Tia Chowen Values Ringette Experience Both On and Off the Ice
Tia Chowen began her ringette career later than many
players, but that has not stopped her from making the most of her experience in
the sport.
Thirteen years old when a friend introduced her to the
sport, Chowen was unsure of what to expect.
“I found it very intimidating at first,” says Chowen, now 18. “I have always been an athlete, but ringette had been the fastest and most technical game I had ever played. Once I got into the groove of things, though, it became all that I wanted to do.”
After that introduction, Chowen continued to rise through the Oshawa Storm Ringette Association (OSRA) and ultimately played at the Central Region AAA level. Recently, she was drafted by the Richmond Hill Lightning of the National Ringette League (NRL).
“Ringette has taught me to drive myself to grow both physically and mentally,” notes Chowen, who is currently pursuing her Honours Bachelor degree of Arts in History and French with a Minor in English literature at Trent University. “It has also taught me to believe in myself and understand that my body and mind are capable of absolutely anything when pushed to do so.”
Success on the ice is only part of Chowen’s ringette experience. She values all aspects of the sport, including experiences away from the rink.
“Ringette has given me the opportunity to play alongside and develop relationships with some of the best players and coaches in the game,” she says. “Thanks to the sport, I have found my closest friends. The people with whom I been acquainted with at ringette have without a doubt led me to become the person that I am today.”
Today, along with continuing her career in the NRL, Chowen is giving back. She currently serves as the Player Representatives on the OSRA board where provides a player’s voice to many aspects of the association’s operation.
“I want to be a link that players can reach out to when they feel they want to be heard or feel the need to address any questions or concerns,” says Chowen, who has ambitions to become a teacher when her time in the classroom is complete. “I am also seeking to help with athletic development, help integrate players into the field of coaching, volunteering and in whole, giving back to a sport that has provided us with so much.”
Chowen also wants to encourage coaching as an option for players still actively playing ringette. As a Coach In-Training, she has spent the past four seasons working with players at different age groups. She encourages ringette players to take on leadership roles as they continue with their careers.
“I really want to promote players as coaches,” she says. “It’s a rewarding experience and it’s important for players to start the transition into coaching while they are still playing competitively, while they are able to act as a role model for younger players and provide guidance to younger players."
---
Storm Spotlight tells the stories of players, coaches, parents and volunteers of the Oshawa Storm Ringette Association. Email [email protected] if you are interested in being featured in a future Storm Spotlight profile.