13-year-old Quinn Carson from Sicamous is competing to become Sports Illustrated’s Youth Athlete of the Year and feature in a 3BRAND ad.
Rising Star on the Ice
In Sicamous, British Columbia, 13-year-old Quinn Carson is chasing a dream that could put her on the national stage. Competing in Sports Illustrated’s 2025 Youth Athlete of the Year contest, the young hockey player is aiming to win a $25,000 prize and a coveted feature in an ad for NFL star Russell Wilson’s brand, 3BRAND, in Sports Illustrated magazine.
The Road to Recognition
The competition, hosted at athleteoftheyear.org, relies on public voting. Carson is currently ranked fourth in her group as the Top 20 round narrows ahead of its August 7 deadline. Voting continues through October to select the final winner. Her stepfather Robbie Barrett and mother Kelly Reynolds nominated her after witnessing her rapid rise on the ice.
Athleticism Beyond Hockey
Though hockey is her primary passion, Quinn is a multi-sport athlete. She plays softball, volleyball, and dominated the 2023 B.C. Interior Elementary School Championships in track and field, bringing home gold, silver, and bronze medals. Her athletic versatility adds weight to her candidacy in a competition that celebrates all-around youth talent.
From Local Rinks to International Dreams
Quinn has played hockey for just four years but already stands out. Last season, she played on three teams: the Sicamous U13 mixed team, the U15 girls team in Salmon Arm, and as an alternate for the U15 Novas zone team. Her long-term goal? To skate for the University of Minnesota and eventually join the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).
A Community Effort
“She spends hours daily outside shooting pucks,” said Barrett, reflecting her relentless commitment. “She was born to be an athlete.” The family is rallying community support to keep daily votes coming. They’re hopeful Canada will back one of its brightest rising stars on her journey to national recognition.
How to Support Quinn
Anyone can vote for Quinn daily at athleteoftheyear.org. Every vote counts as she battles her way toward the final five—and possibly, a life-changing appearance in Sports Illustrated.
This article is original and written specifically forSurreySpeak.com
