Convocation 2026: Carly Frenkel

Carly Frenkel

After establishing a successful professional career in the recreation sector, Carly Frenkel chose to return to academia to deepen her expertise in industry leadership and management. Graduating with a master of arts, she found immediate value in connecting her advanced coursework directly to her daily professional responsibilities at the university. Carly credits her seamless transition and academic confidence to the strong mentorship and support provided by the faculty's dedicated advisors and instructors.

What drew you to your area of study?

I have always had a passion for sport and recreation. After completing my bachelor's degree, I was fortunate to build my career in the recreation sector, taking on a variety of roles that provided valuable experience and insight into the field. As I progressed through these positions, I realized that I wanted to deepen my understanding of sport and recreation management and further develop my leadership and decision-making skills. This desire ultimately led me to pursue the master of arts program through KSR.

The program provided me with the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics that were directly applicable to my work at the university. From leadership and organizational management to research, each course helped me gain new perspectives and practical knowledge that I could immediately apply in my professional role. The degree not only enhanced my understanding of the sport and recreation industry but also strengthened my confidence as a professional and prepared me for future opportunities in the field.

Do you have anyone in particular you'd like to thank for helping with your success?

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Elisha Krochak and Brian Soebbing for their incredible support throughout my academic journey.

Elisha was amazing throughout the application process and always took the time to answer my many questions (and there were quite a few!). She responded quickly and efficiently, making what could have been a stressful process feel seamless. When I transferred from the graduate certificate program into the master's program, she made the transition effortless and was genuinely excited for me when I completed my degree. Her encouragement and support meant a great deal to me.

I would also like to thank Brian for taking me on as a student and for his outstanding guidance throughout my capping project. He was there every step of the way, providing support, encouragement and valuable feedback. I especially appreciated how supportive he was of my decision to pursue a capping project that aligned with my personal interests and career goals. He was always available to answer my questions and helped me stay focused and confident throughout the process.

Both Elisha and Brian played an important role in my success, and I am truly grateful for their dedication, encouragement and support. Thank you for helping make my educational experience such a positive and rewarding one.

What advice would you give to a student considering your area of study?

My advice would be to stay curious and be open to learning from a variety of perspectives. The field of sport and recreation management is broad and constantly evolving, so take advantage of opportunities to connect course concepts to real-world experiences. Building relationships with classmates, instructors and industry professionals can also be incredibly valuable, as these connections can provide support, mentorship and future career opportunities.