Graduates of the School are some of the leading pioneers in many fields. UBC Athletics historian, Fred Hume has amassed a list of notable Kin Alumni athletes who have achieved great things in their athletics career and after. Read and learn about some of our proud athletic alumni here.
Our thanks go to Fred Hume for his pioneer work as UBC’s first Athletics historian who also serves as an information resource for coaches, students and faculty(pictured on the right)
Fred Hume entered the UBC Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 nearly 22 years after he began working to uncover the great UBC teams, athletes and builders of sport dating back to 1915. The UBC graduate’s efforts soon resulted in the establishment and development of the UBC Sports Hall of Fame which has been instrumental in re-connecting the university with hundreds of its most accomplished athletic alumni encouraging them to become more directly involved with the campus and their former teams.
Watt, Norm
Degree: BPE
Norm Watt was one of the originals, that is, a member of UBC’s first graduating class in Physical Education (Kinesiology) back in 1949. He was also an athlete and although not tall, was a notable basketball player and played Varsity Thunderbird basketball during the late 1940s.
Watts, Carrie
Degree: MKin
Since entering UBC in 1999/2000, Carrie Watts (nee Watson) has been an integral component of UBC Thunderbird basketball, including one of its best players and now an emerging coach. From 2005 through 2007 Carrie played on Canada’s National basketball team competing in several international tournaments – a rare accomplishment for a Thunderbird.
Webster, Joanie
Degree: BPE
One is immediately struck by Joanie Webster’s passion, exuberance and energy. The 1980 Recreation in Education graduate was a “builder” and student leader at UBC from the mid 1970s through 1990, particularly in the areas of Intramurals and Recreation.
Wilson, Gail
Degree: MPE
Gail Wilson joined the UBC coaching staff in 1977 and was the coach of the UBC Thunderbird Women’s field hockey team from until 1993. From 1977/78 until 1992/93, Wilson executed one of the most successful recruiting and coaching careers in UBC history. Gail’s UBC Women’s Field Hockey teams were Canada West champions in 1977, ’78, ’80, ’81, ’82, ’83 and ’90 and were National Champions five times.
Winslade, Ken
Degree: BPE
A native of New Westminster, Ken graduated from UBC Physical Education as the top student of his 1960 class. Not only a top student during his five years at UBC but also an All-Star guard with both the UBC Jayvees and Thunderbirds. In 1959/60 Winslade was labelled a “demon on defense” yet emerged as the Western Canada scoring champion earning league MVP honours.
Wright, Lee
Degree: BPE
The early 1960s saw the development of a Canadian National Team for men’s field hockey and it would be Thunderbirds such as Wright, Victor Warren, John Young and Peter Buckland who would not only be inaugural members but integral parts of this team through its first decade and beyond. Lee represented this country at two Olympics; 1964 in Tokyo, Canada’s first field hockey Olympics and then again in 1976 in Montreal. He finished his career having played in more than 60 international matches.
Wright, Thelma
Degree: BPE
The 1973 Physical Education and 1974 Education graduate is presently the only UBC female track athlete to appear in two Olympics and has won medals at Commonwealth, Pan American and World Student Games and at the World Cross Country and World All-Star meets. Recognized as one of the world’s leading cross-country runners she led UBC to three Canada West championships and two National titles.
