Stephanie Labbe: The Yes That Changes Everything

The Yes That Changes Everything:

Olympic Athlete and TLC Ambassador Looks Inside for Inspiration

Like many kids, Stephanie Labbé had a ton of heroes growing up. Starting at age 11, the starting goalie for Team Canada women’s soccer team, born and raised in Stony Plain, began practicing soccer in her home town. She was fueled by her love of the game and cheered on by her supportive parents and friends.

As she advanced further through the world of competitive soccer, eventually going on to win an Olympic bronze medal with the national women’s team in 2016, she modelled herself after famous players. She worked hard to imitate the moves and strategy that she believed made them winners.

But it wasn’t until nearly 20 years later she discovered a new role model that would change her life.

That new hero? Herself

“When I was young, I got caught up so much trying to be like other people – my heroes and role models. But, instead of being inspired by them, I wanted to be them,” Stephanie, 31, says.

“It was great at first. But later it really took a toll on me, physically, emotionally. I was trying to be someone I wasn’t.”

It was this shift towards accentuating her own unique skills and realizing she was a player worth admiring in her own right that would lead her to her highest level of performance to date.

“Eight months before the Games, it was like a switch flicked,” she says. “I made a change to believe in myself, to work every day to be the best Stephanie Labbé I could be. To bring out what makes me special and not try to be anyone else.”

She says it led to a dramatic improvement

“I started to relax on the field and play to my top ability. I wasn’t out there trying to do what other goal-keepers were doing. It allowed me to play free, as me, not trying to be anyone else. It took my playing to a whole new level.”

This new source of inspiration has also helped Stephanie stay on track after the games when she set her sights on a new goal: playing for a men’s professional league.

“I thought, if I wanted results that no one has ever gotten, I’d have to do something no one’s ever done.”

Though she made it successfully through tryouts on the Calgary Foothills men’s soccer team, the Premier Development League ultimately decided not to add a woman to its ranks. Today, she is making a final decision on joining a women’s team in Europe, while continuing to advocate for women in sports.

“I’ve been told ‘no’, but I haven’t given up – I’m still pushing forward for the right to play in that league and no matter what, I know I’m making a difference for women’s soccer.”

Another source of inspiration is Stephanie’s time spent in her community during the off-season. She hangs out with her family and works as an ambassador for the Trans Alta Tri Leisure Centre (TLC). Here she runs workshops for local athletes.

I thought, if I wanted results that no one has ever gotten, I’d have to do something no one’s ever done.

“It’s my way to give back to the community that has given me so much,” she says. “This is my way of being a part of these young kids’ lives and give them the same opportunities I was given to pursue my goals.” She loves to train and exercise at the centre too and often brings her young niece and nephew along.

“There are so many things going on at once. You can be up on the track running and looking down and watching young soccer stars in the making. I just love that!”

She adds, “There are so many people around that just want to help. It’s a welcoming community environment.”

Places like the TLC give kids the chance to try different activities, a platform that every budding athlete needs, Stephanie says.

“You can’t force kids to like things. But you can give them an opportunity to try new things, to pursue their own dreams, what interests them. That’s what the centre gives them – that opportunity to go out, try something new and possibly fall in love with something they’ve never thought of.”

It was this freedom that allowed Stephanie to find to soccer at a young age.

“I grew up playing hockey, wanting to be just like my big brother. But my girlfriends were playing soccer and eventually they convinced me to give it a try.”

After trying one season with her friends, she never looked back. She went on to play for the Spruce Grove Saints, then later played professionally in Sweden and the United States, as well as being a staple on the Women’s National Team since the age of 21.

Today she keeps a simple daily goal: to work every day to be a better person than the day before. Doing this helps her enjoy working towards achievements instead of just focusing on glory.

“I’m so much more focused on the journey than the end results,” she says. “My focus is on the daily processes. Whether I achieve it or not, as long as I put in the work, I will have no regrets in how hard I tried for it. That’s the successful part for me.”

It’s a motto worthy of a true role model.

Think like an athlete: Stephanie tips for success on and off the field

1. TRY EVERYTHING Being open to new things is how Stephanie came upon her love of soccer when she was young. For adults looking for something new to try – for themselves or their children – she recommends exploring the TLC website to see what different activities are out there. Commit to something small – a single class or one semester of a program and see what sticks.

2. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF These days, people think Stephanie’s ‘made it.’ But, she says, even as one of the best goal-keepers in the world, things can still get tough. Still, she continues to value herself high. “No matter how many ‘nos’ you get, there’s going to be one ‘yes’ and that’s going to change everything.”

3. LOVE WHAT YOU DO If you’re doing what you love, and having fun doing it, nothing can hold you back. Stephanie says.

“If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I would tell her not to believe anyone who’s saying you’re not good enough or fast enough. If you really do love something, there’s nothing that can stop you from achieving what you want.”

4. STAY POSITIVE. If you’re having a low-energy day or feeling unmotivated, Stephanie recommends exercise to boost your spirits. “Go for a walk, work out, head to the gym with a friend…” She also meditates every day to relax, reflect and learn more about what makes her unique, inside.

There are so many things going on at once. You can be up on the track running and looking down and watching young soccer stars in the making. I just love that!