Imagine the contrast between my humble beginnings in Lakefield, Minnesota, a town of just 1,400 souls, and the vibrant city of Toronto. In Lakefield, we had one dentist, one lawyer, and one doctor; it was a place where farming was a way of life.
My journey into the world of sports leadership began with a simple step: I was the president of my 4-H Club. I participated in various activities, from showing sheep at the fair to sewing, wood refinishing, and even a meat-judging contest. Little did I know then that these experiences would shape my future.
Standing at six feet tall, basketball was a natural choice for me in high school. But it was volleyball that truly captured my heart, thanks to an incredible coach who taught me the beauty of mastering a sport.
I studied communications but found my true calling in business. Joining the volleyball team as a freshman, I met a woman who held a unique role as the director of championships. That moment sparked my interest in sports management, and I embarked on a path that led me to the Toronto Raptors in 2013.
Larry Tanenbaum, one of the owners of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, shared my vision for Toronto as the 14th WNBA franchise. His passion was infectious, and I was eager to be a part of it. The Toronto Tempo, our new WNBA team, is a blank canvas, and we get to create everything from the ground up, including our name and logo. It's an exciting challenge, but it also means we're pioneers, blazing a trail that no one has ventured down before.
The biggest distinction between men's and women's sports, in my experience, is the developmental stage. The Raptors, when I joined, were already 20 years old and had weathered their growing pains. Men's teams have a centuries-old history, while the WNBA is a mere 30 years old. We're on a unique timeline, and that's what makes it so special.
We were granted the team in May 2024, and our inaugural game is just around the corner in May. It's a historic moment, and I want to ensure I'm fully present to appreciate its significance for Toronto, Canada, the players, and our community.
As an extrovert, I recharge by being around people. I envision celebrating our first game by sharing that special moment with those who have been on this journey with me, reliving the highlights and discussing our shared experiences.
Sports and business share many parallels. In both realms, every team member must excel in their role, whether it's passing, setting, or serving. We want to avoid having any weak links, because together, we are stronger.
Our goal is for people to fall in love with the Toronto Tempo, not just for our stats, but for the stories of our players and the narrative of our team.
I'm proud to call myself Canadian now. After becoming a citizen in 2022, I feel at home here. Lakefield will always be a part of me, but Toronto has captured my heart, and I'm grateful to be a part of its sports landscape.
