Spotlight: Nancy Smith

Nancy has been involved in water polo for 39 years as an athlete, coach, referee, referee developer and MWPA Board Member.

Nancy started playing water polo in high school.  Shortly thereafter she started coaching and became a Referee.

With Josee Cardinal's mentorship, Nancy became the Provincial Referee, an Educator, Evaluator, and Course Facilitator. She has been our Referee and Community Coach Master Facilitator since 2013.

Nancy also served on the MWPA Board of Directors as the Technical Chair back in the 90s, and then as a Board Member from 2009 - 2011 and as President from 2018 – 2022.

She has been a School League coach since 2010 with Dakota Collegiate, where she also teaches. As she is retiring from teaching at the end of the school year, she is also retiring from water polo.

Thank you Nancy for all of your leadership and volunteerism over the years. We will miss you around the pool!

When and how did you get into water polo?  

I was a speed swimmer for 9 years and became very burnt out from elite training. When I began high school at Shaftesbury High School, I tried out for the water polo team and never looked back. It was the most fun I had in the water for as long as I could remember.

National Team Program

In grade 11, I was named as one of the top 24 female players in Canada and attended several National training camps. The summer after grade 12, I attended a European training camp and tournament in France and Belgium with the National All-Star Team (equivalent to today’s Age Group National Team).

What is your coaching philosophy?

My philosophy of coaching centers on creating an environment where athletes can discover a genuine love for the game of water polo. When athletes enjoy what they do, they are more willing to push their limits, embrace challenges, and grow both in and beyond the pool.

As a coach, I strive to develop strength, skill, mental fortitude, and teamwork. Water polo is a demanding sport, and I aim to prepare athletes not only physically but also mentally - teaching them how to persevere, adapt, and think critically in high-pressure situations. I seek to challenge their thinking, encourage self-reflection, and help them learn the importance of giving themselves grace as they navigate mistakes and setbacks.

A core part of my philosophy is building capacity in others. I believe strong programs grow when athletes and future leaders are empowered with knowledge, confidence, and responsibility. My goal is to develop individuals who not only excel in the sport but who can one day take my place - carrying forward the standards, culture, and love for the game we create together.

Beyond technique and strategy, I view sport as a vehicle for lifelong values. My coaching emphasizes respect, humility, hard work, communication, goal setting, grit, resilience, and internal motivation. These qualities go beyond competition and shape athletes into confident, capable, and compassionate people.

Ultimately, my mission is to guide athletes toward becoming the best versions of themselves—strong in character, unified as teammates, and passionate about the game, while equipping them to lead the next generation.

What advice do you have for young water polo players?

Be patient and forgiving of yourself. It’s ok to make mistakes but be prepared to self-reflect and accept new challenges for growth. Be open to feedback, mentorship, and coaching – it’s not a sign of weakness but rather an opportunity to get better. Work hard! Not only for yourself, but for your team. And when you can or are ready – give back. Ensure this is a sport for life.

What advice do you have for aspiring coaches?

Take the best qualities from every coach you’ve had and use them to shape your own authentic coaching style. Be the role model your athletes can rely on - arrive early, listen well, communicate clearly, and come prepared. But don’t forget to have fun. Laugh at yourself, share moments of joy with your athletes (never at their expense), and create an environment where learning and enjoyment go hand in hand.

What advice do you have for new Referees?

Start by blowing the whistle with authority - believe it or not, this takes both courage and practice. Offer to try officiating at practices for younger players and ask the coach for feedback - they’ll be happy to help you. Once you’ve had some hands-on experience, sign up for a course and begin studying the rule book. Be sure to read it regularly and ask questions along the way - Logan is an excellent mentor who can guide you through the process.

What other sports or hobbies do you enjoy? 

I have challenged myself to learn other sports – soccer in my 30’s and 40’s and now pickleball – my current passion. I’ll continue to swim and attend fitness classes for continued health and wellness. I also enjoy hiking and gardening to spend quality time outdoors.

What is one thing that automatically makes your day better? 

To be honest, laughing. This is automatically my reset.

Any special retirement plans? 

Moving towards retirement, I would like to finish strong – still with passion and positivity. I want to ensure that anyone I work with still has love for learning, playing, mentoring, or being a leader.

Once this school year wraps up, I want to focus on personal pursuits—travel, fitness, and plenty of quality time with the people closest to me.

Anything else you would like to say?

I want to thank all those who have played an important part in my water polo journey—Grant Badger, my second official coach and a personal friend; Lucia Davidson, a longtime teammate and friend; Marilyn and Trevor Thorington, both mentors and friends; Logan Karasinski-Borgstrom, an awesome replacement and friend; my family; my larger water polo family of years gone by, and everyone else who supported me along the way—hugs to you all. Although my time with water polo is nearly wrapped up, the person I’ve become is, in many ways, shaped by my participation in and connection to this sport.