Athlete Profile: Alexis Huggart

Hometown: Treherne, Manitoba

What positions do you play: Outfield

Nickname: Lex, Trainer calls me Smiley

What school do you attend: Treherne Collegiate

What year will you graduate: 2016

What are some of your softball dreams and goals: To win gold at the Western Canadian Games this year as well as play college softball, and one day coach a team.

What character trait do you value most in your teammates: The ability to stay positive and high energy throughout tough situations.

Why do you love softball: I love softball because playing makes me feel energized, happy, and proud to accomplish something as a team.

Favorite quote:
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mahatma Ghandi

Other than softball, some of my other hobbies and passions are: Reading, and playing Volleyball and Track.

Other sports I have played are: Hockey, Volleyball, Track, and Basketball

Most memorable sporting experience: Winning gold at Westerns in 2012, as well as making a basket catch to make the third out in an International Tie Breaker in Westerns.

What is a dream of yours: A dream that I have always had is to travel the world. My first stop would be to travel to Poland to see the Auschwitz concentration camp and then make more tropical adventures.

Athlete Profile: Jade Ledochowski

Hometown: Teulon, MB

What position(s) do you play: Catcher, third, first and a bit of short stop

Nickname: Leddy, Jachowski

What school do you attend: Teulon Collegiate

What University will you be attending in fall 2015: Lake Region State College in North Dakota

What will be your Field of Study: Liberal Arts

What are you looking forward to about University? I'm really looking forward to meeting new people and the opportunity to continue my softball career.

What are some of your softball dreams and goals: To have a good college career at Lake Region and then continue on to a Four-year college. I also want to be a coach when I am done playing myself.

What character trait do you value most in your teammates: I value teammates who are very encouraging, determined, and players who show a lot of heart. From my experience, you don't necessarily have to be the most talented team to win, as long as your team out-works everyone there and wants it more than everyone.

Why do you love softball: I love how challenging softball is. I grew up playing baseball and when I made the switch to softball I had no idea how different the two sports really were. It tests me mentally more than any other sport I've played and I love seeing how far I can push myself. I love how it has enabled me to meet some of my best friends throughout the province. 

Favorite Quote(s): "You're killing me Smalls!" (from the movie "The Sandlot")

If you could spend a day with any one person who would it be and why: I'd like to meet J.K Rowling (author of Harry Potter) and just sit and talk all day about the world she created through her books.

Other than softball, some of my other hobbies and passions are: Most of my passions would have to be all the other sports I play. If someone told me to go try a new sport I would without hesitation. I'm always meeting new people through sports. I also love watching sports and enjoy spending time with family and friends and reading.

Other sports I have played are: (this year) Cross-country, soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, badminton, track and field, and baseball.

Most memorable sporting experience(s): I've been fortunate to have had some many incredible memories through sports, but it would probably have to be winning our fourth straight provincial basketball championship, wining my third straight hockey provincial championship, or winning bronze with Team Manitoba Girls baseball and being named top catcher at the National Tournament this past year. Winning the over-all MHSAA Female Athlete of the Year was icing on the cake!

What is the first thing on your bucket list? I want to travel to England. I have relatives there and my grandma is from there so I would love to see where she came from.

Athlete Profile: Taylor Kolody

Hometown: Winnipeg Manitoba

What position(s) do you play: I am primarily a pitcher, but have also played Right Field and a bit of First Base as well.

Nickname: TK, Tay, my trainer likes to refer to me as Gabby.

What school do you attend: Fort Richmond Collegiate.

What University will you be attending in fall 2015: U of M

What will be your Field of Study: Bachelor of Arts, in hopes to one day pursue Law

What are you looking forward to about University? I am so excited to be in a new environment and study things I am interested in. It is exciting to start a new chapter and I am looking forward to experiencing a new school and to meeting new people. 

What are some of your softball dreams and goals: Being on Team Manitoba has been a dream of mine for a long time now. I would love to win Gold at the games this summer. I also want to continue to play for as long as I can, and hopefully one day coach. I would love to run pitching clinics and try to pass on the advice that my coaches have given me over the years. 

What character trait do you value most in your teammates: I value someone who is constantly thinking of the team, and is playing for the TEAM. I love when people cheer on everyone even if they aren’t having their best game. I value someone who is encouraging and constantly bringing a lot of energy to the field.

 Why do you love softball: I love how much it has helped me grow as a person over the years. It is constantly challenging me mentally and physically and it has taught me a lot about myself. I love the experiences I have had so far and the friendships I have made throughout the years.

