Our Team
ALEX OGBONGBEMIGA – CSCS, BA ECON, RMT.
(COACHING DIRECTOR)
alex@smartperformance.com
Prior to establishing SMART PERFORMANCE, Alex was selected 36th overall in the 2016 CFL Draft by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Alex played 2 years in the CFL for the Edmonton Eskimos and the BC Lions. Alex mentored local athletes Chuba Hubbard, Amen Ogbongbemiga, Albert Reese through their high school recruiting process leading to their signing at DIV 1 Oklahoma State and Mississippi State. Alex enjoys sharing his passion of coaching with young athletes, as he believes they are the future. Alex enjoys sharing the mistakes he made during his sports career to young athletes to ensure they don’t make the same.
Alex has been fortunate to be coached by 1998 Denver Broncos Superbowl Champion Allen Aldridge, 3-time Vanier cup champion Blake Nill, former Philadelphia Eagles Wide receiver coach Carson Walch, and current University of Calgary Dinos Strength and condition coach David Swagar. Heavily influenced by his past coaches, Alex bases his coaching philosophy on the lessons he learned through his time under them.
“It is a privilege to play sports, appreciate every minute of it and know that there are millions of people who wish to be in your shoes. Be Disciplined, Do your job!
Alex graduated from the University of Calgary in 2015 with his Bachelor of Arts in Economics, completed his NSCA CSCS (2020) and is Registered Massage Therapist (2021)
Football Career
- George Bush High School Houston Texas 2006-2010
- University of Houston Cougars 2010-2011
- University of Calgary Dinos 2011-2013
- Calgary Colts 2015
- Saskatchewan Roughriders 2016 / Edmonton Eskimos 2016-2017
- BC Lions 2017-2018
Performance Coach
(aiden@smartper4mance.com)
Aiden Neile
Aidan is currently finishing his Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology and plans on pursuing a medical school. He also plays linebacker for the University of Calgary Dinos and was a part of their 2019 Vanier Cup Championship team.
Being a part of both athletic and academic community Aidan has been around elite athletes for several years.
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
(sandra@smartper4mance.com)
SANDRA WIGG
Sandra Wigg obtained her BSc in Geology, from the University of Calgary in 1985. She has lived in Calgary most of her life, worked in the Oil and Gas industry, then chose to be a full time mother of three in 1995.
Sandra played a large role in the community while working in the home, involving herself in coaching sports, school councils and a government task force creating policy around equitable fundraising for school groups.
She was an integral part of minor football in Calgary for 10 years. Sandra entered the workforce again in 2009, drawing on her experience as a mother and a community leader, enthusiastic to embark on a new opportunity.
She forged a niche as Academic Coordinator and Success Coach for Dinos Athletics at the University of Calgary by creating a broad spectrum support program for varsity student athletes with a culture based on empowerment of students and the importance of balancing the individual, academics and athletics.
The results spoke for themselves; a significantly improved team GPA, high student retention rate, impeccable graduation rates (including professional athletes) and a culture of respect and belonging.
Sandra was asked to bring this winning formula to UBC Athletics in 2015 where she championed a support program based on whole hearted, full spectrum support as the Academic Coordinator and Success Coach for the football program. She continued to work her magic which resulted in strong connections with students and staff, producing capable, balanced athletes with a healthy respect for the value of graduation, team performance and personal success.
Sandra is currently committed to her studies in mindset and personal development as well as open-mindedly serving others in both her Resilience Coaching business and as a volunteer. Sandra has a great love of the outdoors and sport, she also enjoys being curious and creative. Her family and friends come first and she is at her best when she creates the opportunity to engage with others, listen and help them to see their own greatness.
Nutritionist
(aiden@smartper4mance.com)
Lori Gaffney
Lori Gaffney is a born and raised Calgarian and was a varsity athlete with the University of Calgary. She graduated from the University of Calgary in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Education degree and completed her Masters degree in 2009. Lori enjoyed a 30 year long career in the world of education, as a middle and high school teacher and as a school administrator. Sharing in her love for sports, throughout her career Lori was often either coaching a team or cheering from the bleachers.
Lori recognizes the challenges associated with being successful in both school and in sport, and is committed to supporting SMART Performance athletes achieve both their academic and athletic goals.
She finds these activities meaningful and rewarding not only for the experience itself, but for the relationships that she builds with people along the way.