“The sound of a crisp swish always makes me smile,” Lepine said. “But more than the game itself, it was the meaningful moments with teammates that made basketball what it is for me. To get to be back on the court, being a part of and witnessing meaningful moments while serving my community, is a true joy.”

Returning to the court through Special Olympics has allowed Lepine to experience those moments once again—this time while serving her community and supporting athletes.

Outside of Special Olympics, Lepine is a certified music therapist and is part of the staff team at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Music. It was during her time at Laurier that she first became involved with Special Olympics. When the university hosted the Special Olympics Provincial Games, Lepine volunteered as a basketball scorekeeper.

“Witnessing so many “joy of sport” moments marked with competitiveness, sportsmanship, and kindness in all levels led me to embark on my first year of volunteering with KW’s Special Olympics basketball,” Lepine said. 

From there, her journey as a basketball coach for SOKW began; she’s developed a coaching style that balances the “big picture” and “here-and-now” considerations that contribute to the overall joy of sport, because every athlete is different and every athlete may need different support.

“I adapt my coaching style for different athletes by being intentional about meeting the athletes where they’re at, looking ahead to where we might want to be, and adjusting my energy and intentions accordingly,” Lepine stated. 

That adaptability is part of what makes coaching so rewarding for Lepine. Whether it is helping an athlete work toward a new goal, celebrating an accomplishment, or simply sharing a moment of joy on the court, she sees the impact that sport can have on athletes and the wider community.

The impact of sport doesn’t stop with athletes, however. For anyone considering getting involved with Special Olympics, whether as an athlete, a coach, or a volunteer, Lepine has some simple advice: give it a try.

“Even if you’re unsure, the Special Olympics community is ready to welcome you with open arms, and your extra set of hands is always appreciated,” she said. “It’s such a great and meaningful way to engage in a sport you love.”

Volunteering is a chance to give back while also reconnecting with a sport Lepine loves, and to experience that joy alongside the athletes of SOKW is nothing short of rewarding.

“Come experience the joy of sport with us!” 

A quick hit:

If Heather Lepine could coach any professional sports team for a day, which team would she choose?

“Is it too predictable if I say the Toronto Tempo?” she replied. “It’s just so exciting to have a Canadian franchise in the WNBA, and it would be so neat to be up close to it!”