In celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the Bandits highlight women who have made their mark on basketball at home and around the world and have set an example for the next generation of basketball players.
We spoke with players and staff from the university level to senior national teams and they have shared their thoughts on the importance for aspiring female athletes to have relatable and homegrown role models to look up to in sport.
Kim Gaucher - x3 Olympian, Canada Senior National Team captain (Hometown: Mission)
"I know my life changed in grade 9 when I had the chance to watch our senior women's national team practice. It was the first time I saw women playing professionally and I left that practice with a dream of someday representing Canada and playing basketball professionally. Seeing women compete at the highest levels (notably fellow mission resident Teresa Gabrielle) taught me to dream bigger."
Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe - x2 Olympian, Simon Fraser WBB Alumna (Hometown: Vernon)
"Homegrown athletes are important role models that show that no matter where you are from you can achieve your goals with hard work and dedication. Such athletes often attract young girls to a given sport and inspire them to participate. When young girls see female athletes playing and performing at high levels of sport it gives them a tangible goal that they can work toward."
Tara Llanes - 2020 Paralympian, Parapan Am Games Gold Medallist (Hometown: North Vancouver)
"My mom was a single parent who was also an athlete. She was my first role model that taught me so much about sacrifice and the importance of hard work. Once I was in high school I started to look up to the seniors on the basketball team for guidance. They taught me how to trust in my skills and be more confident. Initially I was timid and unsure of how to utilize my voice but I finally grew into it. After I graduated high school I changed my focus from basketball to mountain biking. I ended up racing professionally for 15 years and that’s when I really came into my own. I had so many independent, competent, and confident women that I raced with that I looked up to. They were strong in their convictions and would stick to what they believed in. Those were defining years for me. I saw them stand up for equal prize money and respectfully get the attention of race promoters. At 18 and 19 years old I would sit in on meetings and I learned so much!
I have been so fortunate to have every one of these women as role models. They have all taught me confidence in different ways and I wouldn’t be the female athlete I am today without them."
Teresa Gabriele - x2 Olympian, Simon Fraser WBB Alumna (Hometown: Mission)
"It is hugely important for aspiring athletes to have homegrown role models, who inspire rather than intimidate. Someone who is relatable. Someone who has paved the foundation, for future generations to follow their dreams."
Allison McNeill - Coach: 2012 Canada Women's Olympic team, Simon Fraser WBB, Oregon WBB (Hometown: South Surrey)
"'YOU CAN’T BE WHAT YOU CAN’T SEE'… I could probably stop right there!
But let’s see, we need to show our young girls that they can be leaders, they can 'call the shots' and that girls and women have a place in sport! We need more young girls being active and leading a healthy life. We need boys and men to see that working with women is normal and healthy. There are so many positive reasons to have women role models, both as coaches and as athletes.
Young girls need to actually see the confidence, leadership and accomplishment in other girls and women. But just as important is seeing the sacrifices, drive, dedication and hard work necessary to excel in sport and life. Can there be anything more important than that?"
Hailey Van Roekel - Trinity Western WBB, Third Year (Hometown: Langley)
"It is imperative for young female athletes to have these role models because it gives them the idea that anything is possible for them no matter where they come from or how they came to sport. If they can see themselves in those older athletes, it can help them overcome doubts and challenges because ‘If they can do it, then I can too.'"
Deanna Tuchscherer - University of the Fraser Valley WBB, Second Year (Hometown: Chilliwack)
"Growing up I experienced firsthand the impact that local role models can have on young female athletes. All of my biggest heroes growing up were women’s basketball players at UFV. I got to watch them play and train every week right here at home in the Fraser Valley. These female athletes truly helped shaped me into the player, person, and leader I am today."
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