Three Central Energy players brought their talents to the national stage earlier this summer, helping Team Manitoba to a fifth-place finish at the Canada Summer Games in St. John’s, N.L.
Nelia Fehr of Winkler, Molly Conrad of Swan Lake, and Brooklyn Friesen of Stanley all earned spots on the provincial roster — two from Central Energy’s U19 team and one from the U17 squad. The team went 3-2 in pool play before closing out the tournament with a 5-3 win over Quebec.
For Fehr, a pitcher with the U19 team, wearing Manitoba colours was the realization of years of dedication. She said it was “such an honour to represent Manitoba at the Games,” and added that it was exciting to see years of training pay off. “Since we are a smaller province compared to some of the others it was awesome to be part of a team that was able to compete with the bigger provinces and give them good games; show them why we deserved to be there.”
One of her most memorable moments came when she stepped into the pitcher’s circle. Fehr admitted there were times growing up when she was frustrated and thought about giving up on pitching. “To think that I was actually pitching at the Canada Games is kinda surreal, because it was something I always dreamed of as a little girl,” she said.
Friesen, a catcher with Central Energy U17, said she was motivated to represent both Manitoba and her home club.
“Knowing that there was only three of us from our organization on the team made it really special and pushed me to work super hard to make our organization proud,” she said.
The 16-year-old also valued the off-field experience. “Competing against some of the best athletes in the country was an incredible experience that challenged me and helped me grow as a player,” she said, adding that the athlete’s village and friendships built with teammates were highlights she will carry with her.
Conrad, who played shortstop and third base, described the Games as “absolutely surreal.” She said competing against the top athletes in the country was “everything I had hoped it to be and more,” and that wearing provincial colours gave her a new perspective. “I no longer viewed it as just a ‘game,’ but found something so much bigger than that,” she said. “The pride and support from our fans in St. John’s and at home was radiant.”
Despite not reaching the medal rounds, all three players said they left St. John’s with lessons that will shape their future in the sport. Fehr said the Games taught her to take pressure off herself and focus on having fun. Friesen echoed that sentiment, saying she learned “having fun is the most important part of the game.” Conrad added that the experience reminded her that both success and failure are part of the journey, and that “whether I am succeeding or failing, there are always people to support me.”
