Athletics

As a Division I track and field athlete, I competed in the throwing events at Dartmouth College and later as a graduate transfer at Villanova University. My time in collegiate athletics taught me the importance of resilience, discipline, and leadership - qualities that continue to shape my academic and professional life.

At Villanova, I was a BIG EAST champion in the discus throw and part of the 2021 BIG EAST championship team. I also competed in the 2020 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Trials (held in 2021 due to COVID-19), qualifying in both the discus and shot put.

Today, I stay connected to the sport through volunteer coaching roles at George Mason University and Villanova University, where I mentor student-athletes and support their growth both on and off the field. Coaching gives me the opportunity to give back to a community that shaped me and to continue learning from the next generation of athletes.

Athletics has deeply informed my understanding of leadership, motivation, and institutional culture. These are topics I also explore in my academic work.

I talk about my journey through sport, identity, and academics in this two-part podcast appearance:
Raising Athletes – Jul Thomson, Former Dartmouth and Villanova Track and Field Athlete