NAIG 2014 Profiles: Mandy LaRose-Koochicum
- Creeson Agecoutay | May 21, 2014
With the 2014 North American Indigenous Games in Regina two months away, Indigenous youth from across North America are training hard to compete in the sports that they love. If there is one thing to say about these athletes, they are very hard working young leaders of tomorrow. Not only are they involved in sports and their education but many of them are working part-time jobs. Here are just a handful of athletes that I had the privilege to talk to.
MANDY LAROSE-KOOCHICUM
AGE: 15
RESERVE: Peepeekisis First Nation
SPORT: VOLLEYBALL
Mandy Larose-Koochicum truly believes that her volleyball team, the Yorkton Parkland Pounders is like family.
"We're going to accomplish something and hopefully we get the best out of it. We talk a lot and we communicate. We have to stick together and no matter what, we help each other out if one falls down."
The 15-year-old athlete from the Peepeekisis First Nation is not only involved in sports and her education; she is also working part-time at the local rink in Balcarres. She thanks her teachers for their continued support on her future path to success.
"It's kind of hard and stressful but my teachers help me out and help me get my homework done. They pick me back up and they help me on my work so I can play volleyball in the evenings."
Mandy says her father and mother are also a huge part of her life and support her every step of the way. When she finishes high school, Mandy plans on attending university in California, studying in nursing, dentistry or both.
Her message to the youth is,
"Don't give up when times get hard. Keep pushing yourself, even if you fall down and you will have that support right behind you."
Be sure to check out more NAIG athlete profiles on our Interviews or Sports page.