Katelyn Heppner keeps a busy schedule.
The defenceman on the Nipissing Lakers varsity women’s hockey team is a multi-sport athlete.
She has traded in her sticks and skates for a glove and a bat.
You see, the Winkler, Manitoba native is finishing up her exams at Nipissing and then continue training to play with Canada’s Women’s National Baseball team’s summer development program.
“I played baseball at such a young age like hockey, around the same time and I have always loved both of them so I wanted to pursue them as long as I could and it is awesome that it took me this far so I am excited,” said Heppner.
But her baseball did not just start once the hockey season ended.
In fact, she has been training with Larry Tougas almost twice a week since November.
Tougas, a well known local baseball coach, grew up less than an hour from Heppner’s hometown in Manitoba. They have been training indoors at the baseball facility in the basement of West Ferris Secondary School.
“Being a good westerner like I am, I felt compelled to help her and do my part,” he said.
“It is the least I could do to help her and hopefully we can continue to do it for the next four years.”
Tougas says other female athletes are taking notice of Heppner's hard work.
"Working with Katie has just been a real pleasure and it is really easy because she is such a consummate athlete," he said.
"She is such a good role model. I have some of my younger girls that are playing basketball for me watch her and they can’t believe the work ethic and the time that she puts in juggling university life, hockey, and baseball."
Heppner, who plays shortstop and pitches, says training for two sports can be a challenge but she knows how to make it work.
“It gets really busy,” said Heppner.
“It gets tough but you just have to make sure you are managing your time, you are still on top of everything at school and you make sure you put in the work you need to and then it turns out fine.”
Heppner likes the competitiveness and playing in high-pressure situations and you often have while playing baseball.
While she doesn’t make a big deal about being a multi-sport athlete she says her hockey teammates are impressed.
“They are pretty excited for me which is cool, they are supportive teammates and they know that I am fully dedicated to hockey but they find it cool that I am also playing baseball,” she said.
