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canada goose clearance sale I played all sports at Queen of Angels Academy high school and chose basketball at Dawson CEGEP. From there, canada goose outlet store uk a full scholarship at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. I graduated in 2007 with my Bachelor of Science in biology (concentration microbiology) and minors in chemistry, biochemistry and French. canada goose clearance sale

Canada Goose Parka I very proud of my unusual path to the senior team. I never played on any junior teams. I was never invited canada goose clothing uk to a training camp. At 21 years old, my mom drove me to Toronto for an open tryout. That day, 40 or 50 young women canada goose jacket outlet sale trained for six hours, and at the end, a handful were chosen to come to the training camp. Among them was my fellow teammate, fellow retiree and “sista,” Tamara Tatham. After two weeks of two or three daily training sessions, we were chosen to the senior national team. We were the first players to make it from an open tryout, and none have been able to do it since! Canada Goose Parka

canada goose deals A pivotal moment that first summer: The canada goose coats uk national team is in Valdivia, Chile at the Olympic qualification tournament. Being a rookie, and never in a million years expecting to be on the team, I was content canada goose outlet real simply to be there. I did not realize we were only two wins away from canada goose uk site going to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. canada goose deals

buy canada goose jacket cheap After canada goose outlet us that loss, our coach, Allison McNeill told us “If you women ever want to put Canada back on the map, you need to grow up, get stronger, more fit, more skilled, and go to Europe to play; only then can we make basketball relevant in our country. The very moment she said that, I decided I would do everything in my power to be an Olympian. buy canada goose jacket cheap

Canada Goose Outlet I getting nostalgic looking back at the growth of Canada Basketball over the 12 years I have been involved. We have come a long way! We used to share dorm rooms at different universities (often with no AC) for weeks of training camps before traveling to Asia or Europe because we did not have the funds to host other countries. We joke that it was a “mom and pop” operation because parents would often supply all the snacks at our residence. Canada Goose Outlet

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canada goose store I learned many valuable lessons while playing for canada goose jacket outlet toronto the national team. The most important? Fighting for something bigger than yourself and trying your best to help your teammates reach their goals usually helps you realize your own dreams along the way. I thought I knew what hard work was, until I got to Team Canada. If you can continue to fight when you are way outside your comfort zone, fatigued and mentally drained, that is when the real growth happens. canada goose store

canada goose coats on sale David King coached me since high school; he has spent almost as many hours in the gym as I canada goose outlet black friday have. My physiotherapist, yogi and friend Diana kept me in one piece, mentally and physically. I had two of the best strength and conditioning coaches in the world with Jaime Sochansky and Kenny Spracklin. Both Roger Friesan and Susan Cockle, our sports psychologists (but really SO much more) have helped me become the athlete and woman that I am today. I feel lucky to have them as lifelong friends. canada goose coats on sale

Canada Goose sale I like to thank everyone at Canada Basketball, but canada goose outlet in usa in particular Denise Dignard, who went above and beyond to help canada goose outlet new york me in any way she could. And lastly, but arguably canada goose outlet 2015 most importantly, I have to thank all of my Team Canada and our team family; from coaches to physios to support staff. I loved playing for Canada for the people and relationships. There is something special about our team, and it will always have a special place in my heart. I have to thank all of our supporters from all over who are just as excited about women basketball in our country as we canada goose outlet sale are. Canada Goose sale

canada goose clearance In the short term, I am going on vacation. canada goose outlet It has been 14 years since I have had more than a week off so I am taking advantage. Longer term, I have to decide whether I will play one more professional season in France (where I have been for six years). I want to live in Canada and remain close to the basketball community. I plan to further my education once canada goose parka uk back in Canada. This summer canada goose outlet authentic I am going to explore different avenues. I have many passions and I want to see where my next adventure lies. canada goose clearance

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