University of Toronto Athletics

Few teams in Canada can boast three decades of consistent success quite like U of T’s men’s soccer squad. With such a talented pool, only the absolute best stand out. Mark Purdy is one such athlete.

For five season (1982, 83, 85, 86, 87), Mark led the Blues through the critical years that would prepare the team to bring home the 1988 national championship title. An outstanding athlete and captain of the team for three seasons, Mark demonstrated leadership, determination and superior skills that paced his team to victory over and over again.

During his first two seasons at U of T, the team was undefeated in OUAA regular season competition, compiling an amazing record of 15 wins and 7 ties. During his career, the team brought home two OUAA championship titles, two berths to the CIAU championship, two CIAU semi-final placements and the 1986 CIAU silver medal. On top of his team success, Mark amassed numerous individual honours and awards at all levels. He was a two-time CIAU first team all-Canadian, a multiple OUAA all-star, four-time MVP of the Queen’s Invitational Tournament, a Silver T, and the recipient of the Charles Oster Trophy as the Blues’ most valuable player.

After graduation, Mark continued to play professional soccer for five years in the Canadian soccer league with the Toronto Blizzard and Hamilton Steelers. He also spent time with two professional teams in England before returning to begin a business career at IBM Canada. He has spent the last 10 years in the investment industry, becoming a founding partner and chief investment officer at Arrow Hedge Partners Inc.