My name is Mustafa Karacam, and I am running for the position of Vice President, Communications with the Toronto Spartan Volleyball League (TSVL). I believe my background in sport and academia, coupled with my experience in event organizing and community engagement, makes me a strong candidate for this role.

I bring over twenty years of experience in sport (archery)—as a professional athlete, coach, and event organizer. This journey has equipped me with excellent interpersonal communication skills. As an athlete, I collaborated with numerous teammates and coaches, learning the importance of clear, respectful communication. As a senior athlete overseeing junior members, I often acted as a bridge between coaches and younger athletes, helping to relay training plans and gather feedback.

As a coach, I regularly communicated with athletes, parents, suppliers, and stakeholders. To maintain
efficient communication, I implemented tools like WhatsApp, creating different group chats tailored
to skill levels and availability.

Academically, I hold a BA in Physical Education and Teaching, and a PhD in Kinesiology and Health Studies with a focus on gender and sexuality in sport. My pedagogical training has shaped my communication style—clear, inclusive, and audience-aware. During my graduate studies, I honed my oral and written communication skills while working with a wide range of students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Between 2019 and 2021, I served as Graduate Student Representative — an elect position, for the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport
(NASSS), the largest organization for sport sociology in North America. I created and distributed promotional emails, developed surveys, and solicited feedback to help shape annual conferences.

Currently, I work as Lead, Research and Partner Management for one of the largest cohort studies
in North America. In this role, I serve as the primary point of contact, representing the Director and team in communications with researchers, clinicians, community partners, and stakeholders. My responsibilities include coordinating meetings, ensuring proper recording and maintenance of minutes, preparing newsletters, maintaining our website, managing confidential documents, and ensuring our work aligns with ethics and organizational by-laws. This role requires meticulous
organization and exceptional communication skills, which I bring to everything I do.

On a personal note, I joined TSVL in Fall 2024 and immediately felt welcomed by the community. I
believe this is a reflection of both the inclusive spirit of TSVL and my approachable and collaborative nature.
I am passionate about contributing to the ongoing success of TSVL and giving back to a community
that has already given me so much. I am excited about the opportunity to work closely with the President and the rest of the Board to uphold our values and help carry forward the league’s proud legacy. I believe my background and qualifications outlined above makes me a strong candidate for this role.

Thank you for your consideration.