| Behind the Blues highlights the student staff who bring Varsity Blues to life. From content creation to events, these are the people behind the moments. |
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When Andrea Chiappetta stepped onto the field at Varsity Stadium for the first time as the interuniversity student coordinator for field sports and volleyball home matches, he was stepping into more than a job - he was joining a community that would play a role in shaping the final years of his academic journey.
His role, a Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education work study position, became a place where his leadership skills, commitment to athletics, and dedication to student life all came together.
Academically, when he started his undergraduate studies at York University in 2017, he intended to pursue engineering. That changed quickly.
"I learned pretty early that I wouldn't have been happy following that path," he said. "My parents always wanted me to do what made me happy, so they pushed me to find something that would make me feel fulfilled. So I looked at what I was good at, and I realized I have always been a teacher."
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(Chiapetta, centre knealing, and the Varsity Blues volleyball event staff during the 2025-26 season)
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He shifted into Religious Studies and Business, completing his ungraduated degree in 2022. From there he transitioned to OISE for the Master of Education Program in Social Justice Education, graduating in 2024. Now in the final year of his Master of Teaching program at OISE, Chiappetta reflects on a path marked by perseverance, unexpected turns, and meaningful experiences.
Through his undergraduate and graduate studies, Chiappetta worked full-time, which he identifies as his biggest challenge.
"Nine years of studies and working one or even two jobs at a time takes a toll," he said. "I missed out on some of those traditional university experiences, but I wouldn't have traded it for the world. Three degrees and nine years later, I'm proud of the path I took."
Following his graduation in June 2026, he hopes to become a high school teacher, eventually transitioning into leadership.
"OISE helped me develop as an educator. It taught me quite a bit about the teacher I want to be, but also the person I have become in the process."
As for the jobs he held during his studies, Chiappetta discovered the Varsity Blues position while visiting family in Italy following the loss of his grandfather.
"I knew that I needed a change of pace from the year before. Having just finished my first master's degree and going into my second, I knew I needed something different."
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(Chiapetta preparing for soccer walk outs at Varsity Stadium | Photo by Aru Das)
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He began updating his résumé from his phone in Sicily and came across the listing for the position he now holds.
"It just so happened that after visiting my grandfather's home, the position was hiring. Something about it made me feel to take a chance. So, I took it as a sign to apply, and the rest was history."
His first day with the Varsity Blues came during preseason soccer training.
"I was still nervous about going into a leadership position and being able to gain the support and respect of the staff who had been part of the Blues for a long time," he said. "I didn't know what to expect."
Those nerves eased quickly.
"I felt welcomed and encouraged by everyone. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Supporting them in their role came easy because they taught me quite a few things."
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(Chiapetta helping with the medal ceremony at the 2025 OUA soccer championship finals in November | Photo by Seyran Mammadov)
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One of Chiappetta's earliest impactful memories was his first Varsity men's and women's soccer doubleheader, played against the Carleton Ravens.
"I wanted everything to go to plan," he said. "There were some hiccups, as no planning can predict what will happen, but it taught me some good lessons. That day cemented who I needed to be as a leader and what our team needed to be successful, especially in big games. It really helped us for our championship run a year later."
Leading the student staff game day operations, Chiappetta would play a major role in not only hosting OUA provincial championship games for both the Varsity Blues men's and women's teams in 2025, but also served as a primary support as U of T hosted the eight best teams from across the country for the 2025 U SPORTS Men's Soccer National Championship. And the early November showcase at Varsity Stadium created some memorable moments.
"Shoveling snow on national television was not on my bucket list," he said. "But it was surreal to be part of an amazing event. The championships themselves, it really capped off the last two years and made me feel that I had made it in U SPORTS."
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(Chiapetta, right, and other staff shovel the snow off of Varsity Stadium field during the 2025 U SPORTS men's soccer championship in November | Photo by Aru Das)
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Chiappetta identifies the people he works with as his favourite part of U of T Athletics.
"Every week you learn something new," he said. "You can always be prepared, but you never know how a game is going to end."
He values the opportunity to work with high-calibre staff, coaches, and athletes.
"Being able to stand alongside them teaches you so much. It changes your perspective on how U of T Athletics can impact your life."
Balancing school, work, games, and family requires discipline.
"It takes a lot to manage, but I've had this schedule for nine years," he said. "It takes planning and organization to make sure you're not forgetting anything or anyone. You sometimes have to sacrifice time with friends and family to make it work, but that's the trade-off when working in sports. The game always has to go on."
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(Chiapetta courtside at a Varsity Blues volleyball match during the 2025-26 season | Photo by Jason Wang)
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For Chiappetta, working in varsity athletics has been a valuable part of his time at U of T.
"It's been a privilege to work in varsity sports and see how student-athletes and staff manage their lives while competing and studying at the highest levels. You're not going to find athletes or staff elsewhere who have a championship game one day and a midterm the next."
Chiappetta encourages future students to take chances, even when the path seems unclear.
"I never thought I would actually get into U of T or work Varsity Blues game days, but I applied. I took a chance, and by sheer luck I got accepted."
His advice is straightforward:
"Apply. The worst thing that can happen is they say no. You never know what will happen. It might be the best decision you make."
He considers the experience an affirmation of the path he has chosen.
"Being able to do this and succeed week-after-week makes you know that you made the right choice and that the future is bright."
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