Transforming lives through philanthropy at Canada's engaged university
Alumnus succeeds courtside with donor support
SFU alumnus Michael Provenzano (BSc ’20) has enjoyed an impressive basketball career that has taken him from SFU’s courts to playing professionally in Melilla, Spain, and now coaching with Michigan State University.
As a standout athlete, Michael was a remarkable leader and captain with the SFU Men’s Basketball team, amassing over 1,000 career points and leading the team to many victories. He was also among those first students who graduated virtually during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michael speaks joyfully about his time with the men’s basketball team at SFU, noting that donor-funded awards played a large part both in his own success, easing financial pressures and helping to elevate the team's competitive edge.
We caught up with Michael amidst his busy coaching schedule and graduate studies in kinesiology at Michigan State. He shared some reflections on his SFU experience and the important role donor-funded awards can play in shaping incredible journeys like his.
While you were playing with the SFU Men’s Basketball team and working toward your bachelor of science degree, what was your top strategy for balancing the various demands of being a student-athlete?
For me, the number one strategy was staying organized. My experience as a student-athlete at SFU really helped me develop that. I made schedules, created daily task lists, and kept a calendar to track workouts, practices, games, assignments—everything. That organization set me up for success then, and now.
Balancing basketball and academics was demanding, but I also found it essential to budget time for myself—whether it was spending time with friends and family or enjoying college life. Planning for social activities was critical to maintaining balance and avoiding burnout. College athletics is great, but it’s a lot to manage, and without that balance, you can quickly lose the joy of the experience.
During your time as a student-athlete, you received several donor-funded athletics awards. How did that impact your experience at SFU?
It made a tremendous impact. First, on the court, it elevated the level of the team. Scholarships help schools bring in better players, which means I got to play with higher-level teammates. University athletics is such an amazing escape for people—fans rally around the teams. Scholarships and awards help put the best players and game out there on the floor. That made a difference not only for me but for the whole SFU community.
Second, it set me up for success after college. A lot of people are weighed down by student loans after graduation, but thanks to the donor support, I wasn’t. It has allowed me to focus on my career and personal life without that financial burden, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
Why do you think it's important to create awards like these to support students?
I think it’s essential for two main reasons. First, if you take pride in your school and want to see a strong team succeed on the court, supporting student-athletes is key. SFU, as the only NCAA team in Canada, faces real challenges in attracting and retaining high-level players. Competing with American schools—which have been at it longer and often have much larger budgets—can be tough. Scholarships and awards make a huge difference in helping SFU keep Canadian talent in Canada, and that translates into a better experience for players and the whole community.
Second, from a human perspective, it’s about contributing positively and helping others succeed and thrive, long-term. Relieving the financial pressures that can weigh people down for years helps others have a better quality of life and increases opportunities for the next generation.
It was a great privilege and joy for me to play basketball at this level while also attaining a Canadian university education, and donor support helped make that possible.
Today, you are a coach at Michigan State and working toward your masters of science in kinesiology. What are you most excited about looking on the horizon?
There is a lot to be excited about! First, I’m really trying to soak in the present—I work for a Hall of Fame coach, which is a rare opportunity, and I’m learning so much. Every day I come to work, it’s an honour and I want to take in as much knowledge as I can from the great basketball minds around me.
In terms of the near future, we’ve got some amazing experiences lined up—trips to California, Atlanta, and even Maui for the Maui Invitational. But outside of basketball, the most exciting thing for me is that I’m going to become a father in March. My wife and I are expecting our first child—a daughter—and that’s definitely what I’m looking forward to the most!