 Favorite Quote(s): “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Never settle”

 If you could spend a day with any one person who would it be and why: I would love to spend a day with Emma Watson. I think she is such a strong, positive role model for young girls. I am also a huge fan of Harry Potter so it would be awesome to meet her.

 Other than softball, some of my other hobbies and passions are: I love to read. I also love going to the dog park with my Dog, and watching old Disney movies. Baking is fun too, even though I am not very good at it.

 Other sports I have played are: Volleyball, Basketball, and Handball

 Most memorable sporting experience: I had developed a stress fracture in my spine four years ago. I was out for almost an entire season and came back to try to play in Westerns. My first game back, during my first appearance at the plate in over a year I hit a triple and it was the best feeling.

 What is the first thing on your bucket list? I want to live in a foreign country for a few years after I get my degree. I would love to experience a different culture and perhaps learn a new language. Travelling has always been a dream of mine.

Athlete Profile: Amber Schneider

Hometown:  Stonewall

What position do you play:  Pitcher, middle infield, and outfield

Nicknames:  Schneidie, Schneidz

What school do you attend:  Stonewall Collegiate

What year will you graduate?:  2018

Softball dreams and goals?  To play at the highest competitive level that I’m capable of playing
     -to keep improving all my skills
     - to get a college scholarship

Character trait that I admire most in my teammates?
-high intensity, good sportsmanship, work ethic, and commitment

Why do I love softball?  Softball makes me feel alive. I love the new challenges that each game and practice bring

Favorite quotes:   "All it takes is all you’ve got”

Who would I like to spend a day with?  I would love to spend a day with Wayne Gretzky because he’s accomplished so much and is a super modest and hardworking athlete.

Other than softball what are my hobbies?  Track, Hockey, reading and family time.

Other sports that I have played? Hockey, gymnastics, track, cross country, basketball, volleyball, soccer

Most memorable sports experience?  Winning U14 provincials last year

How did I start playing softball?  I wanted to play baseball just like my big brother but my parents steered me toward competitive girls fast pitch

Athlete Profile: Sarah Thomson

Hometown: Portage La Prairie, Manitoba

What position I play: Pitcher, 1st base

Nickname: Itsy Bitz or Bitz

What school I attend: Portage Collegiate Institute

What year I graduate: 2017

Softball dreams and goals: I want to play college softball and I would love to be a part of Team Canada.

What character traits do I value most in teammates: hard working

What do you love about softball: I love to compete, and I have so much fun when I play.

Favourite Quotes: It's hard to beat a person who never gives up -Babe Ruth

If you could spend a day with anyone and why: My great-grandma Cochrane

Other than softball some of my hobbies and passions are: I'm in a vocal jazz group at school and I love to read.

Other sports i play: I play AAA hockey with the Central Plains Capitals

Most memorable sporting experience: Going to Esso cup this year and placing 4th in the country for hockey.

What is your favourite movie? The Princess Bride

Why is your nickname itsy bitz? For a short period of time, I was the smallest person in my family and then the name stuck

Athlete Profile: Amy Todoruk

Hometown: Neepawa, MB

What position(s) do you play: Outfield but I also play some first base on my high school team.

Nickname: Aim 

What school do you attend: Neepawa Area Collegiate Institute

What University/College will you be attending in Fall 2015: University of Manitoba

What will be your Field of Study: Science

What is the best advice you have been given so far about University/College: Don’t be afraid to step out of the box and don’t stress over the little things.

What are you looking forward to about University/College: Moving on to the next step in life and experiencing a ton of new things! It’s a little scary but exciting at the same time.
What are some of your softball dreams and goals: To have a high number of stolen bases this season (at least 1 per game) and to be able to play the game I love for life.

What character trait do you value most in your teammates: Positivity, engagement, and the drive to win no matter what.

Why do you love softball: I love softball because it gives you a strong feeling of confidence not only in yourself but also in your team. You are independent to an extent but you’re also with a team that always has your back and that’s extremely encouraging. There’s also no other feeling like having a solid hit right on the sweet spot or winning a big game with your team. 

Favorite Quote(s): “There may be people that have more talent than you, but there's no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” – Derek Jeter

“Somewhere behind the athlete you’ve become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back… play for her.” – Mia Hamm

Other than softball, some of my other hobbies and passions are: Any sport really, boxing, quadding, hanging out with friends, and reading.

Other sports I have played are: Figure skating and track!

Most memorable sporting experience: Winning High School Provincials in 2014 and receiving MVP of the tournament.

