Cougars Athlete Board

The MRU Cougars Athlete Board (CAB) is a group of student-athlete leaders tasked with improving the student-athlete experience at MRU. Through topics of inclusivity, leadership, community involvement, and culture building, CAB aims to elevate individuals within the MRU Cougars Athletics program. You can contact CAB directly through email at cougarsathleteboard@mtroyal.ca.

Sam Barnie, Cougars Athlete Board President-Elect

Awien Ngor, Cougars Athlete Board Vice President of Community Outreach

Maxim Turgeon, Cougars Athlete Board Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion

Ella Tait, Cougars Athlete Board Vice President of Athlete Engagement

Women's Basketball / 5th Year / Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology
What is your role as an executive member?
My role as CAB President this year is to be the main point of contact as well as the bridge between our student-athletes and the community/our staff. I’ll be helping organize events to keep athletes across all teams involved with one another, and will be working closely with our VPs in whatever they need.
What characteristics do you bring to CAB?
I want MRU athletics to be the type of community where everyone knows each other and feels comfortable venturing out of their own teams. Being part of CAB the last few years now, I know how far everyone’s come with that so I’m excited to keep it going. I’m also super engaged in everything going on and want to help push everyone’s ideas, not just those of CAB members.
In what situation should a student-athlete reach out to you directly?
A student-athlete can reach out to me for anything at all, whether it’s questions about CAB, events, ideas, things they want to see more or less of, etc! If I don’t have the answer, I’ll point them in the direction of someone who does.
What are some of your accomplishments as an MRU student-athlete?
Third Team Canada West All-Star, Women’s Basketball MVP, Female Iron Cougar Award, Academic All-Canadian.
Men's Basketball / Fourth Year / Bachelor of Business Administration, Major in Finance
What is your role as an executive member?
My role as president elect is to assist Nora and the rest of the CAB board in all areas. I will be an outlet for the student athletes at MRU to communicate ideas with and support in any way.
What characteristics do you bring to CAB?
I bring high energy, strong communication skills, leadership and passion for improvement to the CAB team.
In what situation should a student-athlete reach out to you specifically?
Student athletes can reach out to me in any situation! I am always open to having conversations to improve the athlete experience, or just to talk about anything!
What are some of your accomplishments as an MRU student-athlete?
3x All Academic Canadian, 2024-25 Iron Cougar
Women's Volleyball / Second Year / Bachelor of Health & Physical Education, Major in Physical Literacy
What is your role as an executive member?
My role as an executive member is to encourage and organize the Cougars involvement and engagement in our community through volunteer work and connection. Volunteering is a great and impactful way for us to not only build our reputation in our own community but to also create genuine connections with the people around us.
What characteristics do you bring to CAB?
I am someone who really loves to learn,so I bring the characteristics of an open mind who is always up for any advice! I am also pretty welcoming and do not bite so if you guys ever have any suggestions of your own you would like to see put in action, come talk to me! Leadership is another characteristic I like to think I embody. I am not afraid of putting things into action and I love when something I am doing genuinely motivates or inspires those around me, and ofcourse vice versa.
In what situation should a student-athlete reach out to you specifically?
I would love for my fellow student athletes to reach out to me whenever they feel appropriate! Whether that be they have any new ideas in ways MRU athletics could engage with our community, anything they liked or didn't like about any events that have occurred if they simply need someone to talk to about anything! Don't be shy guys!!
Men's Volleyball / Third Year / Bachelor of Communications, Major in Public Relations
What is your role as an executive member?
As the Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, I aim to support and promote equity-driven initiatives both within MRU Athletics and across the broader campus community. My role is focused on ensuring that every student-athlete feels seen, respected and welcomed, and that CAB continues to be a strong advocate for inclusion and belonging.
What characteristics do you bring to CAB?
I bring an open-minded and empathetic approach to leadership, along with a strong commitment to listening and learning from others. With a background in both athletics and community engagement, I am passionate about creating spaces where all voices are valued and everyone feels empowered to show up as their full selves.
In what situation should a student-athlete reach out to you specifically?
Student-athletes are welcome to reach out to me if they have ideas for cultural or awareness initiatives, want to get involved in events tied to heritage or historical months, or simply need someone to talk to about navigating their experiences. Whether it is amplifying underrepresented voices or celebrating diversity, I am here to listen and support however I can.
What are some of your accomplishments as an MRU student-athlete?
Some of my proudest accomplishments include being a four-time Academic All-Canadian, taking on leadership roles within my team and the broader athletics community, and helping build a supportive and inclusive team culture. I am proud to represent MRU and support my fellow Cougars both on and off the court.
Women's Soccer / Third Year / Bachelor of Communications, Major in Public Relations, Minor in Marketing
What is your role as an executive member?
My role is to help foster a strong sense of community among Cougars student-athletes by organizing events and initiatives that bring people together in meaningful ways. Whether it’s team-building activities, mental health workshops, or fun seasonal events like Cougar Christmas or Cougar Night, I’m here to create spaces where we can connect, support one another, and celebrate our shared experiences as student-athletes.
What characteristics do you bring to CAB?
As someone who’s been involved with Cougar Athletics for several years, I understand what it’s like to balance sport, school, and life. I bring strong organization, empathy, and communication skills to this role. I’m passionate about creating inclusive events where everyone feels welcome and heard, and I’m always open to new ideas that reflect the diversity of our teams and individuals.
In what situation should a student-athlete reach out to you specifically?
If you have suggestions for events, want to get involved, or feel there’s a need that isn’t being met in our community, I’d love to hear from you. My goal is to make sure every student-athlete feels connected and supported throughout the year, and your input helps make that possible!