3 minute read
Stephanie Labbe Announces Excellence Fund
TLC Ambassador and Canadian Women’s Soccer Team Goalie Stephanie Labbé Announces Excellence Fund (and a Whole Bunch of Other Cool Stuff!)
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We had to reach out around the world to find our fearless TLC ambassador Stephanie Labbé. We caught up with her as she finished her showing at the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
TLC: What’s new?
Steph: After a pretty tough World Cup showing, I took a week to physically and mentally recover with my family. I am now heading back to North Carolina to finish up my professional season with the North Carolina Courage until the end of October. I am hopefully bringing home a league title and Championship win! All of our games are live streamed for free via NWSL Soccer app or on yahoosport.com. Our schedule is www.nccourage.com.
TLC: You’ve recently announced an Excellence Fund, what’s that about?
Steph: The Stephanie Labbé Excellence Fund works in partnership with KidSport Alberta to grant kids from low income families in the TriRegion extra support to cover registration costs and equipment. You can find all their information and ways to donate on my website, www.stephlabbe.com. Click on the “Excellence Fund” link.
TLC: Why did you start the Excellence Fund?
Steph: It’s really important for me to give back to the community and impact our future generation of athletes. I was very fortunate to grow up in a family who could support my love for the sport. We could afford equipment, registration, travel costs and other expenses associated with playing sports, but I know not all kids are so fortunate.
Sport has had such a massive impact on my life in so many ways, and I want to make sure that no kid is deprived of those experiences because of financial limitations.
Steph: My brother, sister-in-law, partner and I have launched a clothing line called Project Athlete. It is athlete-inspired lifestyle wear to encourage all of us to embrace the inner Project in all of us.
Project Athlete is about embracing our imperfections, being able to laugh at ourselves and simply enjoy the ride. Everyone has a journey, and everyone’s story is unique, we want to inspire people to be proud of who they are, what they have been through, and not take themselves too seriously.
You can find out more, as well as shop the line at www.project-athlete.com. Some items are also available at the TLC's front desk.
TLC: You’ve just come off the FIFA Women’s World Cup, do you have any advice for athletes facing their own big games?
Steph: My biggest advice is to prepare how you want to play. If you work hard in training, eat right, train your brain to think positive thoughts, breathe through hard times and believe in yourself, when it comes time to play a big game or race a big race, all you have to do is be confident in your preparation.
Be confident that you are prepared and trust yourself.
TLC: What are your plans for the fall after your season ends with the North Carolina Courage?
Steph: I will come back to Alberta and spend November and December finding a balance between recovering after a long season and preparing for the Olympic Qualification tournament in January with the National Team.
TLC: Speaking of balance, what is your favourite way to relax?
Steph: I like to walk in nature with my pup Rio. Being outside, smelling the fresh air, and unplugging is the most grounding and relaxing experience for me.
TLC: Finally, what is your favourite workout song right now?
Steph: Teddy Beats—Saturday (feat. Jolee Nikoal)
