Taylor Reese-Hansen, a curler based in Kitimat, will represent British Columbia at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, following a win at the BC Women’s Curling Provincial Championship earlier this month.
Reese-Hansen said the opportunity to compete at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts is still sinking in.
“It’s kind of surreal. I think after the win we were so excited and since then it’s kind of had time to sink in and realize what a cool opportunity this is, like one that we could only have dreamed of. I saw an ad on TSN for the Scotties and thought, that’s me. I’m going to be there”
Reese-Hansen grew up curling in Kitimat, first getting involved in the sport as a teenager through the local junior program at the Hirsch Creek Golf and Winter Club. She credits that program, and the coaches who supported it, with helping shape her path to the national stage.
“They really pushed us to dream big. At that time, we would watch the Scotties and whatnot on TV and it seemed so far away, but I remember our coaches being like you guys can do it if you want one day and that always kind of stuck with me.”
Now, years later, Reese-Hansen is returning to the Scotties not as a spectator, but as a provincial champion. She described winning the BC title as a deeply personal moment, noting it fulfilled a goal she set for herself years earlier.
“It’s just so special to be part of BC women’s curling history now and that’s something that we’ve always dreamed of and that I’ve always dreamed of. I know I wrote in my high school yearbook that’s what I wanted to accomplish in life, I wanted to go to the Scotties.”
Looking forward to the Scotties, Reese-Hansen said the team mindset remains much of the same heading into the national tournament.
“It isn’t changing. We don’t need to do anything different than what we’ve done all season to be successful. We just have so much trust in our training and our process, and I think it would be a detriment to us if we did change anything.”
Reese-Hansen said the support from Kitimat and the wider Northwest has been overwhelming, with messages of encouragement coming from both familiar faces and people she’s never met.
“I can’t even believe how many people have come up to me or congratulated me or people who I’ve run into on the street, who I don’t even know if I’ve ever even met before, congratulating me, so it’s been really cool and really special.”
For young curlers following her run, Reese-Hansen has a simple message.
“I think just dream big and don’t let anyone tell you no. If you want it, you can go on and get it.”
