Dr. Kaleigh Pennock

Biography

Kaleigh Pennock is an Assistant Professor in Recreation Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo. Her research program investigates how constructions of risk responsibility shape experiences within youth sport. Employing interdisciplinary perspectives and an intersectional anti-racism lens, she focuses on youth athletes and sport leaders to understand risk practices and the shared responsibility of actors managing or mitigating risk. Her research specifically concentrates on topics such as sport-related concussion, maltreatment, risk management in community sport organizations, and the sport experiences of Black Canadian youth athletes. Guided by principles of equity and community safety, her work aims to advance knowledge of athlete well-being and foster community-oriented partnerships that enact meaningful change in youth sport experiences. Kaleigh is also involved in graduate supervision and is currently accepting applications from prospective graduate students whose research interests align with her expertise in concussion, injury risk, and the well-being of racialized youth athletes.

Research Interests