Growing up in Winnipeg, Dr. Cara Isaak attended UWinnipeg’s Wesmen basketball camp every summer. Now, she’s bringing her lifelong passion for sports back to the University, taking on the role of Director of Athletics on August 12, 2024.
Dr. Isaak joins UWinnipeg from Canadian Mennonite University (CMU), where she has been Director of Athletics since 2021. She brings 20 years of coaching experience to the role, having served as Head Coach of the women’s soccer team at CMU, Assistant Coach of the women’s soccer teams at the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba, and the coach of provincial soccer, futsal, and flag football teams. At the national level, Dr. Isaak has coached at 10 championships in three different sports. Most recently, she coached Legacy FC during the team’s silver medal campaign at the 2024 Futsal Canadian Championships.
Throughout her career, Dr. Isaak has built many strong connections within academic and sports communities. She completed her PhD in Physiology and Pathophysiology at the University of Manitoba, where she also worked as a researcher. Dr. Isaak then served as Recreation Services Coordinator at UWinnipeg, playing a pivotal role in enhancing the University’s recreational programs. Over the past 10 years, she has held multiple Board roles with soccer, football, and multi-sport organizations.
Dr. Isaak has a passion for working with great coaches and athletes—as well as supporting them in initiatives to positively impact others. “One of my favourite things about being an athletics director is getting to know inspiring student-athletes, helping them excel, and finding ways to showcase the cool things they are doing in their communities,” she said. “I’m looking forward to meeting all the coaches and players and contributing to the future success of the Wesmen teams.”
