Sometimes, we just have to wonder…was it all meant to be? Many of us have connections that define who we are. For Joe Kupina, that came down to his time at university and his passion for volleyball. These experiences created intersections throughout his life, helping shape his career, family and volunteerism.
Joe graduated from York University with a degree in kinesiology and health science in 1997. It was the very same program where he met his future wife, Sue LeSage. Both had an appetite for health and fitness and both played for the varsity volleyball teams. Joe remembers the hard work and the rewards, saying that "being a student athlete was challenging. I had to learn time management to balance a full course load with all the training and competition. But I also learned that, with time, effort, discipline and team work, you can do amazing things."
After graduating from York, Joe put his degree and the certificates he earned (Fitness Assessment and Exercise Counselling, Advanced Coaching) to work and started his career in the fitness and wellness centre of Nortel's global headquarters in Brampton. After a couple of years, he decided to switch gears, embarking on an apprenticeship in carpentry. This eventually led to Joe to enroll in teacher's college and acquire two teachable subjects: technology and physical education. It also brought him back to his sport. For the past 13 years, Joe has coached high school volleyball, and has even managed to fit in a few years of rep coaching alongside his wife Sue.
When asked, five kids and 20 years later, does he still consider himself a Lion, Joe confidently answers yes. "[York is] where I met my wife, so we have a shared experience and we still feel very connected to the University. I received so many great opportunities because of my time there, including the Arthur C. Johnson Bursary, overseas trips to Cuba and the Netherlands with the volleyball team, and an education that directly supports my career and family."
In recent years, as their kids have gotten older, Joe and Sue are thinking about post-secondary education for their kids and what they can do to support future generations of student-athletes. Joe continues to watch OUA TV, checks the standings of the York team on a regular basis and still feels a pride in their success, not only as an alumnus, but also now as a proud donor.
Shortly after graduating, Joe became an annual donor, and most recently signed up for a monthly donation. "I remember a conversation I had about alumni donations with my varsity coach, Wally Dyba. I asked him, what are you hoping for? He said if every graduate gave $50 each, it would make an incredible impact on the program. That resonated with me, and I knew that when I was able to, I would give." Wanting to pay it forward to other young athletes, Joe directs his gift to the men's volleyball team, hoping he can make a difference even in a small way. "Being a varsity athlete at York brought such rich experiences to my life. By giving, even a little bit, it helps me feel connected to the success the Lions have today."
Whether we still play, or coach, or watch our kids or favorite teams compete, one thing is certain: we still want to be a part of the team.
