We’re thrilled to welcome Glenn Gallop to the Tennis Alberta team this summer as our new Sports Coordinator.
Glenn wrapped up his first year studying Kinesiology at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. He’s a former top junior badminton player and lover of all things sports. We sat down with Glenn for a quick Q&A to get to know him.
Q: You just wrapped up your first year studying Kinesiology at the U of A. What made you choose that path, and is there a piece of insight you’ve learned so far that you could share with our athletes?
Glenn: I’ve always been naturally athletic and active in all sorts of sports—golf, badminton, swimming, soccer, and a bit of tennis. Being in the sports community, you see a lot of injuries happen. I chose Kinesiology because it studies human physiology, anatomy, and overall physical well-being. I want to get into sports medicine or physiotherapy so I can use my brain while staying heavily involved in the sports world.
As for insight from my first year: all that talk about sleeping well and eating well is not a lie! Everything I’ve learned in my health classes perfectly lines up with the advice professional coaches and trainers have given me over the years. If you get advice from your coach, you better listen to them—they really know what they’re talking about.
Q: Your competitive badminton resume is impressive. You’re a 3-time ASAA Provincial Champion, a 2022 Badminton Canada National Medalist, and you’ve been ranked top 5 in Alberta and top 20 in Canada. Performing at that level comes with high stakes. What’s your secret to staying calm and focused when the game’s on the line?
Glenn: To be completely honest, I didn’t use to be a very calm person. I’d get frustrated and mad easily if I started to lose. That emotional mindset really brought down my gameplay because I couldn’t focus on the match. I was just letting my frustration get the better of me.
When I was around 15 or 16, I started a new routine before big matches. I’d find a secluded space to listen to music, calm my breathing, and try to meditate. Reassuring myself that all I could do was try my best really helped center my mind so I could focus on how to beat my opponent rather than the results. If there isn’t a quiet room available, even just taking a little walk outside with some music gives me that same wave of confidence before stepping back onto the court. I’d say the secret to staying calm in those big moments comes down to that mental preparation before the match begins.
Q: Who is a coach, teammate, or athlete that inspired you or that you look up to the most?
Glenn: I really look up to my head badminton coach at B-Active, Wen Wang. He’s been like a second father to me and’s always been there when I needed help or just a chat about life.
He’s an incredibly logical, collected person. He told me he used to be hot-headed when he was younger too, so he understands me. He also won’t soften the blow if something needs to be said—he’ll tell you what you need to hear. That honesty is something I really respect.
Q: Music is a huge part of your pre-game routine. What’s on your playlist to get you locked in before you step onto the court?
Glenn: It really depends on what kind of match it is and the mood I need to get into. Sometimes I’ll go with upbeat pop to get my energy up, but other times I’ll listen to classical music if I need to stay cool and calm. A couple of tracks that always come to mind for my routine are “Judas” by Lady Gaga and “Cool for the Summer” by Demi Lovato.
Q: What is your favorite cuisine, and do you have a specific go-to pre-game meal?
Glenn: I actually don’t do pre-game meals—usually the big meals come after the game. But when it comes to my favorite cuisine, I’m a massive fan sushi fan.
Q: Last question then: What is your go-to sushi spot in Edmonton?
Glenn: If I’m feeling really hungry, I’ll go for the all-you-can-eat at Sushi Toshi on the south side. But if I’m looking for a nice, quiet, sit-down meal where I want something to taste incredibly good, I’ll go to a spot called Sushi Aroma.
My absolute recommendation if you go to Sushi Aroma is the blazing salmon roll. It is, without a doubt, the best thing I’ve ever tasted.
A big thank you to Glenn for sitting down to chat with us (and for the sushi recommendations!).
Once again, join us in welcoming Glenn to the team and to the community! We look forward to his much-needed help during this busy time of year.
