Mackenzie Mitchell expressed her excitement about fulfilling her long-held aspiration of donning the Team Newfoundland and Labrador jacket at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. The 24-year-old skip shared her surreal feelings with CBC News on Monday, emphasizing that sliding over the Scotties logo has been a dream come true for her.
Winning a nail-biter in the provincial qualifier, Mitchell will lead Newfoundland and Labrador’s team at the annual Canadian women’s curling championship, accompanied by Stacie Curtis, Kristina Adams, and Jessica Wiseman.
Hailing from Irishtown-Summerside on Newfoundland’s west coast, Mitchell embarked on her curling journey at the age of 12 at the Corner Brook Curling Club. Her interest in the sport was sparked by an exchange student living in her home who wanted to experience various Canadian activities.
Despite starting as the lone female junior curler in Corner Brook, Mitchell credited her coaches Donna Davis and Gary Oke for instilling a love for curling, a sentiment further reinforced while representing the province at the 2019 Canada Games in Alberta.
Currently residing in Dartmouth, N.S., Mitchell continues to be a member of the Corner Brook Curling Club, where she feels the unwavering support of her hometown community.
Corner Brook Curling Club president Susan Curtis expressed the community’s pride and excitement for Mitchell’s achievements, hoping that her success inspires young curlers in the region to pursue their dreams in the sport.
Team Mitchell is set to kick off their tournament against Team Peterson of Manitoba on Saturday, with Mitchell eagerly anticipating the opportunity to make Newfoundland proud on the national stage.
