SPOTLIGHT: A Gee-Gees Alum is heading to the 2018 Winter Olympics

Kim Thompson, a Gee-Gees women's hockey alumna and current professor at uOttawa has been named to the Canadian Olympic women's hockey team staff that will be making the trip to the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. The Orleans, Ontario native will be joining the staff as the team's Mental Training Consultant (MTC).

Thompson has a long history with the Gee-Gees, the University of Ottawa and Hockey Canada. She was a part of the University of Ottawa's inaugural varsity women's hockey team in 1999 where she served as the team's assistant captain until 2001. Following her playing days, Thompson served as an assistant coach for the uOttawa women's hockey program from 2003 to 2009. Prior to joining Hockey Canada, she represented Canada as an assistant coach for the CIS All-Star women's hockey team at the 2009 Winter Universiade in Harbin, China. She has now been a MTC with Hockey Canada for the past 8 years.

Thompson also has a strong educational background that has contributed to her success as a MTC and professor. She completed a BSc in Human Kinetics, a MA Human Kinetics (concentration in intervention and consultation), and a PhD in Education, specializing in psycho-pedagogy. Thompson completed each of her degrees at the University of Ottawa where she is now a part-time professor in the School of Human Kinetics and a Protocol Officer in the Office of Research Ethics and Integrity.

Sports Services had the pleasure of speaking to Kim Thompson about the past, present and future of her playing days, coaching days and her time with Hockey Canada:

How does it feel to be named to the Canadian Olympic women's hockey team staff?

It may sound cliché, but it's definitely a dream come true. I remember learning about the Winter Olympics as a little girl. I was in Grade 5 and it was the 1988 Olympics in Calgary. We did so many activities in class and spent a lot of time learning about the event itself, the various sports, and our Canadian athletes. I remember thinking "I want to go". That dream may have shifted a bit over the years, as my role in sport has evolved from athlete to coach to mental training consultant. But, I always joked that I would find one way or another to get there. With the 2018 Winter Olympics only six months away, it still seems surreal that my longtime dream is becoming a reality.

What is your history with Hockey Canada? How many years have you been the mental training consultant?

My first Hockey Canada event was a training camp back in the summer of 2009. I was the MTC for the U18 Women's Program. We won gold that year at the World Championship, beating the USA in overtime (5-4). Needless to say, it was a great first experience. I've been involved ever since as a MTC with the various Women's Teams (U18, U22/Dev, and Senior), attending various training camps and international competitions over the years. It's hard to believe that I've been involved with the organization for almost ten years already. I guess it's true when they say "Time flies when you're having fun".

Side Story: When travelling in and out of the country for Hockey Canada events, I never know what to say when Customs Officials ask about my travel plans "Travelling for business or pleasure?". It always catches me off guard. We definitely put in some long days, and work hard day in and day out, yet, it never really seems like work. I love what I do. I'm definitely lucky.

When did you know that you wanted to become a mental training consultant? And why did you choose this profession?

To be honest, I always knew I would be involved in high-performance sport one way or another, but I didn't know exactly in which capacity or role. Growing up, I had an interest in sport and competitive team environments, and I knew I enjoyed working with others. In high school, I thought I wanted to be a gym teacher. I also started coaching at a relatively young age and loved it. As an athlete, I developed an interest in sport psychology and eventually decided to pursue it further. If you think about it though coaching, teaching, and consulting are actually quite similar. They all involve working with others and helping them to be the best that they can be. Regardless of the role I'm playing, my professional philosophy revolves around building an environment where people strive to reach their potential and where they refine their skills through an empowerment of respect, accountability, and competency. I have always been a strong advocate of ongoing learning as well as personal development, and so I have found that as a MTC I am able to help people reach their own goals by instilling confidence, modeling a strong work ethic, and providing constructive insight.

What is your favorite part of being a mental training consultant?

Tough question. There are so many moving parts to my role as a MTC that it's hard to pinpoint only one. But if I had to choose, I think my favorite part would be seeing firsthand those moments when athletes realize that they accomplished something they never thought possible. Being able to watch them experience those "ah-ha" moments when they truly feel proud of themselves for their relentless hard work, unwavering dedication, and/or sense of resiliency. For example, during our recent travel to Fredericton, NB for a three-week Boot Camp (the start of the Olympic season), there were several moments when I got chills from watching the athletes perform and execute tasks that are meant to push them out of their comfort zones, both physically and mentally. It is exciting to see them overcome challenges and trust the process, despite the struggles they may face and the doubts they may have. Their ongoing commitment to personal growth as both an athlete and an individual is inspiring.

How has your education and teaching at the University of Ottawa prepared you for your role on the Olympic staff?

My educational background at uOttawa has prepared me well for my role on the Olympic staff. As a student in the field, gaining both hands-on experience and research-based knowledge helped shape my consulting philosophy and refine my toolkit of skills and strategies. Having now returned to the School of Human Kinetics to teach courses in mental training and sport psychology is a true passion of mine. Teaching is a rewarding and valuable experience that continues to impact my role as a MTC. It provides me with an opportunity to work directly with students and build rapport, engage in thought-provoking discussions, learn from others (students and colleagues alike), as well as reflect and evaluate my own delivery and presentation styles. Ultimately, teaching offers me opportunities for self-growth.

How did playing university level hockey prepare you for becoming a mental training consultant?

My own athletic background allowed me to develop a greater understanding of what it is like and what it takes to be a high-performance athlete. While I was not at the same competitive level by any means, being a student-athlete on the women's hockey team at uOttawa provided me with many opportunities and experiences that now help me relate better to the athletes with whom I work. It has given me a glimpse of the commitment required to perform on a daily basis, the various intricacies of being on a team, and the challenges and demands of high-performance sport. My time as a student-athlete is one that I will never forget.

Leading up to the games, Kim knows she will be very busy gearing up for what is to come, but she is ensuring to make time for her little girl, partner Jeff, as well as family and friends. "They are my world and their support and energy will help me along the way. I am truly blessed to be able to pursue my ultimate dream, surrounded by such great people and so much love. I am also fortunate to have the support of the Office of Vice-President, Research at uOttawa. I am so excited to be embarking on this adventure! Let the Games begin!"

(article originally posted on Aug. 29, 2017)