SASKATOON — The University of Saskatchewan women’s softball team hosts its last home games in the Western Collegiate Softball Association Sept. 26-28. The team will also use the opportunity to acknowledge the significance of National Truth and Reconciliation.
Leanne Pilbeam, manager of the U of S softball team, said, “The University of Saskatchewan Women’s Softball Team will be honouring Truth and Reconciliation during our weekend’s games. Our athletes will be wearing orange bows and taking a moment of reflection before the games to acknowledge the significance of this day and the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
“As a team, we’re proud to use our platform to support meaningful change and to recognize the responsibility we have — not just as athletes, but as members of the wider community — to listen, learn and lead with respect.”
The U of S softball team said they are also proud to share the story behind their orange bows, thanks to the dedication of current player Emma Maurice, #8. When Maurice first joined the team, she and Jodi Bouvier, a U of S alumni player, wanted to find a special way for the team to honour Truth and Reconciliation. Maurice mentioned that her mom, Laura Maurice, is an excellent seamstress, and her mother graciously agreed to hand-make the orange bows for the entire team. Since then, Maurice's mom has continued to craft these meaningful symbols for the U of S team, supporting their commitment to remembering and learning together.
“Emma is now in her third year at the University of Saskatchewan, where she plays for the program while pursuing a history major, aspiring to become a journalist. Emma and her family are originally from the First Nations community of Birch Narrows/Turnor Lake, and their generosity and leadership have had a lasting impact on our team tradition,” adds the university softball team manager.
For the weekend’s home stand, the U of S women’s softball team invites fans and community members to join them in wearing orange as a symbol of support for Truth and Reconciliation.
“By coming together in this way, we hope to foster greater awareness and understanding, and to honour the survivors, families and communities impacted by residential schools,” said Pilbeam.
Pilbeam also added, “We’re also proud to be hosting teams from across Western Canada, including the University of Calgary (Treaty 7 Territory), the University of Lethbridge (Treaty 7 Territory), and the University of Regina (Treaty 4 Territory). As hosts, we acknowledge that we play, live and learn on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We are committed to fostering respect, awareness and inclusion both on and off the field.”
These student athletes are also part of the U of S actions on campus as the university observed a week of reflection with a number of initiatives before the statutory holiday on Sept. 30.
This is the last weekend of regular season play in the Western Collegiate Softball Association. From there, all teams will travel to Calgary Oct. 4 and 5 to compete for the WCSA title. The U of S women have also qualified for Canadian Collegiate Softball Nationals in Calgary, Oct. 10-12, as a result of their silver medal at WCSA in 2024.
Games will take place Saturday and Sunday at both Bob Van Impe Stadium and Joe Gallagher Field.
