TORONTO, ON – AthletesCAN, the association of Canada’s national team athletes, is pleased to announce the appointment of its new board of directors for 2025-26 following the organization’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on October 5 in Calgary, AB. Tristan Burgoyne, Field Hockey – 3 year term, Grace Dafoe, Skeleton – 2 year term, and Mollie Jepsen, Para Alpine – 3 year term.
Please join us in thanking our outgoing board members for their time, energy, and leadership to AthletesCAN – Cynthia Appiah, Bobsleigh, Chris De Sousa Costa, Karate and Greg Stewart, Para Athletics / Sitting Volleyball.
Throughout their term(s), they have played an integral role in advancing our mission — to unite and amplify the voices of Canada’s national team athletes — and in driving progress toward a more athlete-centered sport system. We are deeply grateful for their contributions, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
Biographies of New AthletesCAN Directors
Tristan Burgoyne, Field Hockey
Tristan Burgoyne represented Canada as a goalie on the national field hockey team. He graduated with honours from the UBC Sauder School of Business and then started his career in TELUS’ Marketing Development Program, gaining expertise in strategy and growth. Tristan then served as Chief Operating Officer at Oat Couture Oatmeal Café, where he led the growth and operation. He has since founded his own company, Podium Mind, working closely with national team athletes to support the development of youth athletes across Canada. He is passionate about creating positive sports experiences for athletes at all levels.
Grace Dafoe, Skeleton
Grace is a Canadian skeleton athlete who has proudly represented Canada internationally since 2014. Retiring from competition in January 2026, she is eager to give back to Canadian sport and strengthen athlete representation. Grace is passionate about community and works full-time for the non-profit Classroom Champions, supporting athlete-to-teacher connections that inspire students across North America. A lifelong advocate for sport, she brings a collaborative mindset and is committed to amplifying athlete voices and helping shape a stronger, more inclusive sport system as a member of the AthleteCAN board.
Mollie Jepsen, Para Alpine
Mollie Jepsen is a six-time Paralympic medalist and two-time Paralympic champion, having represented Canada at the PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. Currently training toward the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games, Mollie continues to push the boundaries of excellence in sport.
A graduate with a Bachelor of Arts and Science, majoring in Sport Science, Mollie is passionate about performance both on and off the slopes — striving to become the best version of herself while pursuing success in athletic, academic, and professional arenas.
About AthletesCAN
AthletesCAN, the association of Canada’s national team athletes, is the only fully independent and most inclusive athlete organization in the country and the first organization of its kind in the world. As the voice of over 6,000 current and recently retired Canadian national team athletes, AthletesCAN membership spans 68 sports across the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan/Parapan American, and Commonwealth Games, and those currently funded by Sport Canada competing at Senior World Championships. AthletesCAN ensures an athlete-centered sport system by developing athlete leaders who influence sport policy and, as role models, inspire a strong sport culture, through educational resources, support, training and professional development.
Follow the #AthleteVoice on social @AthletesCAN
For more information, please contact:
Jennifer Hopmans, OLY
Manager, Digital Marketing & Communications
AthletesCAN
613-526-4025 Ext. 224
[email protected]
