Sport Science employs scientific research in the intent of developing world-class athletes. It encompasses a number of different branches of learning including:
- Biomechanics
- Performance analysis
- Nutrition
- Strength and conditioning/exercise physiology
- Sport psychology
- Sport medicine
- Skill acquisition
Committee Bios
Sport Science Committee members:
Bob Brett, Chair
Debbie Kirkwood, Co-Chair
Dr. David Cox, National Team Psychologist
Dr. Michael Clarfield, National Team Doctor
Marlene Nobrega, National Team Physiotherapist
Marlene Nobrega has served as the chief physiotherapist for Tennis Canada since 1990 as well as Canada’s Davis Cup and Fed Cup team physiotherapist. She is an instrumental part of Canada’s U12 and U14 national team programs and actively participates in all national camps. She has worked with several ATP and WTA Tour players at Challengers, Masters Series events, and Grand Slams, including Wimbledon, the French and US Open. She is a member of the Society for Tennis Medicine & Science (STMS) and is an accredited NCCP course facilitator. Nobrega teaches level 2 & 3 coaching courses in “Injury Prevention and Recovery and Regeneration.” Has certifications in Sports Massage, Acupuncture and Kinesiotaping. She is a certified Canadian Red Cross “First Responder.” Is an official service provider for the CSCO, Canadian Sports Center Ontario. Credentialed to treat any of Canada’s carded athletes. Nobrega received Tennis Canada "Distinguished Service Award" and the "TC Excellence Award for outstanding support of the National Teams."
Outside of her work with Tennis Canada she worked as a clinician for 25 years treating elite amateur and professional athletes from a variety of sports including the PGA Tour, NHL, MLB, and the National Figure Skating, Gymnastics and Alpine Ski teams.
André Parent, National Fitness Coach, NTC
In addition to his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Activity Science from the University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières, André Parent has added to his education through multiple international physical fitness seminars throughout Quebec, USA and Europe.
Parent has served as the fitness coach for athletes competing in a wide array of sports including speed skating, synchronized swimming and downhill skiing. From 1998 to 2007, he worked at the Multisports National Training Centre in Montreal where he trained Olympic athletes in the disciplines of taekwondo, canoe-kayak, rowing, windsurfing, snowboarding, athletics, judo, tennis, trampoline and figure skating. Parent was also the fitness trainer for Chantal Petitclerc from 2003 to 2008.
Over the past 10 years, Parent has worked with Stéphanie Dubois on her fitness. His reliable services have also been used by Aleksandra Wozniak since 2006, as well as Milos Raonic, Sharon Fichman and Rebecca Marino. Fitness coach for the Fed Cup team since 2007.
Parent has given numerous presentations about fitness training at various coaching conferences.
Jennifer Gibson, MSc, RD, IOC DIP Sport Nutrition
Jennifer is a Canadian Registered Dietitian who works exclusively with high performance athletes and travels worldwide in her profession. Jennifer is currently a sport dietitian for the United States Olympic Committee where she works with acrobat and combat sports. Jennifer has been a nutrition service provider for the Women’s Professional Tennis Tour since 2006 and is the lead nutrition advisor for Tennis Canada. In her career thus far, Jennifer has worked with many sport disciplines including: Team Canada Women's Soccer, Canadian Snowboarding Federation, Canadian Alpine Disabled Ski team, Softball Canada, Team BC and the Vancouver Whitecaps Soccer Club.
Jennifer completed her undergraduate education in Toronto, Canada at Ryerson University and her dietetic internship with the University Health Network. She is 2007 distinguished graduate of the IOC Diploma in Sport Nutrition. Jennifer’s Masters research (University of Victoria) focused on investigating the nutrition and hydration status of junior elite female athletes.
Consultants
Dennis Lindsay, Junior National Training Centre, Toronto
Anthony Findlay, Junior National Training Centre, Vancouver
Regional Reps
Guillaume Marx – Montreal NTC
Simon Bartram – Rexall Centre
Montreal NTC Medical Team Members:
Dr. Jacques Toueg
Sindy Martel, physiotherapist
