As a UBC student in the 1970s the name Shelley Winter was associated with being one of the best, not just at UBC but across the nation, in the sport of field hockey. This native of Oak Bay graduated from UBC in Physical Education in 1975 and later achieved a successful teaching career on Vancouver Island. But for the majority of her life she has not only been actively participating in field hockey, she has literally appeared on the world stage.
While playing for UBC 1975 through 1985 she was selected MVP, won the league sportsmanship award and was named the 1975/76 UBC female Athlete of the Year.
From 1975 through 1986 Shelley was a member of Canada’s National team – her 12 years being the most of any BC woman in this sport. She was also the first Canadian female field hockey player to appear in more than 100 international test mathes.
Considered a “real leader” Shelley was a co-captain of Canada’s team at the 1984 Olympics. Following the Olympics she was the one chosen to accept the International Fair Play Award, awarded to Canada in Paris by the United Nations. She was also awarded the player of the match trophy following Canada’s 1986 impressive victory over England at Wembley Stadium. “England Shelley-shocked” announced one newspaper headline.
Shelley, who was still playing hockey into the 2000s, is an inductee in the Greater Victoria, British Columbia and UBC Sports Halls of Fame.
Fred Hume, 2019
