SUMMERSIDE – There is one thing Georgie McKenna will always remember about the 2017 edition of the Three Oaks Axewomen senior AAA girls’ soccer team.
McKenna submitted a nomination for the Playtex Play On grant program last year, and the Axewomen were one of 10 girls’ high school sports teams from across Canada to receive $5,000. After learning of their selection, the team had to decide how to use the money.
“My favourite part was it was all about our team,” said McKenna, a Grade 12 fullback who serves as team co-captain with Taylor Gillis. “We all had a say in what we got.”
The Axewomen decided to purchase new soccer balls, new team jackets and supplies for permanent benches that are currently under construction, and are expected to go on the Victoria Street pitch. Also, if time and funds permit, it is hoped the current benches on the Canada Games field will be extended.
“We got to pick the style of jackets and design the logo,” added the daughter of Mark and Sara McKenna of Summerside. “It was a lot of work to put it together, but it’s nice to see it pay off.”
Future teams
McKenna is especially proud that future Three Oaks teams will benefit from the new balls and benches for years to come.
“That’s really exciting to be able to help the school out,” said McKenna, who is also a key member of the Three Oaks senior AAA girls’ basketball team. “It is exciting to leave something behind. Not only for soccer, but teams of other sports who use the field will be able to use the benches. It is a gift for everybody.”
Three Oaks athletic director Joel Arsenault praised McKenna’s initiative.
“The best part is Georgie initiated this grant application independently,” said Arsenault. “I’m proud of how resourceful she was, and consider her to be a leader amongst our student-athletes.” McKenna noted the Axewomen, who faced the Bluefield Bobcats in a P.E.I. School Athletic Association Senior AAA Girls Soccer League quarter-final game in Cornwall on Monday, had lots of support throughout the process.
“Special thanks to Playtex for the opportunity, Mr. Arsenault and our coaches, my mom (Sara McKenna), Marta (Irvine) and Michelle (Johnson) for helping us and always encouraging us,” concluded McKenna.
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