HAMILTON, Ont. — McMaster Marauders digital host Mackenzie Barwell has been selected to participate in the FISU Young Reporters Program at the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games. Barwell, a talented sports media professional and full-time McMaster student, will join a select group of 12 young journalists, including six international participants from around the globe, in covering one of the largest multi-sport events in the world.
The FISU Young Reporters Program, founded in 2011 in collaboration with the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), provides an immersive, hands-on experience for journalism students and recent graduates aged 20 to 25. Participants gain full access to competition venues and the Main Press Centre, where they report on the Games' action and participate in lectures delivered by experienced media professionals and mentors. The program offers an intensive learning experience, blending journalism with cultural exchange.
"Working with McMaster Athletics has been such an incredible experience," Barwell said. "It's where I realized just how good the quality of university sport is and how incredible the student-athletes are. To now take that experience to an international stage, representing McMaster and Canada, feels really special."
Barwell also expressed enthusiasm for the career challenges ahead.
"This will be my first time covering an event of this size, and I'm excited to step into a multi-sport and winter environment. Being surrounded by so many niche and unique athletes is such a cool opportunity," she said. "I can't wait to learn about new sports like biathlon and curling, while also reporting on something I'm deeply passionate about, like skiing."
At McMaster, Barwell has showcased her skills as a sideline reporter, digital host, and in-venue personality, engaging fans and bringing athletes' stories to life. Her portfolio also includes experience with Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League, Canada Basketball, and the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL).
"Mackenzie has a remarkable ability to connect with athletes and tell their stories with creativity and authenticity," said Jay Barlett, McMaster's Communications and Media Specialist. "Her work with the Marauders and beyond has consistently shown her as an elite up and coming talent in the Canadian sports media landscape. This opportunity with FISU is a perfect next step for her career."
Barwell's selection places her among an elite group of storytellers from around the world who share a passion for sports and media. Alongside six National Young Reporters from Italy and her fellow international participants, she will cover the Torino 2025 FISU Games while attending lectures and gaining expert mentorship in a multi-cultural learning environment.
The FISU World University Games, formerly known as the Universiade, is one of the largest multi-sport events in the world, bringing together elite student-athletes from universities across the globe. Organized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), the Games are held every two years and feature a wide range of sports, from athletics and swimming to basketball and ice hockey. Celebrating excellence in sports and academics, the event promotes international friendship and cultural exchange, embodying FISU's mission to foster education and development through sport. The Torino 2025 Games mark a return to Italy, where the inaugural Summer Universiade was held in 1959.
For more details about Barwell's selection and the other participants, visit the official FISU announcement.