Who is your biggest inspiration: My mother. If I can grow up to be half the person she is, I will have succeeded in life.

Athlete Profile: Cameryn Maykut

Hometown: Winnipeg

 

What position do you play: shortstop

 

Nickname: Cam, Cammy

 

What school do you attend: Charleswood Junior High, next year I am going to Shaftsbury High School

 

What year will you graduate: 2018

 

What are your softball dreams and goals: This year I would like to be provincial champions, repeat as National champions and win a gold medal at the WCSG.  Long term plans would be to earn a scholarship to play through my university years

 

 

 

What character traits do you value most in a teammate: encouraging, hard working, upbeat, and a positive attitude

 

Why do you love softball: the team work and team mates, travel and tournaments, the feeling of a good hit or good defensive play

 

Favorite quote: “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything”

 

If you could spend a day with anybody who would it be and why: My Grandpa Charlie; I never got the chance to meet him and I would like to and have him come and watch a ball game

 

Other than softball, some of my other hobbies are: volleyball, Harry Potter

 

Other sports I have play are: I currently play volleyball for Kryptonite and I have played a variety of school sports throughout the years

 

My most memorable sporting experience: becoming the 2014 National Fastball Champions defeating the hometown White Rock Renegades 5-1 in the finals

 

Other memorable experiences and opportunities fastball has brought: Segway rides in Montreal, visiting the bean and Navy Pier in Chicago, going to the Field of Dreams in Iowa, and attending Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals games

Athlete Profile: Shaye Kemball

Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba 

What position(s) do you play: Pitcher, middle infield and also out field 

Nickname: Some nicknames I have are, Kemball, Shaye Shaye, and Shaye butter, deuce 

What school do you attend: I attend at John Taylor Collegiate 

What year will you graduate: I will be graduating in the year 2016

What are some of your softball dreams and goals: I have always had the goal as a little girl of making team Manitoba, becoming a National Champion and one day being able to play in the Olympics. 

What character trait do you value most in your teammates: One Trait I value the most is how hard my teammates work, their enthusiasm towards the game and the passion they have for the sport.

Why do you love softball: I love softball because it is both an individual and team sport. 

Favorite Quote(s): “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game”
“We will all wear 42 so they can’t tell us apart”.

 

If you could spend a day with any one person who would it be and why: I would spend one day with my dad because he is an inspiration to me, he is an amazing athlete and I look up to him. He believes in everything I do, he pushes me when I need to be pushed. He has showed me that hard work is the key to success, he has taught me to never give up and keep on working. 

Other than softball, some of my other hobbies and passions are: Some of my hobbies and passions include spending time with my family, baking, teaching young kids how to play baseball, and helping or hanging out with kids who have disabilities.

Other sports I have played are: Hockey, Volleyball, Badminton, and Cross country.

Most memorable sporting experience: Being able to attend two Nationals in one year, with U18 Manitoba Thunder and U16 Manitoba Angels. Also winning gold at the 2012 summer games.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be and why: I would go to Kenya to help the kids who don’t have as many opportunities as us here in Canada.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years: I see myself having a degree in education and teaching to kindergarten student’s, still playing softball and teaching younger girls about the game I love.

Athlete Profile: Mary Martin

Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba

What position(s) do you play: Catcher/Outfield

Nicknames: Mar/Mear bear/2 foot

What school do you attend: Centre Scolaire Léo-Rémillard

What College/University have you committed to: Muscatine Community College in Muscatine, Iowa
What is the team’s name/colours: Cardinals/blue and red 

What division and/or conference is your school: NJCAA div 1

What are you wanting to study at school: Business

What are some of your softball dreams and goals: Play for the national team

What are you most excited about when you think about going to College: Playing with a team that has the same goals and aspirations as I do

What character trait do you value most in your teammates: Trying their best

Favourite quote(s): “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”

Other than softball, some of my other hobbies and passions are: Spending time at the cabin with friends and family and eating ice cream

Other sports I have played are: Hockey, badminton and swimming

Most memorable sporting experience: Tracking an unexpected fly ball hit off of a pitch out, then slipping and falling down and still getting up to make the double play at third

Favourite movie(s): Madagascar and The blind side

Athlete Profile: Kendall Yasui

Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Position: Second base

Nickname: Ken, Kenny

What school do you attend: J.H Bruns Collegiate

What University/College will you be attending in the fall of 2015: McCook Community College

What will be your study: Undecided

What is the best advice you've been given so far about University/College (or throughout the scholarship/signing process): The best advice throughout the recruiting process was to consistently be in touch with coaches, and to not be shy while speaking with them! I was also told not to feel pressured to sign while on a visit, although in my opinion/experience you also can't wait for signs to tell you you're ready to commit- you have to jump at the opportunity if it makes sense to.

