This month's Strand 360-Sunny 94 Athlete of the Month is 13-year-old Quinn Fischer of Lacombe.
Quinn is involved in several sports including hockey, soccer, basketball, and golf.
Friend of the family Natasha Eddy nominated Quinn for her truly inspirational story.
Late last year, Quinn lost her father Lynden to cancer. The two shared a very strong bond through sports, especially hockey and golf.
Lynden had coached Quinn in hockey for many years, helping her become the hard-working player she is today.
"He would always video me after a practice just to show me the little things that I can do better," explained Quinn.
Quinn's mom Jocelyn noted that one thing Lynden always said was that with Quinn, you couldn't tell the difference between a practice and a game because she always gave it 100 per cent no matter what.
"He used to call her Clutch," laughed Jocelyn.
To honour her dad, Quinn has dedicated her sports pursuits to him, only missing one game since his passing in late December.
"Definitely my sports are like a therapy for me," she explained. "It just helps clear my mind. Just remembering all the things that my dad has said to me to help me play. I have nothing on my mind, I just want to focus on the game and being competitive."
Jocelyn said she's been amazed by Quinn's resiliency, quiet strength and determination.
"I'm just so proud of her," said Jocelyn. "She has just tried so hard. She has wanted to move up in the hockey world and she's managed to do that with the spring hockey team, with all of the work that she's put in and extra practice. Her dad coached her right from the beginning. She's still done really well even though he isn't able to finish out the season with her."
Jocelyn said Lynden was so proud of Quinn, noting he started off the hockey season as an assistant coach for the Central Alberta Warriors until his hospitalization. He would offer as much advice as possible pre-game and post-game over FaceTime or the phone.
Quinn has stated that when she's on the ice or field she can still hear his voice with advice and tips that he's given to her over the years.
While it hasn't been easy for Quinn, she's received much needed support from her teammates.
"They've been really close to me and helping me through a lot," she said. "They've given me a bunch of hugs and clarity on the ice. If they ever see me quiet getting dressed, they come over and talk to me."
Coaches and staff with the hockey team made ribbon stickers that Quinn helped design that the players wore on their helmets. The stickers had Lynden's initials on them along with his favourite number '13'. Fans in the crowd also wore ribbons in honour of Lynden.
The team also taped orange around their sticks and skates to honour Lynden and his fight against blood cancer. Additionally, the head coach held a moment of silence at one of the games in honour of Lynden.
Members of the Ponoka Storm soccer team also showed up to one of Quinn's hockey games in their jerseys to support her out on the ice with posters and other words of encouragement.
"It was really awesome. It felt so amazing that I had all that support with me," exclaimed Quinn.
Next up for Quinn will be spring hockey which starts in April.
Again, congratulations to Quinn Fischer who will be winning a special prize package from Strand 360 and Sunny 94.
Click here to nominate the next Athlete of the Month.
