grad and Lead Athletic Therapist for the University, Kelsey Marshall (MSc ’25).

Marshall spends her days on site with the team, which includes fellow Brock grad and Team Canada brakewoman Niamh Haughey (BPhEd ’21), filming their starts and sport-specific movements to help with performance therapy planning. She can be found trackside during warm-ups, watching to see how athletes are moving and feeling, and monitoring for the need for small adjustments.

“Sometimes it’s a quick treatment. Sometimes it’s a quick check to build confidence,” she says. “At this level, the smallest detail can matter.”

If a race doesn’t go as planned, Marshall is on hand to thoroughly evaluate athletes — after trackside medical provides any necessary emergency care — and manage any acute injuries.

“The goal is always to keep athletes safe while supporting their ability to perform at their best,” she says. “They are long days, but incredibly rewarding ones.”

The Brock Master of Science graduate says her time working and studying at the University has supported her Olympic journey in many ways.

“Graduate studies strengthened my clinical reasoning and confidence in evidence-based practice, but just as importantly, they taught me how to think critically under pressure, handle and prioritize during times of heavy workload and to manage stress,” she says. “Working in varsity sport environments helped me learn how to stay calm when things feel big and pressurized.”

Brock Lead Athletic Therapist Kelsey Marshall (MSc ’25) says taking in competitions at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics has been an unforgettable experience.

Marshall says she’s also learned from many mentors, professors, colleagues and athletes throughout her Brock career, each of whom has been a part of the process that led to her Olympic work.

“Kelsey is a shining example of the high-calibre, dedicated employees we’re lucky to have as part of our Brock Sport Medicine team,” says Steve Lidstone, Associate Director, Sport Performance and Sport Medicine. “She brings various skills, compassionate care and a critical sport knowledge to Brock’s student-athletes every day, and we’re thrilled to see that now translate on the world stage. We’ll be rooting her on each step of the way and look forward to welcoming her back after this exciting opportunity.”

For students considering a career in athletic therapy, Marshall encourages them to dream big — but be prepared to work hard.

“It’s not always glamorous,” she says. “Long days. Early mornings. Late nights. Travel. Problem-solving on the fly. But if you love it, it’s worth it.”

Say “yes” to opportunities, even if they feel small at the time, Marshall says.

“Show up consistently. Be positive. Be dependable. Learn from everyone around you. And don’t underestimate the power of relationships,” she says. “You truly never know which connection or experience will open the next door.”

Brock Lead Athletic Therapist Kelsey Marshall (MSc ’25) is using her skills to support Team Canada in bobsleigh at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.