What are you looking forward to about University/College: I'm looking forward to a different lifestyle, meeting new people and finding out more about myself.

What is the softball team's name/colours: The team name is the Indians and the colours are blue/white/black/grey.

What division and/or conference is your school: NJCAA D1

What are some of your softball dreams and goals: I'm living the dream right now! My goals are to be positive in my self-talk, constantly improve, be the best teammate, and to contribute to a gold medal at WCSG or to make Junior Team Canada.

What character trait do you value most in your teammates: I really value a teammate who is dedicated and confident. Being conceited isn't good but believing in yourself in any situation is crucial. Dedication to training gets you to that confidence level and makes you reliable.

Why do you love softball: I love softball because it's extremely difficult and takes a lot of mental work. This is also why I sometimes hate softball...

Favourite Quote: The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers, but most importantly, the world needs dreamers who do.

If you could spend a day with any one person who would it be and why: Melissa McCarthy because she's hilarious and is featured in my personal favourite movie, Bridesmaids.

Other than softball some of my other hobbies and passions are: Singing, baking, reading and skating. If I could skate every day I would.

Other sports I have played are: Soccer, gymnastics, ringette and track.

Most memorable sporting experience: Playing in the World Ringette Championships over winter break last year on Team USA. Facing the best ringette players in the world with a great team was a challenge and an honour I'll never forget.

What are your biggest fears: I hate scary movies and bees/wasps. After watching Boogeyman I moved my mattress into my parent's room for a week and I once jumped off a boat to avoid a wasp.

Athlete Profile: Mackenzie Henley

Hometown: Winnipeg, MB

What position(s) do you play: short stop, 2nd base

Nickname: Mac, macie

What school do you attend: River East Collegiate

What year will you graduate: 2016

What are some of your softball dreams and goals: To win gold at the 2015 Western summer games as well as to play college or university ball. Also when I'm older I'd like to become a coach and encourage kids to try and play softball.

What character trait do you value most in your teammates: tough mentally and outgoing

Why do you love softball: Love how its not just a physical sport as well as mental and it always gets my mind off anything else. I just love being on the field and cheering in the dugout with my best friends.

Favorite Quote(s):"Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results."

If you could spend a day with any one person who would it be and why: I would want to spend the day with Beyonce because I absolutely love her and think she's a very powerful woman and would love to shop with her.

Other than softball, some of my other hobbies and passions are: love hanging out with friends and going on runs with my dog

Other sports I have played are: Volleyball, ringette, hockey and field hockey

Most memorable sporting experience: when my team came back in the bottom of the 7th with 2 outs and scored 4 runs to advance us to the finals at westerns.

What's one food I couldn't live without: bananas and peanut butter

What was my favourite movie growing up and why: my favourite movie growing up was definitely Monsters Inc. I watched that movie at least once a day and could probably quote every line.

Athlete Profile: Alyssa Kostek

Hometown:  Winterpeg Manisnowba (Winnipeg, Manitoba)

What position(s) do you play: My main positions are middle infield but I’ve played 3rd for my club team often. Also, this year ill be catching for my club team due to some injuries on the team, I also have played quite a bit of time in left and center field over the years and believe it or not when I was younger I was a pitcher back in “C” ball. 

Nickname: Lys, Lyssa, Latifa, Kos, Kostek im pretty much open to anything.

What school do you attend:  West Kildonan Colligate.

What year will you graduate: 2016.

What are some of your softball dreams and goals: My first goal was to make Team Manitoba, which I did. Now I am working towards my goal of playing College ball, playing for team Canada would be amazing and such an honour as well. My season goals are to have an at least 550 batting average, touch the ball every at bat, get dirty more often in the field going for balls.

What character trait do you value most in your teammates: Someone who can keep everyone up, and gives off good vibes on and off of the field. I like when everyone is talking and engaged during the game so we are all on the same page. I also value teammate who will do anything for each other and the game and aren’t afraid to get dirty to make a play.

Why do you love softball: I love softball because not only is it a physical game but also a mental game too.  Softball gives you’re a lot of your own responsibilities and is a semi-independent sport as in making a play when the ball comes to you, or getting on base by hitting the ball but then if things aren’t working out for you, you still have a team behind you to pick you up.  Softball has also introduced me to great people and helped me form what I hope will be lifetime friendships.  I also love the places the sport has taken me because I love to travel. Overall, I am just very thankful for the things softball has brought into my life. 

