Tough Competition

On February 7, 2022, Canada won its first medal in ski jumping at the Olympics. That bronze medal might as well have been gold. But it wasn’t gold. And now, four years later, the women’s Olympic ski jumping team is determined to stand atop the podium again with a different colour medal. The first episode of Sky’s The Limit highlights the triumphs and trials heading into the Milano-Cortina Winter Games. Featured in this episode is:Abigail Strate, Olympic Ski Jumper for Team CanadaNatalie Eilers, Olympic Ski Jumper for Team CanadaTodd Stretch, High Performance Coach and Lead for the Olympic Ski Jumping TeamJanko Zwitter, Head Coach of the Women’s Olympic Ski Jumping TeamNicole Maurer, Olympic Ski Jumper for Team CanadaNote: Text for this episode is available via the transcription option (select “Transcript”) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toughcompetition.substack.com

In March, 1482 hockey fans flooded the Woolwich Memorial Centre to watch the Waterloo Warriors compete against the Bishop’s Gaiters for the most coveted prize in Canadian collegiate hockey. The finale of One Way To Woolwich ends with reverie. This episode features interviews and candid moments from the many people who helped the Warriors become the number two team in the country.Featured in this episode is:Krystal Darling, member of the first Waterloo Warriors women’s hockey programSarah Demaiter, influential captain in the early years of the Warriors women’s hockey programPaige Rynne, Warriors alum and GWG scorer in the 2024 OUA ChampionshipCece Mejia, Waterloo Warriors women’s soccer player and Assistant Team ManagerCarly Orth, OUA Player of the Year and U Sports First Team All-CanadianBarbara Yachnin, Waterloo Warriors women’s hockey team managerAri Grossman, Associate Director of Business Operations for Warriors AthleticsGarrett Rank, Honourary Chair of the 2025 U Sports Women’s Hockey ChampionshipPierre Arsenault, CEO of U SportsJen Edwards, Manager of Marketing and Communications for Warriors AthleticsLiz Knox, Laurier Golden Hawks alum and former University of Toronto Goalie CoachCaroline Ouellette, associate coach of the Concordia StingersShaun Reagan, Head Coach of the Warriors women’s hockey teamLeah Herrfort, Captain of the Warriors women’s hockey teamZarbian Obermayer, super fan of Warriors hockeyAudio image is an original illustration by Lijuan Wang. 2025Note: Text for this episode is available via the transcription option (select “Transcript”) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toughcompetition.substack.com

For this bonus episode we reflect on the 2024-2025 season, specifically the U Sports Championship with the Warriors assistant captains. Defender Lyndsy Acheson, forward Tatum James, and forward Madison Pritchard share their thoughts and perspectives on the special season and the excitement of the championship weekend. We were able to connect virtually to have a discussion about the season. We did our best, but this may result in some audio variances and inconsistencies among the participants. Note: Text for this episode is available via the transcription option (select “Transcript”) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toughcompetition.substack.com

In this episode we explore the significance of expanding opportunities for women in U Sports to reach the next level in hockey, challenging the perception that the NCAA is the only pathway to professional success. “Respect” features stories from players, coaches, and professionals positively impacting the growth of the women’s game.Featured in this episode is:Clare Donaldson, fan of the Toronto Sceptres and spectator at Warriors - Golden Hawks gameMatina Landstand, head equipment manager for Waterloo Warriors women’s hockey teamKeiara Raitt, player for the Waterloo WarriorsEmma Cheeseman, Assistant Coach of the Waterloo WarriorsDollee Meigs, Associate Coach of the Waterloo WarriorsJulie Chu, head coach of the Concordia Stingers Émilie Lavoie, player for the Concordia StingersLarry Gabel, Skills Coach and Recruiter for the Waterloo Warriors Emmy Fecteau, player for the New York SirensCarley Olivier, alum of the Waterloo Warriors and former PWHL New York playerLindsey McDonald, alum of the Waterloo WarriorsAudio image is an original illustration by Lijuan Wang. 2025Note: Text for this episode is available via the transcription option (select “Transcript”) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toughcompetition.substack.com

In this episode, members of the Warriors team and athletic organization talk about the reputation of the University of Waterloo athletics department. The rivalry with Laurier is also highlighted as this profound contest feeds into the engagement in the program by both athletes and fans alike.Audio image is an original illustration by Lijuan Wang. 2025Note: Text for this episode is available via the transcription option (select “Transcript”) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toughcompetition.substack.com

Audio image is an original illustration by Lijuan Wang. 2025 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toughcompetition.substack.com