Written by: Angela Cummins
At KCI, athletics is not just about competing. It is about growth, connection, and pushing boundaries. As the end of the school year draws near, graduating athletes reflect on their high school journey, where they started, where they are now, and what their future holds.
The Edge has taken a closer look at the journey of four particular graduating athletes; Jack B, who will be studying Chemical Physical Sciences at McMaster University, Talia T, who is going on to the University of Waterloo to pursue a Bachelor of Science and continue her volleyball career, Vienna T, who will be playing D1 Lacrosse at John Hopkins University while pursuing a career in the medical field, and Andrea L, who will be playing D1 soccer at the University of Georgia and studying Biochemical Engineering.
Talia T.
Talia has been playing volleyball since middle school. During her time at KCI, she played in and out of school. Talia shared that post secondary athletics was not always the plan. Upon further reflection, she came to decide she did want to continue playing volleyball after “seeing how fun it is to play with different people and meet new people.” For her, volleyball was more than just a sport, it was a way to connect. Next year, you will find her at the University of Waterloo.
Vienna T.
Vienna competed in Varsity Field Hockey, Volleyball, and KCI’s inaugural Field Lacrosse team during her high school career, as well as being a box and field lacrosse player outside of school since grade seven. As a standout lacrosse player, Vienna was named as an alternate for both the Team Canada U21 Women's Field Lacrosse team and the Team Canada Senior Women's Box Lacrosse Team in grade eleven. Next year, you will find her at Johns Hopkins University.
Jack B.
Jack dedicated his high school years to the Cross Country, Swimming, and Track teams. He was encouraged by a friend in grade nine and inspired by the guidance of his former coach, Ms. Gohl. Jack embraced the challenge of each sport, and also tried nordic skiing for the first time in grade eleven. Throughout his high school career, he swam at OFSAA, placing top ten in multiple events, and eventually concluded his high school career by winning both WCSSAA and CWOSSA in the 100m breaststroke. Next year, you will find him at McMaster.
Andrea L.
A driven student athlete, Andrea played for KCI soccer in grade ten and currently plays for Waterloo United’s League 1 team. In one unforgettable WCSSAA final, she scored three goals and assisted her sister in this game, bringing the final score to 4-3 after being down 2-0 at half. This past year, she played volleyball for KCI. Andrea suggested that other KCI athletes “try out for a sport you don't have much experience in. It's a nice break from your main sport, and you can still have fun without putting too much pressure on yourself.”
The Athletes’ Final Thoughts
Athletes train for success with dedication and perseverance. For all, success was self-improvement. For some, it also meant playing a high level sport. Through competing at OFSAA, or reaching for post-secondary athletic scholarships, athletes stayed consistent with training and worked through challenges and setbacks. Vienna reminds everyone to “trust the process because the path to success is not linear.”
High school sports are more than competition. Athletics build family-like communities and lasting friendships. Andrea, Vienna, and Talia all recognize the value of that aspect of varsity team sports: “Playing for a varsity team at KCI made it possible to make friendships with the girls in other grades,” Vienna noted. Andrea added, "I spend almost everyday with my teammates, I'm thankful for the people I've met through sport.” This is great testimony that playing sports with different people not only strengthens skills but strengthens relationships and offers a sense of belonging.
Athletics has residual effects on identity, contributing in shaping athletes beyond the field. Andrea commented, “Sports can help you build important skills like cooperation, teamwork, mental resilience, and more.”
In Vienna's experience, managing sports on top of academic life has improved “organizational skills and independence.” The pressure, along with the learning from wins and losses alike build something they can carry into all areas of life: a mindset of perseverance.
A common piece of advice these four athletes communicated is putting school before sports. In Andrea’s words, “You have to sort your priorities and be willing to make sacrifices. One of the biggest reasons I chose not to play in grade twelve was because I knew that my course load was heavy. Overall, I would say you have to prioritize your academics, but I'd also encourage you to challenge yourself and reach your limits.” Vienna agreed, saying, “Put school first! Academics are extremely important for opening up post-graduate opportunities, so make sure to prioritize school work before athletics.”
Juggling academics and athletics is no easy feat, but with commitment, dedication, balance and notable organizational skills, you can bring yourself to accomplish your goals.