Favorite Quote(s): 

“I hate to lose more than I love to win” –Jimmy Connors

“There may be people that have more talent than you, but theres no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” –Derek Jeter

 “If my uniform doesn't get dirty, I haven't done anything in the baseball game.” –Rickey Henderson

Other than softball, some of my other hobbies and passions are:  When I’m not playing/training for ball I’m usually playing other sports including hockey and volleyball, and if I’m not doing that I’m probably sitting in my hot tub, playing/walking my dogs, hanging with friends, or sleeping.  

Other sports I have played are:  I am currently playing hockey and volleyball still but throughout high school I have played hockey, volleyball, soccer, basketball, badminton, track, and I tried rugby but it was causing to many injuries which were interfering with the other sports I was playing. 

Most memorable sporting experience:  Most definitely winning the Western Canadian Championship in 2012 with my club team (Smitty’s Terminators).

Favourite food: I love all kinds of food except for seafood/lakefood. My favourites would have to be my polish grandmas cooking, pasta or a burrito from Burrito Splendito; which is a new burrito place in Winnipeg and every single one of their ingredients are from Manitoba so it is always super fresh and healthy. 

What music are you into: I love country music all day and all year round and my favourite artist would have to be Luke Bryan, Lee Brice and Jake Owen. On the other hand, I also enjoy rap music before games or during workouts to pump me up.

If you had unlimited money what would you do: I would get my parents and grandma what ever they wanted to pay them back for everything they’ve done for me. I would build a shelter for dogs and have people along side of me to love and play with them 24/7 so they’re not stuck in cages.  I would  travel all over the world because I love to travel and want to see new places but also travel to help 3rd world counties. I would also build an enormous softball facility to host huge tournaments and host camps to help kids get into the sport. 

Athlete Profile: Makenna Isfjord

Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba

What position(s) do you play: Pitcher, 3^rd base, 1^st base, outfield

Nicknames: Mak, Big Mak, Kenna

 

What school do you attend: Miles Macdonell Collegiate

What University/College will you be attending in Fall 2015: University of Manitoba

What will be your Field of Study: Engineering

What are you looking forward to about University/College: Finally starting on the path to my career

What are some of your softball dreams and goals: To continue to play softball throughout my life and to promote the game to others.

What character trait do you value most in your teammates: Determination and positivity.

Why do you love softball: That feeling you get when you hit a ball out of the park.

Favorite Quote(s): “If it’s both terrifying and amazing then you should definitely pursue it”

If you could spend a day with any one person who would it be and why: My best friend because she makes me happy and I don’t get to see her very often anymore

Other than softball, some of my other hobbies and passions are: Longboarding, reading, hanging out with friends

Other sports I have played are: Volleyball, Ringette and Basketball

Most memorable sporting experience: Hitting a home run over the fence in the provincial gold medal game last summer

What’s at the top of your bucket list? Going skydiving!

Coach Profile: Coach Haylee

And last but not least...Coach Haylee!  Holy man longest interview ever!

Who is your #1 favorite coach (present or past) and what do you love about them?  
I have a couple favorite coaches...

Claude Noel (Winnipeg Jets) - I like him because when I listen to his interviews he makes me laugh - win or lose.

Tony Dungy (Indianapolis Colts) - I like his gentle spirit and desire and commitment to mentoring his players.  He reinforces athletes being quality people before being amazing performers.

Sue Enquist (UCLA Bruins Softball) - What a coach!  Her grasp on the preparation/ inspiration/ mental part of the game is second to none.  I learn soooo much when I hear her speak.

Who is your favorite athlete (past or present)?  

Hard to narrow it down, but if I go with softball - hands down it is Lisa Fernandez.  She was all around amazing-  Amazing pitcher, 3rd baseman, hitter, leader, Ambassador.  It was so cool to meet her at the Pan Am Games when my mom and I had the opportunity to host Team USA!

What position did you play as a player? 

Utility.  Grew up as a pitcher/middle infielder.  I learned to catch and play OF in university.  But played 1st/3rd most of my life.

As a player, what was one of the best highlights of your career?  

As I get older, my fondest memories are of the friendships I made with teammates in Manitoba and BC.  Played with some amazing people and had some crazy fun road trips   Aside from that, winning NAIA Nationals in 2003 and being top hitter at Canada Games in 2001 were pretty cool.  

