Jeff Speedy: Leading UNB Athletics and championing the fight against breast cancer

Jeff Speedy, former women’s basketball coach and current Director of Athletics at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) has left an indelible mark on the athletic landscape both on and off the court. With a career spanning over three decades, Speedy has not only championed excellence in sports but also spearheaded initiatives that have profoundly impacted communities across the nation.

Speedy’s journey in sports began in the late 1980s as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Acadia University. From there, he moved West to work under Kathy Shields at the University of Victoria, where he served as an assistant coach and later as interim head coach. His career path took him to Thompson Rivers University, the University of Regina, and finally UNB, where he spent 17 years coaching women’s basketball before assuming the role of Athletic Director in 2023.

Among his many achievements, Speedy’s role as one of the founding architects of the "Shoot for the Cure" initiative stands out. This national fundraising program, started in 2007 under the umbrella of U SPORTS Women’s Basketball Coaches, raises money and awareness for breast cancer research. Since its inception, the initiative has raised nearly $2 million and is projected to surpass that milestone this year. Speedy credits a collaborative spirit among coaches, beginning with an idea shared by Bishop’s University coach Rod Gilpin to hold a Think Pink game for breast cancer awareness.

Shoot for the Cure began in a meeting room with U SPORTS women’s basketball coaches discussing ways to support individuals impacted by breast cancer. Rod Gilpin, the coach at Bishop’s University, shared his plans for a fundraiser game to honor a program alum battling breast cancer. Inspired by similar initiatives in the NCAA, the coaches collectively decided to launch a national program. With Speedy soon to assume the presidency of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, he took on a leadership role in shaping the initiative. Starting with just a few participating schools, Shoot for the Cure quickly gained traction, growing into a coast-to-coast effort involving all U SPORTS women’s basketball programs.

“We decided as a group to come together and do something on a national scale,” said Speedy. 

“I took the bull by the horns and worked with a few other coaches to launch the initiative. Over the years, it has grown beyond what we imagined.” 

Initially involving just a handful of schools, the program eventually expanded to include every women’s basketball team in U SPORTS, as well as other athletic programs and broader campus communities.

The cause became deeply personal for Speedy when his mentor, Kathy Shields, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Shields’ battle with the disease inspired him to further his commitment to the initiative, which had already taken root across Canadian campuses. Speedy also self-appointed himself as the project manager for Shoot for the Cure, a role he has embraced for over 15 years. 

“It’s always meant a lot to me. Kathy was a mentor and a friend, and seeing her battle cancer brought home how important this initiative is,” he said.

Under Speedy’s leadership, Shoot for the Cure evolved into more than a women’s basketball initiative. At UNB, it has become a week-long event involving multiple sports teams, recreation programs, and community members. The initiative’s visibility has grown, with teams donning pink uniforms and using pink-branded equipment during games, symbolizing their solidarity with those affected by cancer. Speedy noted that the second million dollars raised will be achieved far more quickly than the first, underscoring the initiative’s growing momentum.

“It’s about teaching student-athletes the importance of community involvement,” said Speedy. 

“If even a small percentage of the students who participate continue to give back and stay involved in causes as adults, then it’s all worth it.”

Speedy shared several moments from his nearly two decades with Shoot for the Cure that resonate deeply. One such memory involved his daughter Kylie, who, as a young child, participated in Think Pink events at UNB, donating her hair to support cancer patients. Today, Kylie is a student-athlete on the UNB Reds basketball team and continues to engage in the initiative. 

“Seeing how Shoot for the Cure has shaped my daughter’s values and commitment to giving back is incredibly rewarding,” said Speedy.

Another poignant story involved former UNB player Crystal Osborne, whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer while Osborne was studying and playing basketball far from home. During her fourth year, after her mother had successfully completed treatment, Osborne made a heartfelt video and donated her hair for cancer patients, with her mother present to cut it. 

“Moments like these remind you why this work matters,” said Speedy.

Speedy’s influence has also reached beyond UNB’s campus. He recounted the story of Amanda Russell, a former player who, after graduating, launched her own Shoot for the Cure initiative at a small school in New Brunswick. 

“To see former student-athletes carry the torch and start their own events is incredibly special. It shows how this initiative has inspired a new generation of leaders.”

As Director of Athletics, Speedy continues to champion community engagement as a core value at UNB. He believes that sports are a powerful vehicle for positive change, fostering not just athletic excellence but also personal growth and civic responsibility. 

“Helping student-athletes become better people is one of the most rewarding parts of this job,” he said.

Looking ahead, Speedy remains committed to expanding the reach and impact of Shoot for the Cure. He envisions a future where even more campuses and sports teams join the initiative, amplifying its message of hope and solidarity. 

“The fight against cancer is far from over, but together, we can make a difference.”