Ridley College | Palov, Joey '88

Joey Palov from the Class of 1988 is genetically predisposed to love sports. Both his parents were varsity athletes, Phys. Ed teachers and coaches. As a child, he recalls, “I played every sport I could.” With his drive and grit, this student athlete was a perfect fit for Ridley, though he only arrived at the school after a series of fortunate events. When asked to recount his greatest sports memory, he says: “In the dying days of August, 1986, Brian Iggulden (then Director of Admissions) answered a handwritten letter from my mother that was addressed ‘To Whom It May Concern.’ She did not want me to attend CEGEP in Quebec. Ridley had an unexpected opening. Two weeks later, I arrived on campus – the beneficiary of generous financial aid. Is that a sports memory? I don’t know. But it led to the most fulfilling two years of my athletic life. And I will always be grateful for the opportunity.” At Ridley, he played First Soccer, First Hockey, was a member of the Track and Field team, and won the ISAA championship with the Senior Rugby Team. He went on to play varsity soccer at Acadia University, and he played Junior B hockey with the Windsor Royals for two seasons. He was even featured in a Sports Illustrated article about Canadian fans of American college football who show unwavering devotion. Above all, he says, as an athlete he has learned the value of accountability, which he believes “transcends results: goals scored, personal awards, wins or championships. It starts with showing up and giving your best effort,” he says. “It’s taught during difficult times, when mistakes are made and things don’t go your way.”

“Accountability is a lesson that pervades all aspects of Ridley life – social, academic and athletic.”

Palov, Joey '88 - Soccer