From ice to industry: Katie Desveaux Champions U SPORTS student-athletes

Katie Desveaux, a key leader at PepsiCo Foods Canada (PFC) is at the forefront of the company’s new student-athlete engagement program in partnership with U SPORTS. The partnership aims to support student-athletes on their career journey, enhance the university sport experience and provide them with the tools and resources to be successful both on and off the field.

As a former student-athlete herself, Desveaux has a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities that athletes face during and after their university careers. Her journey as a figure skater for Brock University from 2014 to 2018 and experiences in her current role as PFC’s HR Business Partner & Campus Specialist, have shaped her perspective on the importance of supporting athletes through the transition from sports to professional life.



Desveaux’s decision to attend Brock University marked a pivotal moment in her life. She says she had to choose between continuing her competitive figure skating career or pursuing higher education. Ultimately, she decided to attend university and was able to continue her passion for the sport at Brock while earning her degree in Sport Management. 

“I met a ton of like-minded individuals where we were able to share our passion for figure skating and also pursue our academics,” Desveaux said. 

“It truly impacted my university experience in such a positive way.” 



She also says she took valuable life lessons from her time at Brock, including resilience and teamwork, which have been instrumental in her career. However, Desveaux acknowledges that the transition from competitive sports to life after university was not easy. The process of stepping away from figure skating, which had been a central part of her life, took time and emotional adjustment. She emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system during this period.

“When you have those harder days after you graduate, who can you lean on and talk to? For me, a lot of it was my varsity colleagues, whether it was on the skating team friends or family,” Desveaux said.



After graduating from Brock, her career path initially focused on recruitment, with a particular interest in supporting student-athletes. Her background in Sport Management and her personal experience as an athlete helped her connect with others in similar situations. This led her to her current role at PFC, where she transitioned into human resources. 

In her current role, Desveaux has the opportunity to work with U SPORTS to lead a program that aims to engage student-athletes and provide them with the tools and resources necessary for a successful transition to the workforce. This includes encouraging athletes to be proactive about their career planning, networking, and leveraging the resources available to them while still in school. Desveaux advises student-athletes to attend networking events, volunteer, and build relationships with professionals outside of their athletic teams.

“Start with getting involved on campus. Go to any networking events that your program or your school may have… start there because they’re likely right on campus and super easy for you to get to,” Desveaux said.



Desveaux also highlights the importance of researching career options early and staying informed about job opportunities. She notes that many athletes, focused primarily on their sport, may not explore the full range of career paths available to them until late in their university experience. She encourages athletes to broaden their horizons and explore different industries, as this can lead to unexpected opportunities.



In her role at PFC, Desveaux is dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of student-athletes across Canada. The partnership with U SPORTS focuses on creating meaningful connections between athletes and potential career opportunities, ensuring they have the support needed to succeed both during and after their athletic careers.

For Desveaux, this work is deeply fulfilling, as it allows her to give back to the athletic community that played such a significant role in her life.