Red Leafs swim star propelled by donor support

Tori Meklensek is taking SFU’s varsity swimming program to historic new heights. The team captain for SFU Women’s Swimming and fourth-year psychology major has surpassed both women’s and men’s records at the university and finished the past season with multiple podium placements.

With 16 All-American trophies and numerous titles—including Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Swimmer of the Year and Swimmer of the Meet, SFU’s Female Athlete of the Year, and Most Valuable Swimmer—she is one of the most decorated athletes in SFU history. Tori’s leadership also earned the Red Leafs women’s swim squad the SFU President's Athletic Team of the Year honour.

In addition to being supported by her parents, who are swim coaches themselves, SFU Coach Demone Tissira, and her teammates at SFU, Tori has also benefited from many donor-funded athletics awards. She has twice received the Andrew Petter and Maureen Maloney Excellence in Varsity Athletics Award and been recognized with numerous other awards for her swimming achievements.

Tori recently shared insights into what fuels her passion for swimming—and the vital role donor support plays in her journey.

What is your biggest motivation as a dedicated swimmer and team captain?

Being a part of the team is my biggest motivation. It’s different from club swimming because I'm not just swimming for myself; I'm swimming for my teammates, my coaches, and for the legacy of SFU Women's Swimming. There is something really powerful about representing something larger than myself. It helps me get out of bed on cold mornings and smile—most of the time!—at the pool.

Was there a pivotal moment in your swimming journey at SFU?

Joining the RMAC Conference in my third year. It was my first conference championship and reignited my love of swimming. The camaraderie I experienced during both RMAC and NCAA championships really changed my perspective. Swimming became about more than what is on the scoreboard—it's about the people, even those not on my team.

How have donor-funded awards played a role in your achievements?

Being a varsity athlete takes a lot, physically, mentally, and financially. Balancing it all isn’t always easy! While I’ve learned to be intentional with my time and lean on my teammates, these awards lift some of that pressure. They give me the ability to focus on training, recovery, and my academic performance.

Awards are also an important reminder that someone out there believes in me and the team. They recognize our daily hard work, helping us stay competitive and reminding us that we have a place in SFU’s legacy.

What message would you like to share with donors who support athletics awards at SFU?

Thank you for your generosity! Your support means more than you might realize. Not only are you funding sports, you’re also helping us build our futures and inspiring us to get in the pool and give it our best every day!

What's next for you?

In the summer I'll be focusing on training and, in the fall, starting the last year of coursework for my psychology degree. Long term, I am thinking about pursuing a career in midwifery—I think it would be incredible to provide maternal care and participate in bringing new life into the world.