WEEK #29: EMMA-TYME M.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am 28 years old and have been playing sports pretty much since I was able to walk! I’m a multisport athlete, having competed mainly in Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball and Ringette throughout my early athletic career. I transitioned into Ultimate Frisbee and Snowboarding in my 20’s and look to both play or coach at any chance I get. I am a working traveler, so I always travel with a disc and look to join leagues or run clinics wherever I can (like Tasmania!). I am passionate about psychology, languages and helping others. I love connecting with people and building strong communities that celebrate individuality and intersectionality. Sport has become one of the many places I strive to create such environments in.

What lessons did you learn in sport that can be applied to your daily leadership?

How to show up. Attendance is one thing in sport, but working hard for yourself, your coaches and teammates is how you show up. It’s through communication, as well as your physical and mental training. It builds trust and you learn how to put the action behind your values. I think that you can apply that brilliantly to daily leadership in how to carry yourself and take care of yourself in advocating, in relationships, and particularly in accountability.

How has sport provided you with new or different opportunities you would not have expected? 

Sport has given me the opportunity to connect with so many incredible individuals around the entire world. Even with different languages and cultures, sport can provide a safe and comfortable yet exhilarating environment where all people are welcome and belong. I’ve been able to learn new sports and step into other people’s worlds as well as compete in shared sports, both giving me the opportunity to grow as an athlete and simply as a human being.

What advice do you have for parents, coaches or sport administrators to improve inclusion in sport?

Language and open communication can take you so far! As a coach, parent or administrator, this an important place for you to be intentional in setting a tone for your team. This can start with inclusive language on team forms and go into your daily practices and competitions. Get comfortable with the language you might not have had access to in your own athletic journeys, because you’ll then be able to actionably provide an environment that your athletes can thrive in because of, not in spite of.

5 words that best describe me are:

GROWING | INSPIRED | AWESTRUCK | GRATEFUL | WILD

Instagram: @em_tyme