AFTER beginning her high school career in Chile, Flo Belanger-Jones joined the Mulgrave School community in Grade 9 and experienced a bit of culture shock.
"Everyone here was involved in all aspects of student life: arts, service and athletics, as well as academics. There was an expectation that I would get involved in these different strands, and when I did, I went all in."
Three years later, she is actively involved in student service initiatives, is a member of multiple competitive and developmental sports teams, and is this year's Head Girl. Belanger-Jones exemplifies the Mulgrave motto: Inspiring Excellence in Education and Life. With the passion she throws into every pursuit, it is no surprise Belanger-Jones has found success both on and off the basketball court. While basketball is her favourite sport, she admits it hasn't come easy. "There are two parts to basketball: skill and heart. I started playing with a lot of heart, the skills had to be developed after."
Mulgrave athletics director Claude Leduc notes this didn't hold her back. "Every student athlete at Mulgrave is accepted and appreciated for who they are and what they bring to the sporting arena."
The coaching philosophy at Mulgrave, a prekindergarten-Grade 12 co-ed International Baccalaureate World School, is to use sport as a vehicle to teach and develop the core covenants of commitment, communication, confidence and heart. Students are instilled with the type of lifelong passion for sport and active living that keeps them coming back long after graduation. Belanger-Jones lists Mulgrave alumni Kaitlin Cyr (Class of 2009) as a role model and mentor for the work she has done as assistant coach of the senior girls' basketball team.
A taekwondo nationals contender, as well as an avid basketball and soccer player, current Grade 11 student Yahya Sahiholnasab has also learned a lot about mentorship through sport after having the opportunity to coach the Grade 7 boys' basketball team. "I really enjoyed my first coaching experience. Sports are more than just fun. They teach you how to relate to people and how to achieve your goals. I will play sports for the rest of my life."
Many student athletes graduate from Mulgrave with a similar promise. Graduates have gone on to join varsity teams. Kevin Catliff, 2012 graduate, is playing for the Western Mustangs, considered to be one of the best university teams in Canada. Belanger-Jones has chosen to use her passion for sport to drive her in a different direction: sports medicine. In the meantime, she plans to enjoy the pursuit of excellence in academics and athletics knowing one day the two will merge into a successful career.
