WEEK #32: HILLARY PINEAU 

 

Please tell us a little bit about yourself. 

  • 26 years old, from Prince Edward Island, but living in Fredericton, NB since 2013
  • Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Graduate at University of New Brunswick
  • Softball, Hockey (Western Wind AA), and Soccer Player (Premier Division, High School) starting at 11 years old
  • Softball is my main sport and passion, and I played until 23 years old.
    • Member of Team PEI for several years as a player, having competed at the 2013 Canada Summer Games in Sherbrook, 3-4 Canadian Championships, 3-4 Eastern Canadian Championships, as well as a 3x gold medal provincial champions. Throughout this time, I’ve received various MVP and Top Pitcher awards.
    • Westisle Composite High School Softball Team 2-time gold medalist and 1 silver medal as a player. As well, a 2 Time MVP. Also served as an assistant coach in 2014/2015 with the high school team, winning a Gold and Silver medal.
    • 2019 – Ongoing: Hired by Softball New Brunswick as the first full time Executive Director.
    • In 2021, I returned to coaching, beginning with the U16 Girls Fredericton Twins program
    • 2021 joined the Women in Coaching (WIC) Program offered by Coach New Brunswick. As part of this program, I was one of two coaches selected to attend the Canada Summer Games in an apprentice coach role. 
    • Attended the 2022 Canada Summer Games with Team NB in Niagara Falls
    • 2022 U19 Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship host committee co-chair (Fredericton, NB). 
      • Planning and execution of the tournament, while simultaneous competing in the tournament with Team NB

 

What is an issue or topic you are passionate about or would like to see changed? 

 

An issue I am passionate about seeing change is the lack of females present in sport

leadership roles (Coaching, Athletes, Administrators, etc.). For working in a sport that is dominated by female athletes, we still very much lack in seeing females in our leadership roles, particularly in coaching. I find males don’t often hesitate to apply for these roles, but many qualified females often need persuasion and convincing to feel ‘worthy’, when in fact they are just as worthy.

 

My passion for seeking change here is having been an athlete myself, and always having male coaches. Although I have had many great male leaders over the years, it is always inspiring and appreciated to have females in these roles as a female participant. Just because change can be different or uncomfortable, doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it.

 

In an effort to make change, through my role with Softball NB, I’ve been successful in obtaining a grant through Canadian Women’ & Sport to host a Women of Softball Summit (WOSS) in the province of New Brunswick. As well, in consultation with my Board of Directors, I’ve recommended and implemented requirements that on each female Softball NB Provincial team, there must be a minimum of 1 female coach on the staff. In turn, we expect to see more coaches obtaining coach certification and applying for these roles moving forward.   

 

What specific strategies would you like to see parents, coaches, or sport administrators do to improve diversity in sport or progress your cause?

 

Overall, I would like to see these groups recognize that not everyone “fits into one box”. It is important to recognize our differences, celebrate our diversity, and be accommodating of different barriers individuals may face.

 

Simple updates to registration forms, policies, etc. can allow for more inclusivity (expanding gender options, indigenous recognition, etc.).

 

Education is also a key factor in improving sport experience for all. Courses, resources, articles, targeting various demographics (parents, coaches, etc.) should be encouraged and shared.

 

What is your favourite leadership quote?  

 

“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” – Sheryl Sandberg

 

If you had 25 words worth of advice to share, what would you say?

 

Change is worth it. Just because it may be uncomfortable does not mean it is not worth fighting for.

RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION

 

The GIST Canada

 

https://ca.thegistsports.com

 

@thegistca