Stettler resident Nicole Philpot, who has repeatedly made headlines throughout the bowling season, has one more accolade to add to her accomplishments as she heads to the renowned Saskatchewan Youth Bowling School in Saskatoon run by Tom Patterson.
A school where she has been going back every year, even till 2015 as a student to be coached and mentored by some of the bowling experts, will now use her bowling experience and skills to mentor other aspiring students.
"This will be the first year of hopefully many to go back to the school and give back in appreciation of everything the school coaches and mentors gave to me," said Nicole Philpot. "At this time, my feelings range from excitement, fear from wanting to do justice to the students and school, and still slightly shocked!"
When Philpot was enquiring about school sessions this year, main organizer Tom Patterson came up with two options, one being Philpot as a student for the first year, and coach in the second.
The second option was Philpot being a coach this year itself.
Not one to shy away from challenges, Philpot was ready to take on the role.
"With my desire to go into education in the fall, I felt this was an opportunity I couldn't miss out on and decided the second option was my choice," said Philpot. "It has always been my desire to give back to the sport via coaching and I did do some before transferring to Sherwood Park."
According to Philpot, she has always appreciated the value of a good coach and mentor.
"I've been so fortunate to have had some very special people involved in my growth, my father Dave being one of my earliest coaches and someone who still remains heavily involved," added Philpot. "I've also had the privilege of being coached by Stacy (Sanderson) Webber and Jen (Marshall) Smith in my early years, with the two most influential coaches other than my dad being Shauna Pirie-Laisnez and Lynn Howell, both very accomplished bowlers."
Philpot hopes that she can grow and learn from the diverse experience she has had.
"It is my hope that I can grown and learn from the experience and mentorship of my coaches and that I can pass that on to younger bowlers," continued Philpot. "Coaches for this school come from all over Canada and are the best of the best, so it's an honour and a privilege to give back by working side by side with them, and being young I have a lot to learn about coaching and again I'm looking forward to the mentorship I'll receive from them."
Although Philpot is not sure what the position will entail, she is aware that she will be handling young students between the ages of 10 and 12.
"I will be coaching along side some of the best players that 5 pin has to offer so I'm feeling humbled and nervous to be considered for the job," said Philpot. "I've had my Canadian level 1 community coaching since I was 14 and I was one of the youngest to have it, and I've had to wait until 18 to get my level 2."
Level 2 will allow Philpot to coach any sport at the national level and that is what she hopes to do someday as she prepares herself for the qualification.