Wrestling with success: Allison Kuzub takes skills learned on the mat to vet school

Balancing a demanding academic program in veterinary medicine with high-performance athletic pursuits would seem nearly impossible for most university students. But for Allison Kuzub, discipline, time management and a driving passion for both animal health and team wrestling have helped her thrive as a student athlete.

“Veterinary medicine and wrestling are both very challenging in terms of time and effort, but I’ve always enjoyed the hard work and determination they require to build success,” explains Kuzub, a third-year veterinary student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and a former five-season member of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Huskies women’s wrestling team.

“In my first two years of vet school I would train in the morning and in the evening, so I was basically at school from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. most days. That forced me to prioritize my time — I had to strategically plan things ahead, and that has really helped me stay focused in both areas.”

Travelling across Western Canada to compete in matches while also juggling long hours of study, coursework and practical training can be a strain on mental well-being, but Kuzub uses physical activity as an essential outlet for stress.

“There’s a huge benefit for any student that stays active. Whether I’m wrestling, going to the gym or swimming, all these things give my mind and body a major boost,” Kuzub says. “It’s beneficial to find an interest that you can rely on to take a break from the pressures of life.”

Originally from Saskatoon, Sask., Kuzub grew up with pet cats, which sparked her love for animals. In high school she started volunteering at Erindale Animal Hospital and Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation, where she was involved in caring for small mammals and avian species — work experience that set her on a career path in veterinary medicine.

“I really enjoyed working with the people and finding new learning opportunities at these organizations. I’ve been volunteering at Erindale Animal Hospital since high school and that’s led to a part-time job where I currently work as part of the paramedical support team. I’ll take on a full-time role during the summer months,” she says.

“I’m extremely grateful to have (Erindale Animal Hospital) owner and veterinarian Dr. Vivienne Jones (DVM) as my long-time mentor.”

Kuzub’s interest in wrestling also began in high school: after failing to make the school’s volleyball team, one of her gym teachers encouraged her to join the women’s wrestling team. After successfully competing at the high school level, she joined the USask Huskies women’s wrestling team in the 2019-20 season while she was an animal bioscience student in the USask College of Agriculture and Bioresources. She was accepted into the WCVM’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program in 2022.

Kuzub’s outstanding efforts both in the classroom and on the mat earned her multiple prestigious awards. Most notably, she received U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian and Huskies All-Academic First Team honours for four academic years in a row (2019-22). This award recognizes student athletes who have competed in varsity level sports while undertaking a full course load and maintaining an academic average of 80 per cent or greater. She was also awarded the USPORTS and CanWest Women’s Student Athlete of the Year award in 2023.

One of her crowning athletic achievements came in 2021 when USask hosted Canada West Championships, which draws the top wrestlers from universities across Western Canada. Kuzub finished in first place in her weight class, a special moment that she shared with her hometown community.  

“We had all our local supporters show up for the big event. All my friends and family came out which made for a really fun atmosphere,” says Kuzub.

In 2023, Kuzub suffered a serious concussion that forced her to step back from the sport and focus on her personal health. Despite the setback, her connection to wrestling remains a key part of her identity. She points to her time with the team and the relationships she has developed as a major influence on her future goals.

“Hard work and determination have been really transferable from wrestling to veterinary medicine. Another important part is working with others as a team,” she says.

Kuzub credits her coaches for helping to build her confidence — a skill that has helped her overcome doubts and excel in both athletics and academics. She’s recently taken up CrossFit strength and conditioning training and enjoys being part of the active community.

Once she graduates in 2026, she plans to build a career as a small animal veterinarian with a specific focus in feline and emergency medicine. She’s hopeful to return to wrestling as a coach so she can motivate others as her coaches inspired her.

“My coaches have been so helpful in terms of showing belief in me when you don’t always believe in yourself,” says Kuzub. “That’s been something that I’m truly grateful for. Whether I’m competing or building new skills, it’s something that applies to all areas of life."