Interview with April's Community Champion of the Month - Trevor Wakeling

What was your reaction to being named community champion of the month?

I was shocked, I didn't even know there was something like this. Unfortunately the phone call woke me up so I probably didn't sound as excited at first but once it sunk in throughout the morning I was in disbelief!

When and why did you first start coaching ringette?

I started 3 years ago when my daughter was old enough to join, I had never even seen a Ringette game or knew any of the rules, but it was something we could do together. It's such an amazing sport and I'm so glad we got involved, when they say it's the fastest sport on ice they aren't lying! If my coaching can help grow the sport in the RMWB then I will continue to try my best. 

Your description mentions that you promote positivity and energy that brings out the best in each team member based on their personality and skill. Can you speak to that a little more? Do you have any go-to methods to help promote positivity and confidence in young athletes?

I find the more time we could get them together off the ice made their time together on the ice so much more enjoyable and productive, anything involving team building like pool parties during tournaments or extra dryland Training was huge. We really tried this year to get to know all the kids as much as we could and that helps grow comfort and confidence, we would let them pick positions they were interested in and would help them train to be the best at doing what they enjoyed. We also have a few amazing girls that are already showing strong leadership skills and allowing them to help teach some of the drills kind of shows everyone on the team that we are all equal and everyone wants to see the team rise up to the next level together.

It's been said that you always make sure there is music in the locker room. Do you decide the music that is listened to? What would be the top three songs that you like to put on?

I made a pretty sweet playlist with some newer dance music and a little 90s rock to level it out. By far the most requested songs are "We don't talk about Bruno" & "Baby Shark", I sneak some Deftones in there to pump the Coaches up!! 

Finally, you were nominated 25 times! What would you like to say to all those that nominated you?

I have to start by saying that we have the most epic team staff this year and I wouldn't have been able to accomplish half the things we did without Manager Trinidy and our other amazing coaches, Sean, Izzy, Virginia & Jon!! I want to thank everyone that thought I deserved this award, this year we had the best group of players and parents, everyone bonded and I'm sure no one is going to forget the 21/22 U10 season! My phone's always on for any of you that ever need to talk. I found a quote Midway through the season this year and it really resonated with me. "My goal for every athlete I've ever coached is that they'll know I loved them & my hope is that when they get older they'll realize that those of us who demanded their best, were also the ones who cared about them most." - Matt Lisle