Alumni Spotlight on Danielle Hyde

From VIU student athlete to VIU Athletics Director

When Danielle Hyde decided to attend Vancouver Island University as a student-athlete, she didn’t know how much her experience would shape not only her academic and athletic path, but also her future career success.

Danielle graduated from VIU (then Malaspina University-College) in 2002. During her time with the Mariners women’s volleyball team, she was a conference first team all-star in every season she played, won three provincial gold medals and one bronze medal, and was named top player in the conference in the 1999, 2000 and 2001 seasons. Nationally, she was the first Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) student-athlete in any sport to earn four consecutive awards for athletic excellence and was named the association’s Women's Volleyball Player of the Year in 2000. She was also a two-time CCAA Academic All-Canadian.

Danielle now serves as VIU’s Director of Athletics and Recreation. In 2023, she was named CCAA Athletic Director of the Year – the first athletic director from VIU to win the award. The recognition came on the heels of a year which saw VIU’s varsity soccer, basketball and volleyball teams all qualify for their respective national championship tournaments – something no other Canadian post-secondary institution achieved. 

This year, VIU set a school record for the most CCAA Academic All-Canadians (12) – the most from any BC post-secondary institution.

“My favourite part of my job is supporting student-athletes and being part of their journeys,” she says. “I love seeing their growth and knowing that I was once in their shoes. Maybe the coolest part of my whole journey so far is that I get the opportunity to give back to the same student-athlete community I was once a part of.”

Here’s more about Danielle’s journey from varsity athlete to athletic director.

Tell us about your current role

I moved into the Director of Athletics and Recreation role on what was to be a very short-term leave replacement in February 2020. We were hosting a National Championship that year so I was asked to step in and see the nationals across the finish line. Four days before we were set to welcome the teams, COVID-19 shut our world and our work down. The tournament was cancelled. After a couple of years in an interim role, I applied for the position and was the successful candidate. Prior to that, I was a student employee, a gym attendant, ran intramurals, backfilled in fitness/health and wellness and at one point was the assistant coach for the women’s volleyball, prior to having my kids in 2009.  

Why did you choose VIU for your education?

VIU felt like the right fit from the beginning. Volleyball was my sport, and the coach convinced my mom that I was ready to move away from home in Coquitlam to join the team. I loved the campus and the opportunity to play varsity sports. I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do “when I grew up,” but I knew Malaspina had a lot to offer. Volleyball initially brought me to Mal-U, but I stayed to complete my education and have never looked back.

While working as a student in the campus gym, I realized I wanted to pursue a career in sports, recreation and athletics. I took some business courses and didn’t love them all, but putting that together with sports was where I discovered what I wanted to do.

Tell us a bit about your overall experience at VIU

I completed a Bachelor of Tourism Management with a major in Recreation. My experience at VIU was incredible – university quickly felt like home. Varsity athletics were a huge part of my life and provided me with some of my best memories. I found the community to be strong and supportive, the instructors approachable and the real-world opportunities invaluable.

Were there any unexpected benefits you discovered after becoming a student?

Absolutely. I gained lifelong friendships, particularly through varsity athletics, and early exposure to hands-on work in my field through some of my co-op placements. I literally have grown up here and do feel fortunate to work for the same program that shaped who I am. Coming to the Island from the Lower Mainland, I fell in love with the beauty and the pace of life, and it quickly became home. I also met my husband, Shane, who was playing on the men’s volleyball team at the time, and together we’ve built a life—two kids, dogs, houses—all starting from my time at Mal-U

How did your program prepare you for your current role?

It gave me a strong foundation in recreation and sport management, as well as real-world experience through work-op positions and campus involvement.

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part is supporting student-athletes and being part of their journeys. I love seeing their growth and knowing that I was once in their shoes. These opportunities helped spark my decision to pursue a Master’s in Sport Management, which further prepared me for leadership roles in the field. 

Can you share a highlight of your learning experience?

The Recreation and Tourism faculty were incredibly supportive and well-connected to the industry, which made a big difference in my academic experience. I often had five different projects with five completely different groups on the go at the same time. Those experiences taught me how to collaborate effectively, meet deadlines and prioritize my time. Balancing that workload with the demanding schedule of being a varsity athlete helped me develop strong organizational and time-management skills, which remain one of my strengths today. Learning alongside a close-knit group of peers made the journey even more meaningful, and being part of varsity athletics gave me a second family and a strong support network. 

What advice would you give VIU students following a similar trajectory as yourself?

Say yes to opportunities, even if they seem small, because they lead to growth. Get involved in campus life – it shapes your experience in the best possible ways. Finally, stay connected to your community. The relationships you build will be key to your future.