1. How did you first get introduced to curling?

My parents curled recreationally in our local mixed league in Sudbury, Ontario. They brought my sister and I to the rink as soon as we were old enough to try it and I was almost instantly hooked. It quickly became a family tradition that every Sunday would be spent at the curling club.

2. Was there someone or something that was a key motivating factor for you to curl and to aspire to play at a high level?

I remember watching Glenn Howard win the 2007 Brier National Curling Championship. My elementary school teacher heard that Glenn and his championship team were making stops throughout my hometown. She encouraged my mom to pull me out of class that day so I could meet the team. This was the first moment I remember wondering what it would be like to compete at a high level. I wanted to see how far I could take the sport of curling if I continued to practice and work hard.

3. What would you tell someone aspiring to be a high level curler to do to develop the skills and mindset needed to be able to compete and play at the highest levels of the game?

I would tell athletes aspiring to be high-level curlers that it’s important to dream big and set attainable goals along the way. Even more importantly, I would tell athletes to think action-based about what next steps they need to take to improve their game. Curling is a unique sport in that it is very close-knit and there are many incredible resources and people willing to support the development of athletes - all you need to do is take the initiative and ask.

4. What do you enjoy most about the game of curling?

One of my favourite things about the game of curling is the lifelong connections I have made through the sport. I am very fortunate to call many of my past and present teammates some of my best friends who I know will continue to be in my life for a long time. This season, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to play with my sister Jamie and share our passion for the game.

5. If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 10 year old self?

If I could go back in time, I would tell my 10-year-old self to embrace the moment and opportunities that will come my way. Often times, it is easy to get caught up in the results whether it's a big win or a tough loss. Looking back on my curling career, my 10-year-old self would not believe all of the incredible opportunities the sport has provided me.

6. Do you have a favourite memory that stands out in your curling career to date?

My favourite memory would be my first Canadian Championship - the 2015 Canada Winter Games. This event is unique as it is a multi-sport event that only happens every four years. It was a special week for our team with many firsts. It was not only our first time at a Canadian Championship representing the province of Ontario, but it was also our first time playing on TSN. We had an incredible week, finishing the event undefeated with an 8-0 record, and a Canadian Champion.

7. What one piece of advice would you give to someone just starting out in the game of curling?

One piece of advice that I would give to someone just starting out in the game of curling is to not be afraid to try something new. Whether you’ve decided to join a learn to curl, play in a weekly league or try it out with friends, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Be willing to try new positions and play with new people so that you can learn and expand your skills.

8. What one suggestion/recommendation would you make to increase what Canadians know about high-level competitive curling and the elite players who compete to be the best in the game? How do you see this making a difference?

I think one of the key factors in promoting the sport of curling is to increase the exposure of our athletes across a variety of levels. I think it’s important for Canadians to see just how much time, money and preparation goes into becoming an elite curler. Curling at the elite level requires a high level of athleticism and sport-specific training both on and off the ice. In order to compete, teams require sponsors to help offset costs such as travel, accommodations and event entry fees.

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