Kelsey Calvert's curling career is about to take another step and it will be right here in her new home of southwestern Manitoba.
After making a name for herself as a skip in Alberta, the two-time provincial, national and world junior curling champion has assumed head coach duties of the BU Bobcats women's curling team, an opportunity Calvert (nee Rocque) relishes.
"I have always loved coaching and giving back to the game in whatever way I can. I was fortunate enough to have so many incredible coaches over the years and I really enjoy supporting athletes as they come up through the ranks," says Calvert.
"Coaching makes me excited about the game. I love seeing curling through athletes that are open to learning and I am excited to learn from those athletes too. I look forward to all the growth that I think is available to the program and where we can go."
Her resume as a player speaks for itself and started while representing the powerhouse University of Alberta Pandas where she enjoyed a historic run.
She joined the Pandas in 2013, and quickly rose through the ranks while also competing in the Curling Alberta junior scene.
In 2014 and 2015 she led Alberta to consecutive world junior titles before capturing back-to-back CIS (now U Sports) national championships in 2015 & 2016.
She then went on to win the 2017 World University Games before competing in the 2021 Olympic Curling Trials.
After moving to Carberry in 2022, Calvert's pursuits have shifted slightly. She still competes in mixed doubles with husband Braden, who she met when she was Team Alberta Skip and he the Skip for Team Manitoba in their junior days and fills in as a spare in multiple competitive leagues in Manitoba.
"We went to both of our World Championships together back in 2014-15 as the Skips of Alberta and Manitoba and were friends for years," Calvert says. "Braden is a full-time farmer so the move made sense for me to come this way and I love it here."
They both went on to capture world titles in 2015, but also started a relationship that saw the two married just last month.
The plan was to begin slowing down on the professional side of the game but served as a last-minute replacement this past winter in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, serving as second on Manitoba's Team Cameron.
This winter she plans to play for Team Peterson out of Winnipeg again, having finished second with the team in last year's Provincial showdown to Kaitlyn Lawes rink.
The next step will see her as the newest member of Bobcat Nation.
"The U of A will always hold a really special place in my heart. I have so many fond memories with coaches and athletes that are still very close friends of mine today. Having said that, my life is here in Westman now, and I am looking forward to working with these BU athletes, setting some goals, and seeing what they can accomplish."
"Having lived in rural Manitoba for two and a half years and now curling out of Winnipeg, I see the sacrifice and travel that many players make in the area to keep playing at a competitive level. If we can create the resources here to help with coaching BU teams, find sponsorship, and bring in more opportunities for growth I really want to be a part of it and help in any way I can," Calvert adds.
Her pursuits as a player have a different look since moving to Manitoba, providing the perfect opportunity to segue into coaching. With her knowledge, experience and passion for the game, the chance to lead a young Bobcats squad seemed like perfect timing.
"Kelsey's experience and accomplishments at all levels of curling will provide a tremendous boost to the Bobcat curling program. Her success in the university system in particular, will provide great support to the student-athletes," says BU Athletic Director Russ Paddock.
Calvert will lead the Bobcats while continuing her career as a Military Family Counsellor at CFB Shilo. She earned a master's degree in counselling and is now serving her new community both in her professional career and in sport, an opportunity she's excited for.
"I had a very different experience growing up close to Edmonton and to many resources, coaches, and supports that helped make my transition into university and women's curling fairly seamless. Having lived in rural Manitoba now for two and a half years and now curling out of Winnipeg, I see the sacrifice and travel that many players have to make in the area to keep playing at a competitive level. I'll always be thankful for the support the U of A, except now when BU plays them," Calvert adds jokingly.