Note from the Master Blogger:  I'm quite certain that above everything else, winning the Provincial Bantam A Championships with the Southwind Rebels in 1998 was the highlight of Coach Haylee's life.  Might even be above Hudson.

Besides watching Team Toba destroy the competition at the Canada Games, what are you most excited for while in Sherbrooke this summer?  

Hmmm... pretty pumped for the hot, humid weather and no air conditioning in the dorms...cause we all know that's my thing...haha, but seriously now, it OBVIOUSLY has to be the FOOD!!!!  Anyone who has been to a CSG knows that the food selection and variety is RIDICULOUS!  

What is your favorite quote?  

I have many...here is a small selection!

Success is not measured by what you've done, but by who you've become.  - R. H. Schuller

If you think small things don't matter, think of the last game you lost by one point. - Unknown

What great thing would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail? - R. H. Schuller

Let all that you do be done in love. - 1 Corinthians 16:14

I want you to be forever strong on the field, so that you will be forever strong off the field. - Larry Gelwix

Where did you attend college or university?  What did you study?

Simon Fraser University and Providence University College - M.A. in Psychology

What is your favorite food? 

Thai food, Lasagna, Goat Cheese, Milk, Chocolate

What is your favorite tv show?

Ummm...I don't watch TV other than NFL Sunday and the Winnipeg Jets.

What has been one of the highlights of your life so far? 

That's an easy one - my son!

Have you been to any other Canada Games and in what capacity?  

2001 as an athlete with Coach Niki and Manager Val.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

Thrift store shopping, Gardening, Baking, Listening to music, Playing piano, Goldeyes games, and trying to keep up the blogging!!

Note from the Master Blogger:  When do you plan to take up the blogging again?  It's been awhile... 

This one I will title: KARMA

Oh man!  I shouldn't have messed with the Master Blogger!

Alright...who stole my lunch???

Support Staff Profile: Manager Val

It's finally the Master Blogger's turn!  Slim pickin's on the pics though...too much time behind the camera photographing photobombers.

Who is your #1 favorite coach (present or past) and what do you love about them?
So many coaches to choose from...some from way back in the day come to mind (Eph Bergman with Rebels!)...but I'd have to say Tracy Turner and her dad, Bob.  They showed me the Lightning way of playing ball and I learned so much playing for both of them.  It was great to have a former catcher as a coach, too, I got a lot of specific help with my position.  And so many interesting phrases, too...let's get the road on the show! 

Who is your favorite athlete (past or present)?  
For sure, it was the Team USA players from back in the late 90's whose names were on all of our bats- Lisa Fernandez, Sheila Cornell, Crystl Bustos and Dot Richardson.  Dot Richardson was probably my favorite, she is an orthopedic surgeon and was an amazing shortstop for many years with Team USA.  Coach Haylee and I worked at Pan Am games hosting the softball teams and we unfortunately didn't get a picture with her...but we got one with her parents!  And they gave us a lifetime supply of autographed posters!  I framed one and it's in my office :)

What position did you play as a player?
I caught most of the time, dabbled in some more catching, and caught some more.  It was great, catcher is the best position on the field for an only child- you get the ball every single time!  I do strongly believe that pitching was my true calling...

As a player, what was one of the best highlights of your career?  
This is totally geeky, and really, playing in the Canada Games should be #1, so should coming in 2nd place at Senior Women's Nationals in 2003...but in 1998 I played for the Southwind Rebels with Coach Haylee and Coach Niki and we won the Provincial Bantam Championships.  It was amazing, because we had finished 2nd place way too often before that.  At the Western Canadian Championships that year we didn't do all that well, but I fulfilled a personal goal of mine- striking out a poor soul on 3 consecutive legitimate change-ups.

I would also have to add that at Canada Games I was involved in a triple play against Team PEI...and I ended up at second base when it was all said and done lying on top of their runner with the ball.

Besides watching Team Toba destroy the competition at the Canada Games, what are you most excited for while in Sherbrooke this summer?  
PIN TRADING!  I hope it's still alive and well.

Where did you attend college or university?  What did you study?

University of Winnipeg- Kinesiology & Athletic Therapy

What do you do for a living?

Instructor- University of Winnipeg in the Faculty of Kinesiology
Umpire
Athletic Therapy-related odd jobs
Student- University of Manitoba, I'm completing my Master's of Science in Medical Rehabilitation

What is your favorite food? 

Sigh, so many...Coach Haylee's mom's cookies, perogies and lime-flavored tortilla chips

What is your favorite tv show?

Anything on Food Network and the Amazing Race

What has been one of the highlights of your life so far? 

