About three to four years ago now I was curling competitively striving to one day win provincials to represent my province at nationals. Throughout the competitions I was in something didn’t seem right or sit well with me. My coach competition after competition was tearing me down little by little. Over the course of about four months I was at my breaking point. I didn’t want to curl anymore. I wanted to be done with the sport. I was kicked off my team for not being “in it” anymore and at that point I knew I was done being a curler. After coming home I was able to sit down and talk to my grandfather who was my inspiration to start curling In the first place. He got me on the ice when I was 4 years old. He told me “you can’t let others tear me down. You need to stop feeling sorry for yourself and go out there and continue to be the best athlete we know you are.” His words spoke to me and gave me back my drive. I went to post secondary making the varsity curling team. Winning four all star awards, two gold medals at OCAA as well as a silver medal at CCAAs. After my career was done at the school I knew I wanted to coach so that my negative experience would never happen to someone else. With the lack of female representation in sports this was the right step for me. So once again I buckled down and got to work. I was chosen for the OCAA Mentorship Program for the 2021-22 season. The Program, a joint initiative with the OCAA, provides a streamlined pathway for OCAA transitioning athletes who are looking to develop as a coach. Now I am coaching the mixed doubles at Humber college continuing my journey!
