Name: Erin McLeod
Sport: Soccer
Hometown: St. Albert, AB
Nickname: E
Favorite Sports Memory: I was born in Edmonton so watching Canada win the World’s in hockey with Wayne Gretzky or watching the Edmonton Oilers do well because of Wayne, Mark Messier, and other hockey heroes. Also – watching Elizabeth Manley win the silver medal in figure skating – from a very young age I loved watching sports – especially supporting our Canadian heroes.
How you got involved in your sport: My parents put me in a bunch of different sports – Taekwando, Highland Dancing, Basketball, to name a few – and I fell in love with soccer right away. My sister played and my Dad was my coach so I loved being able to play with my family.
The moment you knew you wanted to represent Canada: When I was 5 years old I knew I wanted to go to the Olympics – I was obsessed with the Olympics- I used to draw pictures of different athletes at the Games- so I think I’ve always known this is what I’ve wanted to do.
Favorite Quote: “First I will be great – then I will get my chance” ~ Abraham Lincoln
CAN Fund Testimonial: CAN Fund is an incredible organization that supports our Canadian Athletes. It enables athletes to focus on their sport 24/7 so that we can become the best athletes possible – I feel very fortunate that I have been selected to receive CAN Fund and will continue to strive for greatness in my sport for my loved ones and all Canadians.
Best Result:
-2nd place in the under-19 World Championship in Edmonton 2002
-4th place finish at the 2003 World Cup, 1st place in CONCACAF Gold Cup 2010
-Several 1st place finishes at the Cyprus cup
-Last year (2010) a record of 6th place ranking in the world (currently 8th)
-Quarter-finals in the 2008 Olympics
Share one valuable tool that you use on a daily basis that helps you to be the best athlete you can be: A Positive Attitude. Perspective in life is absolutely everything… when we let obstacles, sore muscles, defeat, and other excuses get in the way we stop going towards improvement… seeing all obstacles as an opportunity to improve makes me a much better athlete. It takes courage to look at your mistakes and be critical of yourself – but it’s the only way you grow.
Who is one person in your life that has impacted your career and what was it that they taught you? Well I have to cheat and say two people – my parents. From a very young age my parents found the right balance of pushing me but also supporting me. Both of my parents are very intelligent, hard working, and good people, from them I have learned to apply those things to sport and the rest of my life. I have always wanted to make them proud and am honored to call them my parents.
Have you read any articles or books or watched any videos or movies recently that really inspired you? I read the book Siddartha by Herman Hesse. It’s a great book about a man finding his way – and actually becoming Buddha. I love it because I think so often we get caught up with the final goal or destination and we lose sight of the joy in the journey… I find fulfillment comes from the journey and because of that I enjoy every single day that much more and get excited at the possibility of continuous improvement.
Fun Facts: I love to draw and paint – I also love to sing… I have a small Chihuahua named Maxwell and he’s the light of my life.