Regina’s Hayden Kot has been selected to lead Team Sask into the 2025 Canada Summer Games Opening Ceremonies.
Kot was named Saskatchewan’s flag bearer on Monday. The opening ceremony will be held on August 9 in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Kot is a dual-sport athlete in volleyball and basketball, and her selection celebrates her outstanding athleticism, leadership, and embodiment of Saskatchewan spirit.
“I was so surprised,” said Kot, moments after learning the news. “I came out of our volleyball game and saw a message from my basketball coach saying ‘CONGRATULATIONS.’ I didn’t know what it was about at first. Then I read the full message, and I was just so happy. It’s such an honour to represent Saskatchewan this way.”
Sixteen-year-old Kot, who attends Dr. Martin LeBoldus Catholic High School in Regina, credits her success to those around her.
“It’s all about the support system,” she said. “Coaches who believe in me, teammates who have my back -- even when I miss a week of volleyball for basketball, or vice versa. Everyone wants the best for each other.”
Her father, Garrett Kot, was a multi-sport athlete who competed in volleyball at the 1993 Canada Summer Games in Kamloops, BC. He now coaches basketball at Kot’s school and has played a significant role in her development.
“He’s my school basketball coach, and we’re always in the gym. He played the same volleyball position as I, so he understands how I feel. He’s always pushing me and giving me advice; it’s been huge.”
As Kot prepares for two full weeks of competition and camaraderie in St. John’s, Kot is soaking in every moment.
“I’ve heard stories about the Canada Games from my dad, and now I finally get to experience it for myself,” she said. “It’s like a mini-Olympics. Getting to showcase my province in two sports… It’s something I’ll never forget.” The flag bearer was selected through a nomination process. The nomination was cosigned by both of Kot’s Canada Games head coaches, Tracy Hazen (volleyball) and Maddy Humbert (basketball).
Kot will lead Team Saskatchewan into the Opening Ceremony, scheduled for 7:00 PM NST/4:30 PM CST at Mary Brown’s Centre in St. John’s. The Games will run until August 25th.
