by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Kennesha Miswaggon played hockey this past season for the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds. The freshman defender played in two exhibition, 28 regular season and four post-season games gaining valuable experience minutes.
“I’m Cree, I’m from Cross Lake MB but I live in Vancouver right now, and my parents are Kenny Miswaggon and Kristen Settee from Cross Lake MB,” said Kennesha.
Tribal core values define who student-athletes are at home and far away from home. “Being an indigenous student athlete has pushed me to work harder than others around me,” said Kennesha. “Growing up, I did face some racism but I tried my best not to allow it to hurt me but instead, motivate me. Through my culture, I’ve learned to respect everyone around me, be humble in all situations, and have courage to follow my dreams. I now wear a braid during every game to show strength and pride in my people.”
“My dad has the biggest impact on me as a student-athlete because he has always encouraged and supported me throughout my hockey career,” said Kennesha. “He’s a single parent and continuously works very hard to give me and my siblings everything we want. Through him, I learned that hard work pays off, on and off the ice. He has always told me school comes first and hockey second, which is why he allowed me to move away so young and get a better education. He would drive eight hours to the city every other weekend to work and visit me. I will forever be grateful for all of his sacrifices. He is my biggest fan and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.”
Balmoral Hall (BH) – School for Girls is located in Winnipeg MB. The school has produced several indigenous hockey players who are playing in college. “Sarah Zacharias was my coach during my three years at Balmoral Hall and had a big impact on my life,” said Kennesha. “She took a chance on me to play for her and created so many opportunities for me. She helped me with everything from the very start to the end of my senior year. The whole university recruiting process was stressful for me but she made it way easier. It didn’t matter how big or small the problem was she was there to help, talk, give advice, give a hug or make you laugh whenever you needed it.”
Sarah Zacharias, Director of Hockey, Head Coach Prep Hockey, Balmoral Hall – School for Girls said: “Our girl, Kennesha, has a smile that’s contagious. She’s the type of kid that’s always laid back and easy going. She makes the game look easy. I’ve never seen someone with the poise that she possesses. Her composure is such an asset on the blue line, and she’s a lot of fun to watch. But more than what she brings on the ice, she truly is one of the best teammates. Kennesha is all about family, and she was a part of our family for three years while she was a Blazer. She led our team both on and off the ice as an assistant captain, and was one of our strongest players all three years with the program. Last year, in her final game as a Blazer, Kennesha scored the overtime game-winning goal against NAHA to win the Junior Women’s Hockey League (JWHL) Championships for the first time in Blazers history. Seeing her smile from ear to ear as her teammates surrounded her is something I will never forget.”
“During my senior year Regan Boulton was the exact same, very supportive and caring,” said Kennesha. “Together, they truly created a family bond and hard working culture within the team, which lead to us winning the JWHL championship. They saw the potential in me, pushed me to be my best, and believed in me even on my worst days.”
Regan Boulton, Assistant Coach, Balmoral Hall – School for Girls said: “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like Kennesha. Her incredible talent on and off the ice as a hockey player and as multi sport athlete, her commitment to her academics, and the way she carries herself.”
“From a young, naive girl coming from Cross Lake, Manitoba to the big city of Winnipeg she had to adapt to many changes. For anybody, let alone a girl in grade ten, it could be extremely overwhelming. Adapting to city life, academics at one of the most rigorous schools in Canada, new teammates, and living in boarding without the support of her family close by. After all, Kennesha accomplished many things and was extremely successful during her time at BH. I know that it’s only the beginning from her but what people don’t know about her is the sacrifices she had to make, all the ups and downs she faced along the way to get to where she is. Kennesha had two options, fall in the face of adversity or take each challenge as an opportunity to get better as a person and player. Kennesha was cut in grade 11 from Team Manitoba that was heading to Nationals in November but didn’t let that sway her from the path she was on and that summer was invited to the U18 Hockey Canada Conditioning Camp. In her grade 12 year, she proved herself to be one of the best players in the JWHL, earned a spot on team Manitoba that competed at Canada Games, and got a scholarship to her dream school at UBC,” added Regan.
“It was so fun to watch Kennesha grow as a person and a player,” said Regan. “She is a role model for all young girls, not just hockey players, in Cross Lake that with purpose, passion, and hard work, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. I had the chance to coach a two day free camp for young female hockey players in cross lake and surrounding communities and it was the most rewarding experience for me to see the young girls eyes light up when they got to go on the ice with Kennesha like she was the queen of Cross Lake, but she’s earned that.”
“I moved away from home to Winnipeg MB in grade 10 to play hockey with Balmoral Hall School,” said Kennesha. “Not knowing anyone there, I moved away at 15 years old, an eight hour drive away from my family, and lived in boarding for the next three years of high school. I was now aware of all the opportunities out there for me. I began to look at universities, instantly fell in love with the University of British Columbia, and set my mind on attending. I was contacted by many schools, went on multiple official visits, including NCAA DI programs, but finally received an offer from my dream school. I now study Kinesiology at UBC and aspire to become a nurse for my home community.”
Kennesha has the recent credentials as an elite hockey player including Canada West All-Rookie Team 2020, JWHL U19 Champion and JWHL All Star team, 2018-19 Team Canada U18 Selection Camp invitee, Aboriginal Team Manitoba 5X medalist, Hit The Ice Season 7, and 2018 Manitoba Aboriginal Athlete of the Year.
Graham Thomas, Head Coach, UBC Women’s Hockey, said: “Kennesha has shown tremendous perseverance this season. It is always difficult at a young age to move away from home, especially when she is so close with her family, friends and community, but Kennesha has been very resilient. Kennesha is very tough and focused.”
“The university level of hockey, especially the Canada West Conference is a very high level not to mention Kennesha living on her own and managing an extremely difficult academic schedule at one of the top universities in the world. Kennesha is very dedicated and focused on achieving her goals and being successful. She works so hard on and off the ice, has a great attitude and is a reliable teammate,” added Coach Graham.
“She is continuing to mature and grow as a person and player and we are excited to see what the future holds for her, she definitely has not reached the ceiling in her development,” said Coach Graham.
“During my first year of university, I’ve learned to take care of myself first,” said Kennesha. “This is physically and mentally because if you don’t feel good, you won’t perform good. I learned this the hard way. During my senior year, I was focusing too much on my sport and not enough on myself. I struggled with mental problems that eventually took a toll on my academic ability and overall wellbeing. Time management between school and sports was really an important factor for helping with this problem. If I were to give anyone a piece of advice, it would be to reach out for help if you are struggling, no matter how big or small.”
The pandemic closed the UBC and other higher education institutions soon after the hockey season was over. “It was a quick turn around,” said Kennesha. “I just started training for my offseason and the next thing I know I’m packing my dorm room and flying back home. It’s difficult right now because we have to be careful during this pandemic and that makes it harder to train especially getting ice or gym time. Now I’m doing the rest of my term online and that is nice because I love being home.”
Photo Credit: Richard Lam Photo
