Royals Women’s Basketball

Bianca Jarvis

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing student

Kudos:

Recipient, Female Apprentice Coach Program grant

Currently:

• Apprentice Coach, Douglas College Women’s Basketball team
• Physiotherapist assistant and receptionist, Maple Ridge Physiotherapy and Massage

My role model is:

My mother because she is independent, strong willed and knows what she wants. Nothing gets in the way of her goals.

Favourite athlete:

Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Why did you apply for the Apprentice Coach Program?

Having played so many sports all my life, I wanted to take all the knowledge I learned and pass it on. In addition, I only ever had one female coach throughout all the sports I played and she was able to do so many amazing things in such a small period of time.

Who was she and how did she change your experience as a player?

Katie Macleod, now the Douglas College Women’s Basketball coach. She was able to come to a new school – Maple Ridge Secondary – and not only change the athletics of the school but the academic aspects. If we encountered any problems, she was there to help.  We were not just going to be successful athletes that were able to move on to college or university, but intelligent athletes.

How does it feel to be apprenticing with Katie?

Katie’s become a good friend now. She’s my second mom, pretty much. I learn a lot from her day to day.

Why is it important for women to coach women?

I don’t think that only women should coach women, but that women coaching any team – whether it be men or women – shows women that they are able to do anything they put their minds to. Women coaches give a more positive outlook for more women to be more involved in sports.

Do you see a connection between nursing and athletics?

Being a nurse means that I am part of a team. It is not just the doctors who are able to save lives – it is the team of doctors, registered nurses and care aids that need to work as one to hopefully be successful.  All these different professions need to be on the same page just as teammates do to be successful in the long run.

How has playing sports made you a better student?

I am much better at time management. My planner is my best friend and I cannot go anywhere without it. Learning to be more organized and not procrastinating are key to being successful. Also being able to set goals for myself and actually accomplish them.

Advice for new Royals

Practices are way harder than games so don’t give up because in the long run it only benefits you. Don’t be scared to ask your teammates or coaches questions. The group is all one unit so everyone needs to be on the same page before the team is able to move forward.

Links:

Royals Women’s Basketball
Female Apprentice Coach Program
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Information Sessions
More Feature Stories