Novell Thomas was hired in August of 2025 as the fifth director of Athletics and Recreation in Capilano's history.

Prior to joining CapU, Thomas was Director of Operations with the athletic department at Simon Fraser University.  In his time at SFU, he helped direct a staff of over 150 in managing 17 varsity teams comprised of more than 300 student-athletes. Thomas led the planning and execution of numerous high-profile events at SFU including the Toronto Raptors 2023 training camp and Open Practice, the 2022 Shrum Bowl and, from 2023 to 2025, the NCAA Div. II Canadian Tip-Off Classic.

Prior to his SFU experience, Thomas was the head coach of women’s basketball at Brandon University (USports) where he was also a faculty member in the department of physical education. Thomas has extensive professional experience in software development and production with EA Sports where he spent over 10 years as an associate producer. Thomas holds a master’s degree in sport management and has an NCCP Level 3 coaching certification.

A native of Richmond, B.C., Thomas enjoyed an outstanding basketball career that saw him wear Canada’s colours as a point guard with the senior national team from 2002 to 2003 at the World Championships, Pan Am Games and Olympic Qualifiers. His playing experience includes a conference All-Star nod with Langara College in 1994 before a three-year run at SFU where he was a conference All-Star and an honorable mention NAIA All-American in 1996. He remains SFU’s single-season and all-time leader in assists. Thomas played professionally in Austria from 2003 to 2005 and in 2019, he was inducted to the City of Richmond Sports Wall of Fame.