Michelle Harris - Welcome Desk Coordinator
Chances are if you’ve been to the Sportsplex, you’ve met Michelle Harris. As the facility’s Welcome Desk Coordinator, Michelle has been greeting and delivering exceptional customer service to our patrons for the past 32 years, and it’s impossible to think about visiting the Zatzman Sportsplex without picturing her friendly face!
A graduate of Centennial College’s Recreation and Leisure Services program, Michelle has been with the Sportsplex since September 1992, offering her expertise to all areas of the building. A day in the life of Michelle is a little bit hectic, but a whole lot of fun, as she’s responsible for everything from managing the parking lot and building security to ensuring our customers are well-taken-care-of and comfortable while in the facility. Michelle is a skilled relationship builder and makes it a point to connect with patrons to hear their stories, learn more about them, and discover what they need to thrive at the Sportsplex. Managing many Welcome Desk staff, Michelle strives to help her employees develop their professional skills by being a flexible, reliable supervisor who focuses on mentorship and training.
Over the past 32 years, Michelle has made tons of memories at the Sportsplex and has been a part of many community events and programs. One of Michelle’s favourite programs at the Sportsplex is the Catherine Chiodo “learn-to-swim” program—a youth program that supports kids from all backgrounds in learning to swim, and honours a long-time Sportsplex co-worker and dear friend. A real team player, Michelle is incredibly knowledgeable about the building and is always willing to lend a helping hand in every area of the facility.
To say Michelle loves fishing would be an understatement. When asked what she likes to do other than fishing, Michelle says “I also like talking about fishing, and hanging out at tackle shops”. Spending time on the lake is Michelle’s idea of a perfect, relaxing day, and her biggest catch was a 4.4-pound smallmouth bass she caught while visiting her family in Lake Erie, Ontario.
Michelle has seen the facility go through many changes over the past two decades, but nothing compares to the Sportsplex revitalization project. “I’m looking forward to seeing old and new faces entering our modern facility, and to see what new activities and programs the gymnasium will bring,” says Michelle. “I’m also excited to see how we can make an even bigger impact on our community both inside and outside of the Sportsplex building.”
