Marlene Connell has been inspiring young ringette players in her community for over 30 years.
In 1984, Marlene established the Berwick and District Ringette Association, the first for the Annapolis Valley, N.S. community.
“I felt there was a need for something for the girls, because at that time it was just figure skating,” says Marlene.
Marlene has coached and organized tournaments over the past three decades, and is responsible, in part, for hundreds of girls falling in love with the sport.
“She was always there for us,” says former ringette player Kelly Patterson. “I never remember her missing a practice or a game. She took us all around, she would pick us up at our house, she would take us to tournaments.”
Marlene's been an association president, referee, volunteer, and coach and one thing has remained constant, no matter what her role, the players always come first.
“She keeps them happy, she keeps them wanting to come back for more, and I think for parents, that's what they love, kids who are happy and who don't want to leave the ice, because she just encourages them so much,” says Marlene’s sister Sherilyn Kinsman.
“She was always very concerned about fair play and encouraging, always a positive attitude. She taught us a lot about the game,” says ringette player Lauren Morse.
Marlene says her love of the sport and teaching kids is what keeps her going year after year.
“Seeing the kids do their best and the enjoyment they get out of it and just the fun that they have and seeing some of our players go places,” says Marlene.
Her teams have the hardware to prove it - from producing provincial champions, to becoming one of the most respected organizations in the province.
“I don't think she'll ever step aside, until she knows somebody is in place that will carry on and keep the association going,” says Sherilyn.
Congratulations to Marlene Connell, our Maritimer of the Week!
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