Canadian football’s Quinn pays mentorship that led them to success

This is a column by Shireen Ahmed, who writes opinion for CBC Sports. For more information about CBC’s Opinion Sectionsee the FAQ.

Cookies may not be the typical superfood of exceptional athletes, but for Canadian team player Quinn, they’re a go-to.

“Definitely my favorite food in the whole world,” said the 27-year-old midfielder. When I asked Quinn about a specific food they miss when they’re away from Toronto, they told me – without hesitation – that it President’s Choice Baked By You Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Doughand that their family has it well stocked in the fridge.

Quinn plays professionally with Seattle’s OL Reign of the National Women’s Soccer League and based on recent appearances, he appears to be in good shape.

That’s good for Canada’s women’s team, which won’t play again until a friendly on July 14 in Australia, just before the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The tournament starts on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand.

WATCH: Quinn scores 1st goal in NWSL:

During our conversation, Quinn humbly explained why the team is so unique and full of potential. They also told me that their strongest leadership quality is understanding the critical roles senior players have. Quinn explained their contributions in a way that shows that creating space for new voices and perspectives makes sense to them.

Quinn’s determination and sincerity are two characteristics that make them a phenomenal teammate and also the perfect person to appear in a new mentorship initiative.

The See them, be them program, an initiative of GE Appliances, will have Quinn coach and mentor eight football players (ages 13-17) from across Canada. 100 girls and gender diverse children will also participate online, allowing the program to reach the maximum number of young people.

That piece of mentorship is exactly why Quinn decided they wanted to be a part of it. Mentoring and having access to watch and interact with the women’s national team was crucial in Quinn’s own childhood and they feel they can give that back to the next generation.

Soccer North is back with a focus on Canada’s women’s team preparing for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Join host Andi Petrillo and special guests on Friday for insight and analysis leading to tournament.

WATCH: Keeping Up with the Canadians:

Here’s how the stars of Canada Soccer fared this week | Keeping up with the Canadians

Host Andi Petrillo gives us the weekly recap of what Canadians have been up to Host Andi Petrillo gives us the recap of what Canadians have been up to in the football world for the week of June 12-18. From the NWSL, the Men’s CONCACAF Nations League and Christine Sinclair showing that her soccer skills are timeless.

“It was important to me growing up playing football to be able to communicate with the national team,” said Quinn. “I even watched a training session in Toronto once before the national team played. And I got to talk to some of the players after the session. That was a really important and inspiring moment for me to understand where I wanted to go with football.

“So this initiative is just another opportunity for young girls and gender diverse athletes to connect with each other and see where sports can take them.”

According to the Rally Report 2022 published by Canadian Women & Sport, 80 percent of girls would continue to play sports if they had recognizable role models. Many 13 to 17-year-olds quit sports at a rapid pace.

Quinn believes that sharing experiences (good and bad) and offering lived experiences based on their own journey is something that can benefit the program’s youth and provide participants with an opportunity to build a future to see for themselves in sports. Quinn also understands the importance of candor in these discussions.

“Off the field it’s really important to talk about some of the struggles I’ve been through. Because it’s not always a linear path,” said Quinn. “And I know for young girls, their experience … has some difficulties, also when talking to younger athletes. And so I think it’s for me to share that I’ve had some difficulties in that experience as well, but there’s perseverance and there is joy at the end thereof.

“So it’s about being realistic, but really hopeful… and hopefully they see that the reflection of my experience can keep them in the sport.”

History written in Tokyo

Quinn’s impact on global sport is immense. They were the first non-binary trans athlete to win a gold medal as Canada’s women triumphed at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. While it may sound like a lot of pressure, Quinn is taking it with strides and caution. Quinn receives messages from LGBTQ youth and is undoubtedly a pillar of the sports community.

“It makes all the hard days worth it if I can get a young fan or a young athlete to come to me and because they saw me in sports, that’s why they rejoined their football team or continued sports,” said Quinn. “I think that’s been the most impactful message for me and why I’m an advocate in the spaces I’m in and why I’m a face in the sport.”

This is a positive part of Quinn’s experience and where Quinn hopes to make room for young people who need that encouragement and support and who may not see themselves reflected in the sports ecosystem.

“For me, there were tough days when I didn’t see myself growing up in the sport and I didn’t have mentors of trans athletes in the sport,” Quinn said.

Quinn said the first athlete they looked up to and most admired was the Canadian football legend Charmaine Hooper.

“I absolutely loved her. I used to hang around after national team games and beg for her jersey. I was obsessed with her,” Quinn said with a laugh. “I loved the football she played. She was gritty but also technically so incredible.”

Quinn finally met Hooper when the retired great spoke to the national team ahead of a game against the USA in 2018. Quinn still remembers that moment and only managed to say a quick “hello” because they were so impressed.

Quinn looks ahead to the World Cup and is excited to be able to reunite with their teammates. The team spends a lot of time on and off the field connecting, sharing and understanding where they can make a big impact. Quinn believes this is a “special group” because the team as a whole is committed to being connected. The team believes this is a recipe for success and what sets it apart from other squads.

The team has a few weeks to prepare for their first game and this is essential for their mental preparation. Quinn said the younger players will play a vital role leading up to this World Cup. For the veteran players, part of that recipe is also to make sure all 23 players on the roster feel like they have an important role to play so that everyone can show their best.

Quinn remembers when they first joined the national team, Carmelina Moscato came to their house with a cup of coffee and they watched a game movie together. It’s this team culture of looking out for the younger players and working hard to make sure every player feels involved and part of something bigger. Quinn said this kind of leadership and generosity had an “eternal impact” on them and knows what impact they can also have to help others feel empowered.

Being a loyal member of the mentorship program is another thing Quinn will excel at, given their experience and aspirations, and I have no doubt it will be a success. During our conversation, Quinn was incredibly humble and quick to share anecdotes where they were supported. It has had such a powerful influence on them that they want to offer it to others.

In the future, I hope Quinn gets lots of cookies along the way, both literally and figuratively.