Olivia Bowyer-Smyth (kinesiology)
Olivia Bowyer-Smyth (she/her) has always been fascinated by how the body moves and functions. She was drawn to UVic's kinesiology program because of its supportive learning environment. She also loved how the opportunities for undergraduate research let her apply her learning towards both performance and rehabilitation.
This summer, she became the first UVic co-op student hired by the , working as a strength and conditioning and medical assistant during their training camp in Kamloops.
Contributing to player health
Olivia works very closely with the BC Lions' strength and conditioning coach and athletic therapy team. It's a hands-on, collaborative environment, and she's been able to learn from professionals with expertise in both sport performance and rehabilitation.
"I help players in the gym with their lifting programs by ensuring they use proper form and provide modifications when needed." says Olivia. I also assist with field setup and am part of the medical staff, so I'm on-field during practices to support the athletic therapists and monitor athlete safety."
Excelling in a fast-paced workplace
Olivia has hit the ground running in a workplace where movement is key.
"The biggest surprise has been how dynamic and fast-paced the environment is," she says. "Everything can change in an instant, whether it's a schedule shift, an injury, or a change in training load. This has taught me how important it is to stay adaptable and ready to support in whatever way is needed."
The value of hands-on learning
Olivia has also been excited to bring her classroom learning into her work term.
"I am learning how to bridge the gap between theory and practice, applying what I’ve studied in kinesiology to real-world scenarios. I am also gaining experience in athlete communication, performance monitoring, and understanding the day-to-day operations of a professional sports team."
For Olivia, her time with the BC Lions is also helping clarify her career goals.
"This co-op is giving me incredible hands-on experience and a clearer vision of where I want to go in the field of sports medicine and rehabilitation. It’s helping me build the skills, network, and confidence to pursue future opportunities, whether in clinical practice, athletic therapy, or research."
Co-op as a key ingredient
Kinesiology has an optional co-op program, and Olivia encourages students to take advantage of this add-on to their degree.
"Co-op is an amazing opportunity to explore your interests, make connections, and apply your knowledge in real-world settings. Even if it’s outside your comfort zone, that’s often where the most growth happens."
Making a difference in the world
Olivia's co-op term with the BC Lions has fueled her passion for a future helping her community.
"I want to help people move better and feel better, whether that’s supporting elite athletes in returning to sport or helping individuals regain mobility after injury. My goal is to make evidence-based care more accessible and individualized for everyone."
Next up, she'll be returning to the classroom with an eye on a career in medicine.
"I hope to pursue medical school after I finish my undergrad, with a focus on sports medicine or rehabilitation."
Learn more
- More about kinesiology co-op
- How to hire a co-op student