Living and working in Australia for 4 years...however that dive in the outfield this year comes in at a close second...and of course winning The Hat fair and square!

What's the most amazing place that you've traveled to?  

Probably New Zealand...so much to see and do.  Same thing with Australia- Great Barrier Reef, Snowy Mountains, Rainforest, Desert...it really goes on and on.

Have you been to any other Canada Games and in what capacity?  

Yes!  2001 Canada Games in London, ON with Coach Haylee and Coach Niki.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

What is spare time?  I've heard some people enjoy it...

Athlete Profile: Kara Pilek

Hometown: Dufresne, MB

What position(s) do you play: Catcher, Infield

Nickname: Pickle

What are you wanting to study at school: Global Studies

What are some of your softball dreams and goals: To become the best player I can be and go as far as I can go!

What are you most excited about when you think about going to College: Moving away, making new friends, new experiences,

What character trait do you value most in your teammates: Hard-working, supportive, dedicated, and determined.

Favorite Quotes: "Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end."- John Lennon
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
"I've failed over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed."- Michael Jordan

Other than softball, some of my other hobbies and passions are: playing every other sport, reading, being outside.

Other sports I have played are: Basketball, Volleyball, golf, badminton, track & field, Dragon Boat, and Ringette

Most memorable sporting experience: Hitting a home run in 2012 provincials. I was on the bench and I said I was going to go hit a home run, I went up to bat and hit the first pitch over the fence but it went foul, and I ended up walking. Next time up to bat I said the same thing and with 2 runners on I hit it over the fence.

Athlete Profile: Mia Gautron

Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba

What position(s) do you play: Pitcher & Shortstop

Nickname: Meester

What College/University have you committed to attending in 2013: Otero Junior College. La Junta, Colorado.

What is the softball team’s name/colors: Lady Rattlers, blue and white

What division and/or conference is your school: NJCAA, Region 9

What are you wanting to study at school: Business

What are some of your softball dreams and goals: Win the 2013 Nationals in P.E.I. with my club team and make Team Manitoba and medal in the 2013 Canada Summer Games.

What are you most excited about when you think about going to College: Playing softball, making new friends, living away from home with a roommate, my new team and coaches, and the overall experience.

What character trait do you value most in your teammates: Hard work, dedication, and being positive.

Favorite Quote: “Work hard, play hard” –Wiz Khalifa

If you could spend a day with any one person who would it be and why: My Grandfather, I’ve always wanted to meet him and see what he was like.

Other than softball, some of my other hobbies and passions are: Other sports, cooking and hanging out with my friends.

Other sports I have played are: Volleyball and hockey

Most memorable sporting experience: Winning the Gold at Cat Osterman

If you could have any animal what would it be: A big yellow snake

Athlete Profile: Cailyn Cheasley

Hometown: East Selkirk

What position(s) do you play: Field & Third

Nickname: Chi Chi & Cheezie

What College/University have you committed to attending in 201: At this time I have not committed to any particular college or university.

What are you wanting to study at school: Biology & Biochemistry

What are some of your softball dreams and goals: I am looking forward to Softball Nationals in PEI, and one of my goals is to always have fun!

What are you most excited about when you think about going to College: I am looking forward to meeting new people; the freedom will be exciting as well.

What character trait do you value most in your teammates: supportive, energetic & determined.

Favorite Quotes:

“It’s a round ball and a round bat, and you got to hit it square” Pete Rose

“Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical” Yogi Berra

If you could spend a day with any one person who would it be and why:
Uncle Si from Duck Dynasty, he is hilarious

Other than softball, some of my other hobbies and passions are: Playing Water Polo, reading, watching Harry Potter movies, playing piano and eating ice-cream.

Other sports I have played are: Competitive Swimming, Canoeing, Dragon Boating, & Water Polo

Most memorable sporting experience: Being a torch bearer for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and representing Manitoba at the Western Canada Summer games.

COLLEGE SERIES: Sam Anderson

Hometown: Warren, Manitoba

What school do you attend: University of Manitoba

What position(s) do you play: Outfield

What year are you in: 2^nd  year

Nickname: Sami Sosa, Sam Bam

What is your Field of Study: Nursing

What is one thing you wish someone had told you before you went off to College: As much as you think you’re missing out on things at home, it will always be there. Live a little and enjoy the experience.

What are 5 things you appreciate about your school: The facilities, the environment, the resources available, the events and the diversity.

Best part of being in College is: You get to test yourself and step out of your comfort zone. You will learn that you are capable of more than you thought you were.

