“I think there’s going to be a lot of changes on court, but also off court because we can look and realize we aren’t doing things the right way…The time for mourning is over. We have the opportunity to pursue things we’ve never pursued before.” -- Cheryl Jean-Paul, TWU head coach of women's basketball
Words by Dashawn Stephens, PRSVRE
In 2010, Cheryl Jean-Paul became the Head Coach of Women’s Basketball at Trinity Western University. Jean-Paul wants to see the sport of basketball in Western Canada became more inclusive as she has uncovered a systemic resistance to give opportunities to athletes and coaches of colour.
Jean-Paul is currently the President of Women’s Basketball in the Canada West Conference and looks forward to leading the quest for change. With the recent creation of the Black, Biracial and Indigenous (BBI) Task Force in Ontario University Athletics (OUA), Jean-Paul is excited to work with her fellow coaches and executives to create an initiative that addresses the systemic issues within the conference. However, before action can be taken, Jean-Paul hopes that there is discussion to identify the voices that need to be amplified.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to find and fulfill their purpose in life. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has five campuses: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, Ottawa, and Bellingham, WA. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vibrant faith community devoted to supporting vibrant leaders seeking to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca