by By Dan Ninham
Athletes that are taught about the importance of their family as a part of their community do great things for others.
Legacie Blackbird, 19, is from Walpole Island First Nation. “I am Ojibwe and Mohawk and my clan is turtle,” My Indian name is Waawaasgone-Keezis meaning May Flower Moon,” said Legacie.
“I compete for Fanshawe College and I am in my second year,” added Legacie.
“My parents were big into sports and put us in any sport that we liked when we were younger,” said Legacie. “I would just sit at the gym watching my older sisters or at the field and knew I wanted to play those sports. I played basketball and soccer competitively.”
“My main athletic accomplishments were first practicing with the grade 9/10’s when I was in grade 8,” said Legacie. “I played with the 11/12’s after my first year of high school. I then won OFSAA my grade 12 year with an amazing group of girls and that is the year I also committed to Fanshawe. As my first year as a Falcon, my team won OCAA’s and had the chance to go to nationals.”
“Coming from a big family was always something I valued,” said Legacie. “The fact that I always had someone to lean on and talk to, that carries into being the student-athlete I am today. Your team is like your family, you always pick them up when they are down and you communicate that. When you get a bad mark, there will always be someone on your team who has your back just like family.”
“Another value I have is respect,” said Legacie. “My parents taught me at a very young age how to talk to a person, how to treat other people and to try and look through their lens and that carries into being a student-athlete. I respect each and every one of my teammates and coaches even if they are yelling at me on the court or telling me to do better in school, they all just want to see me succeed.”
“My dad and mom have always been my biggest influencers,” said Legacie. “They always encouraged me to get in the gym, go for a run or work out and they still continue to want to see me succeed. My parents never missed a home game last season or a game close to where I lived. It’s the showing up part that keeps pushing me to want to do better, and my parents no matter what was happening in their lives they always showed up for me.”
“Another influencer in my life is my sister,” said Legacie. “Even though she passed away, she wanted me to continue to play and be a better person and basketball player so in a way I’m playing for her and because she did not have a chance that I do.”
“Legacie has always been a fierce competitor and is showcased through her determination and commitment whether it is on or off the court,” said mom Cynthia.
“Legacie trains daily in both the on- and off-season and she will be your biggest supporter whether she is on the court or on the bench,” added Cynthia.
“Legacie’s leadership skills shine by guiding teammates through plays on the court or scribbling plays for others while on the bench,” said Cynthia. “Growing up, Legacie volunteered with the local house league basketball program. She was always eager to give back to the program that got her started playing basketball.”
“Legacie has a drive to educate others in things that she values,” said Cynthia. “Basketball is one example, the other is being an advocate for Cystic Fibrosis.”
Cystic Fibrosis has had a huge impact on her life as two of her sisters were born with this incurable disease. Legacie became more of an advocate for this disease after her older sister lost her battle to CF.
“Legacie has played a huge role in various events within her community, and to help give back to Cystic Fibrosis Canada and The Ronald McDonald House Charities,” said Cynthia.
“Legacie is not only a great competitor,” said Cynthia. “She is also an amazing team player in whatever situation she is in, with the love she shares truly pours out to everyone that surrounds her.”
“Legacie was an instrumental player for the Wallaceburg District Secondary School women’s basketball program,” said Janine Day, high school and club coach. “As the starting point guard and captain of the 2019 OFSAA gold medal team, Legacie led her teammates both on and off of the court. Legacie dedicates herself to being the best player and teammate that she can be. Coaches dream of having players like Legacie on their team and I was one of the lucky ones. Words such as committed, skilled, passionate and mentally tough describe her as a player. Legacie deserves of all the accolades that she has earned.”
Bill Carriere, Fanshawe Falcons Women’s Basketball Head Coach, talked about his team player:
“Although we only had the opportunity to coach Legacie for one year so far, as coaches we recognize the potential she has to positively impact our program going forward. We saw tremendous growth throughout her first season both as a student and a player. She was able to learn from her veteran teammates and was able to gain valuable experience at the OCAA championships.”
“Legacie does a lot of work for her community, which speaks about her leadership qualities,” said Coach Bill.
“Her competitive spirit and her athletic ability will be a valuable asset to the Falcons program this coming season,” added Coach Bill.
Photo Credit: Matt Hiscox Photography
Very honorable. I admire this young woman. She has good teachings and a good solid value system. Her parents have to be so proud of her endeavors. She makes a shining example for younger girls in her community and school.