Stretching for success

Growing up, 16-year-old Manon Lambert split her time athletically between hip-hop dance and soccer. But now she is pretty much focused on soccer and plays for Bonivital Soccer Club.

“I love soccer. It’s physical. It’s exciting and it’s challenging,” she said. “It demands a lot of time and energy, but the payoff is worth it.

“I play defence, mostly centre back but sometimes fullback. There is nothing like sticking a good tackle or blocking a hard shot,” she added, which must make her coaches happy.

Speaking of coaches, Manon had nothing but good things to say about hers.

“The coaches are great They get to know you on and off the field. Even if they are not your direct coach, they are always there for support or guidance when you need it,” she explained.

“My teammates are awesome, too. When you play competitive soccer, you spend a lot of time together. I’m grateful my team gets along so well. I’ve met some of my closest friends through soccer.”

Manon Lambert is a Grade 11 student student in the French immersion program at Institut Collégial Vincent Massey Collegiate. She is dedicated, too.

“I enjoy school. My favourite class is biology. It is interesting to learn about how the human body works,” she said.

Manon lives in the south end of the city with her mom Kerri, dad David, brother Loïc , sister Téa, and step-brothers Asher and Lexan.

“I would like to say thank you to my parents for all their support and commitment and for the non-stop rides to and from soccer.”

Manon’s goal is to play the sport she loves at the university level. She also wants to stay involved with the game in the future.

“I hope to play the sport I love for as long as I can after university. I want to continue to contribute to the soccer community. I coach in the mini program with Bonivital and volunteer in their All Abilities program and I love it,” she said. “I plan to keep this up. Maybe I will get into coaching later on.”

There is no doubting Manon’s love of the beautiful game. She has this advice for other athletes:

“Love what you do. Surround yourself with people and events that make you grow. And, most importantly – stretch.”