What are some of your softball dreams and goals: To medal with Team Toba and to never get too old to pick up my glove and step on the field.

What character trait do you value most in your teammates: Support, trust and a positive outlook. I like to step on the field knowing that no matter what, my teammates have my back. 

Favorite Quote: Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. –Les Brown 

If you could spend a day with any one person who would it be and why: My Nanny. She and I were really close and she would rarely miss a softball game. I wish just once more that I could look up in the stands and see her cheering on my team.

Other than softball, some of my other hobbies and passions are: Studying…well it isn’t really a hobby, but it is what unfortunately takes priority over the things I actually enjoy doing like: Running, Volleyball, scrapbooking, traveling and spending time with my family and friends.

Other sports I have played are: Volleyball, badminton and cross-country. 

Most memorable sporting experience: Nationals 2011. We knew it would be one of the last times all of us would be on the field together playing at that level. The emotions of that week and the way our team pulled together is something I will never forget! 

COLLEGE SERIES: Nikki Bell

Hometown:

My hometown is La Salle, Manitoba

What school do you attend:
I attend Trinity Western University in Langley, BC

What position(s) do you play:
I run on the university track team, with my events being cross-country, and the 800, 1000M in track.

What year are you in:
I am in my second year of university.

Nickname:
Nik, Nik-Nak, Ding-Dong

What is your Major/Minor or Field of Study:
My degree is a Bachelor of Business Administration in the marketing stream

What is one thing you wish someone had told you before you went off to University:

I wish someone would have told me to experience as much as I can as often as I can; it is the experiences we are part of that begin to shape who we are.

What are 5 things you appreciate about your school:
1. My Profs—against the common belief that profs don’t care about you, mine do.  They want to see us all do the best we can and offer support and guidance to get us there.  I am so grateful and lucky for the profs I have.

2. Class Sizes—coming from a small high school, I love coming here and having the same thing.  I’m not just another number in a huge classroom, but instead get to voice my opinion and ask questions when necessary.

3. Extra-Curricular Opportunities: my university is full of chances to get involved.  Right now I am part of two outreach programs and I love the experiences I get through each of them.

4. The Community—Trinity truly works to create the feeling of home away from home, and I love being part of the community life.

5. Spartan Treatment—Not going to lie, I love being on a Spartan team at my university, and the benefits that come from it.  Whether it be therapy, nutritional help, or just someone to talk to, they love to help us out.
 

Best part of being in University is:
The freedom to truly decide what we want to make of our lives.  No one is breathing down our necks, telling us how and when to do things; profs are there to help if you let them.  But how you succeed is truly dependent on you.

What are some of your softball dreams and goals:
I would love to be part of team Toba going down to Sherbrooke for the Canada Games (obviously!), but I would say my biggest goal is to be a life-long player.  No matter where I am or what I am doing, I never want to stop or give up on ball.

What character trait do you value most in your teammates:
I value hard-work and effort in my teammates.  I know that we are all individual people who have special and unique qualities and skills; but what we all share in common is the ability to always give it our all and give 110%.

 Favorite Quote:

“The ultimates in life are the rare moments when you are beside yourself because you are just doing it—not necessarily thinking about it.”
If you could spend a day with any one person who would it be and why:
If given the choice, I would spend a day with Terry Fox.  It will always amaze and inspire me to know how a man with nothing but pain could be so selfless, and push himself through so much for people he didn’t even know.

Other than softball, some of my other hobbies and passions are:
I love to play the guitar, and try/experience any and all new things (especially outdoor activities).  If it is an adventure, you can always count me in!

Other sports I have played are:
Where to even begin…let’s just say that in grade 12 I played on 10 varsity sports teams.  I would say that my top three however would be softball, hockey and running.

Most memorable sporting experience:
I have two stand-out memorable sports experiences:

1.     Las Vegas with the showcase team in grade 12.  It was the first time I really hung out with most of those girls and got to know them as more than just competitors.  Not to mention Vegas was amazing to see and the diamonds were incredible to play on.  Altogether it was a life-changing experience.

2.    My full marathon experiences: never will I forget the feeling of finishing my first, or crossing the finish line with 8 members of my family during the second one as everyone around us cheered for the “Green Team”.  These were moments that showed me what it truly means to push your body to limits that we are all completely unaware of.  We are all capable of so much more than we think.
 

If you could have any super power what would you choose?
I would most definitely choose to fly!  Not only would it be faster and more efficient to get places, but it would also be so much fun!  plus imagine how sick of a fielder I would be!