Olympic gold medalist inspires future generations
Heather graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2000 with a BSc in Honours Kinesiology. As a Waterloo Warrior in rugby, soccer and track, Heather received numerous honours including Female Rookie of the Year, Female Athlete of the Year, All-Canadian and Female MVP.
Her love of sport and her extraordinary athletic abilities were apparent long before she arrived at UWaterloo but her experiences as a varsity athlete provided her with confidence and the understanding of her potential to become a world-class athlete. And indeed – she did become a world-class athlete! Her most recent achievements include international prominence in Women’s Rugby and participation in two Olympic Games. The University of Waterloo and the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences shared in Heather’s glory in February of this year as she and her teammate, Kaillie Humphries won Canada’s first ever women’s bobsleigh gold medal at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.
In addition to being an Olympic gold medallist, Heather has continued with her education and completed graduate studies in occupational therapy. She strongly believes that sport provides an avenue to discover your potential in the face of challenge. She has served in many volunteer and public service roles including as a Disability Sports Program Officer with Commonwealth Games Canada and as the founder of a camp for children who are deaf or hearing-impaired called Camp ABLE (Active Bodies, Leadership, and Esteem).
Heather embodies the outstanding qualities that AHS celebrates in granting this award. She is passionate in her pursuit of excellence in sport and academic achievement; she has demonstrated significant career advancement and leadership in her field; she uses her international profile to give back to others, volunteering her time and sharing her passion to inspire youth to pursue academic and athletic excellence.
She is an exemplary role model for students, fellow alumni, and all Canadians.