Merrick Palmer – (President/Head Trainer) Graduate of St. Francis Xavier University with a Psychology/Sociology degree, Merrick played professionally overseas for three years after a stellar university career. After winning a National C.I.S. Championship in 1993 and multiple all-star awards, he went on to lead his professional team to its first South African Premier Basketball League title in 1997. For the past eight years Merrick has worked as a councilor for Tamir Foundation, an organization that provides residential and day services for autistic adults. He has gained a great deal of knowledge of how important it is for persons with developmental disabilities to have a regular place to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Merrick has been the Gloucester Cumberland Basketball Association’s Technical Director since 2007 providing skills sessions to players and coaches alike. Merrick’s combination of coaching and compassion has translated into a very successful youth basketball program. Merrick Palmer Basketball School and Camps has been in business since 2007 and has seen its enrollment quadruple in 3 years. Merrick’s programs come highly recommended for children and youth looking to build basketball and life skills. He is a Certified CanFitPro Personal Trainer Specialist (PTS) and takes tremendous pride in improving the health a fitness status youth and adults alike.
Fabienne Blizzard - (Associate Trainer) Born in Brooklyn, NY and moved to Montreal QC at the age of five. Fabienne graduated from University of Ottawa with Political Science and Information Management System degree and was a standout on the basketball court. She was awarded Rookie of the year, MVP, Best Defensive Player, OUA All-Star and Athlete of the year (2 yrs). Her highest scoring game was against Carleton University - 60 points. Fabienne has gone on to have a successful career as a project manager for Accenture, a global management, consulting and technology outsourcing company. Fabienne is a YMCA certified professional trainer and director of her own personal training company called Fitness by Fabienne. Fabienne has head coached at the club, provincial and C.I.S. level and brings a world of knowledge to the Center. Her attention to detail will benefit every client looking to reach their basketball and fitness goals.