WJHA scholarship winner inspires next generation

Winning this year’s Winnipeg Jets Alumni & Friends Scholarship gave Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA) graduate Kiki an opportunity to reflect on how much she has grown since joining the WJHA in Grade 4 to now being one of the top goalies in the province.

“Being in the WJHA has not only given me a sport to love, but the chance to reach my true potential both on and off the ice,” said Kiki. “The support they’ve offered and wisdom they’ve shared has given me a good guide for life after I graduate.”

The Winnipeg Jets Alumni & Friends Scholarship is awarded annually to a WJHA student athlete who is a role model for other students, has excellent leadership skills, and has excelled in their chosen sport – qualities that Kiki exemplifies. For the past three years, Kiki played for the St. Mary’s Academy Flames in the Canadian Sports School Hockey League – the highest level of U18 women’s hockey in western Canada – and excelled in school even with a heavy hockey and travel schedule, playing games across Canada and the United States. She was also named to Hockey Manitoba’s Top 40 Program of Excellence, selected to participate in the Jets Skill Competition, and offered the opportunity to play Division I hockey at the University of Utah this fall.

“Kiki is a great role model for other WJHA athletes, especially young female players who look up to the success she’s had,” said Murray Cobb, Director of the WJHA. “Her quick rise from learning to skate in Grade 4 to being one of the best goalies in Manitoba was impressive to watch, and she has continued to evolve into the best version of herself during her nine seasons as a WJHA athlete.”

The WJHA uses hockey to engage students in their academics and community with the goal of increasing school attendance and graduation rates in socially and economically challenged schools in Winnipeg. Students not only have the chance to learn hockey, develop their skills, and be a part of a team environment, but also have access to mentorship, tutoring, volunteer and job opportunities, outings and after-school programming. The WJHA removes barriers for students to have these opportunities by providing transportation, equipment, and even lunches at their weekly on-ice sessions.

“This program kept me disciplined and motivated to keep trying my hardest in school, work or hockey because of the people who have supported me,” said Kiki. “If I was struggling with a subject, there was a tutor. If I needed extra ice time, I could be at the rink the next day. Or if I needed to talk about something, someone was always there.”

During her time in the WJHA, Kiki committed many hours to mentoring other WJHA student athletes by hosting player meet and greets with the WJHA U11 girls’ team and working as a WJHA goalie instructor.

“Kiki has helped the next generation of WJHA goalies who truly look up to her on and off the ice,” said Cobb. “She’s had a strong impact on their development through her coaching and by opening their eyes to what is possible if they keep striving to be their best.”

Along with coaching, Kiki started volunteering at Camp Manitou in Grade 9 and worked her way up to being an activity leader the past two summers. She also regularly volunteered at True North Youth Foundation (TNYF) fundraising events like the Winnipeg Jets Gala and Flatlander’s Beer and Beverage Festival. Despite all the time she’s already given, she plans to stay involved with the WJHA and TNYF long after she graduates.

“I will always be involved and give back because of the opportunities they gave me,” said Kiki. “I can share my hardships and how the WJHA has helped me immensely with future students and help create more opportunities for kids in the same situation as I was.”

With goals of pursuing a career in business, winning the Winnipeg Jets Alumni & Friends Scholarship has not only helped lessen the burden of paying for a post-secondary education, but also helped build her confidence.

“I think winning this scholarship shows that people have faith in me,” she said. “It’s helped me believe more in myself and my future.”