Karina LeBlanc inspires future soccer stars

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

“Something as simple as a high five from somebody made me feel like I was part of something,” LeBlanc said.

City Farm Smart

Prince George wildfire preparedness faces uncertain funding future

16m ago

Legacy Night

Karina LeBlanc inspires future soccer stars

45m ago

Aiden Conn takes family racing tradition to Vegas

2h ago

That early connection helped launch an accomplished career as a goalkeeper for Canada’s national women’s soccer team. Over the years, LeBlanc represented Canada at five FIFA Women’s World Cups and competed at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. At the London 2012 Olympics, she helped Canada capture a historic bronze medal, marking one of the defining moments in the country’s women’s soccer history.

Following her playing career, LeBlanc continued contributing to the sport, taking on leadership roles and advocating for greater opportunities and recognition for women in athletics. Her journey from international competitor to sports leader has made her an inspiration for young athletes across the country.

LeBlanc says her legacy is about more than medals.

Having played during a time when women’s sports received considerably less attention and recognition, she understands the importance of communities supporting female athletes and celebrating their accomplishments.

“As a former player who always craved for people to see what we were doing and value our worth,” LeBlanc said, she appreciates the progress being made.

“I think what’s happening today is that you have communities like this who are valuing the worth of female athletes.”

UNBC Interim President Bill Owen says Legacy Night is an opportunity to bring inspiring stories to campus while highlighting the connection between athletics and academics.

“It’s a way to showcase how athletics and academics go together,” Owen said.

For UNBC athlete Hagon Kim, having LeBlanc visit campus was an opportunity to learn from someone who has reached the highest levels of Canadian sport.

“I think it’s pretty special to have her over here at the Legacy Night,” Kim said. “I’m really excited to learn about, you know, her story growing up and her journey.”

For LeBlanc, the message is simple: believing in yourself can begin with someone else recognizing your potential. Through Legacy Night, she hopes to inspire the next generation and remind young people that they belong.