Performance Development Leader Reflects on the Importance of Positive Role Models

As Women’s History Month is celebrated, Dr. Lorenda Beuker, a leader in performance development, reflects on the importance of positive role models for female athletes and how their presence in the competitive world continues to grow.

“The significance of Women’s History Month is to celebrate growth and progress,” said Beuker a former Team Canada goal tender and Keiser University’s Master of Science in Sports Management Operations Program Director. “A professional women’s hockey league, which we dreamed about 25 years ago, is now a stable reality and the best is still yet to come. The ‘see it, believe it’ model is especially important for young women and athletes, as visibility creates possibilities. When they see someone who looks like them achieving success, it makes their dreams feel attainable,” she said while adding that her opportunity to coach a youth boys team exemplified the value of women in hockey.

With her current mission to ‘bridge the space between athletes and coaches,’ Beuker said she’s constantly in a ‘state of growth’ as she works to ensure that both thrive through skill development and innovative techniques. While working to secure funds for initiatives such as innovative performance training and team workshops, she regularly collaborates with those who are willing to implement new ideas and research, and thanks the mentors in her life who have exemplified the power of persistence and collaboration.

“I’ve been fortunate to have incredible teammates who continue to do great things in sport, inspiring me to contribute in meaningful ways as well. I also think of the amazing “athlete/mother/great energy” women in my life who exemplify strength, balance, and passion. And of course, my mom—the one who has always supported and admired everything I do. Her belief in me has been a constant, and that kind of support leaves a lasting impact,” reflected Beuker of her mother Adele.

Now spearheading performance development for both athletes and other learners, Beuker reflected on her journey from being a professional athlete to a leader in the managerial world.

“It has definitely been a fun path, and I’ve been fortunate to stay in sport, always fueled by motivation and passion to create. If I could give my past self advice, it would be to embrace adaptability and remain open to new possibilities. I’ve learned the value of breaking apart habits and recognizing that ‘what got you here won’t get you there.’ Growth requires evolving, not just repeating past successes. Now, I try to see where the treasure hunt leads rather than forcing arbitrary deadlines—staying open to opportunities instead of rigidly defining them,” she said.

Beuker reflected on Keiser University’s educational model and how it aligns so well with her philosophy as she relayed how the institution focuses on education tailor-made for each individual. “Keiser’s approach is about making education work for you—channeling motivation into applied learning. For working female students, this model provides flexibility and real-world relevance. The project-based work in our graduate program is a great example—when students bring energy and a desire to create something meaningful, the experience becomes so much more powerful,” she smiled.

Dr. Lorenda Beuker enjoys helping athletes, coaches, and teams enhance their competitive edge through research-backed strategies. With experience at a variety of national-level sports entities, she specializes in optimizing sports environments to improve athlete resilience, coachability, and team dynamics. A former elite goaltender with Team Canada and a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) coach at Princeton and St. Lawrence University, Dr. Beuker brings firsthand experience in high-performance settings. Her work focuses on advancing athlete coping skills, leadership, and overall performance through evidence-based training. She is known for her three-session team workshop implementation, which has led to measurable improvements in player development and team culture. As a professor and performance researcher at Keiser University, Dr. Beuker studies the impact of performance training on athletic success. She earned her degrees from the University of Calgary (Calgary, Canada), Clarkson University (Potsdam, NY), and the United States Sports Academy (Daphne, AL). A sought-after keynote speaker, Dr. Beuker delivers actionable strategies for performance, leadership, and team cohesion in competitive sports environments.

To view a video highlighting Dr. Beuker and other Keiser University women who are leaders in the world of sports, please visit here.

Keiser University’s Master of Science in Sport Management and Operations (MSSMO) is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for a professional career in the sports industry.  The program prepares students for a variety of positions in the business of sports.  The program imbues students with critical thinking skills, business acumen, and communication abilities to lead a multitude of sports endeavors – from little league to scholastic sports to higher education sports to professional sports. Ethical foundations and professional standards are established and reinforced. The MSSMO program encourages creativity and independent learning while fostering a climate of classroom collaboration.

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Dr. Lorenda Beuker, Keiser University’s Master of Science in Sports Management Operations Program Director

Dr. Lorenda Beuker, Keiser University’s Master of Science in Sports Management Operations Program Director shared inspirational insights as part of Women’s History Month.