Meet our latest Emerging Leader, Quinn Watt '28. Quinn is off to a fantastic start in Grade 9 and is already making waves in the world of sports. Recently, she “back stopped” the developmental hockey team with exemplary play as goalie during the Armbrae tournament. This outstanding performance earned the admiration and pride of her coaches and teammates alike.
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Quinn to learn more about her thoughts on leadership, and we're excited to share her inspiring perspective.
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership means stepping up and saying the things that others might be too scared to say, or doing things others might be too afraid to do. Leadership is about leading by example, making others realize it's okay to be themselves, take risks, and follow their own path. A good leader is someone who inspires confidence and encourages others to take action, even when it feels difficult.
Who is someone you look up to as a leader in your life?
I really look up to my parents and my coaches. My parents, especially, are incredible examples of leadership. They don’t follow the crowd – they go their own way, even when others might not understand. This is really inspiring to me because it shows that leadership isn't about conforming, but about staying true to your values and doing what you believe is right.
What is something your Mom or Dad does that you admire in terms of leadership?
What I admire most about my parents is their ability to stand firm in their beliefs and go after what they want, even when it's not the popular thing to do. They don’t just follow trends or crowd opinions – they lead with conviction, and that’s something I deeply respect.
What are your future goals?
My main goal is to pursue hockey at a high level and really commit to my development as a player. Beyond that, I want to focus on being happy and doing what I love. Whether that's hockey or something else, I want to make sure I'm following my passion and living a fulfilling life.
Is there something on the ice that you do as a goalie that reflects leadership?
As a goalie, one of the ways I show leadership is by helping my goalie partner step out of her comfort zone. Sometimes, they’re scared to play the puck, but I try to encourage them, give them advice, and let them know it's okay to make mistakes. I think leadership is about supporting each other and helping others grow, even if it’s in small ways.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
I would describe myself as empathetic, trustworthy, and athletic. I think these qualities really sum up who I am as a person and as a leader on and off the ice.
Kevin Lakes
Junior School Faculty