Olympian Shalaya Valenzuela earns the Tom Longboat Award, celebrating her as Canada’s top Indigenous female athlete and an inspiring role model.
From Olympic Glory to a New Milestone
It’s been a year of remarkable highs for Shalaya Valenzuela, and she’s not slowing down. The 26-year-old rugby star from the Tseshaht First Nation in British Columbia, already an Olympic silver medalist, has just been named Canada’s top Indigenous female athlete — a title that cements her place among the nation’s sporting greats.
Valenzuela received the 2025 Tom Longboat Award, one of the most prestigious honors in Indigenous sports, during the Aboriginal Sport Circle Gala in Ottawa on October 25.
Her male counterpart, Apollo Hess from Alberta’s Kainai Nation, also earned the award, rounding out a powerful celebration of Indigenous excellence in athletics.
A Win That Means More Than Gold
When asked what the award means to her, Valenzuela didn’t hesitate.
“It’s right up there with my Olympic medal,” she shared. “It’s one of the biggest national awards for Indigenous athletes. I’m proud to represent my culture and inspire the next generation.”
Her pride runs deep. Just months after standing on the Olympic podium with Team Canada’s rugby sevens squad, Valenzuela joined the UBC Thunderbirds and helped them capture the Canadian university championship. It’s been a whirlwind — but one fueled by hard work and heart.
The Setback That Sparked a New Passion
Even champions face challenges. This past July, Valenzuela suffered a torn ACL while playing for the Minnesota-based TC Gemini during the inaugural season of Women’s Elite Rugby, the first professional women’s rugby league in the U.S.
Yet, true to her resilient spirit, she’s taken recovery in stride.
“Rehab is going great,” she said with a smile. “I’m three months post-surgery and almost running again. I can’t wait to get back on the field.”
If all goes as planned, she expects to rejoin Team Canada’s national rugby sevens program by late April or May next year. But she’s taking it slow — not rushing, just rebuilding stronger.
Trading Cleats for a Microphone
While sidelined, Valenzuela discovered a surprising new passion — sports broadcasting.
During the 2025 national university championships, she lent her insight to CBC Sports, analyzing matches and bringing her firsthand expertise to the mic.
“My injury opened a new door,” she explained. “Commentating lets me stay close to the game I love. It’s exciting to support my team in a different way.”
She’s not ruling out a future in broadcasting either. “Many athletes stay connected through media after retiring. I’d love to explore that. It’s fun, it’s meaningful, and it keeps me in the game.”
Still Writing Her Story
From Olympic silver to a national honor, from injury to inspiration, Shalaya Valenzuela continues to redefine what resilience looks like. Her journey is far from over — it’s simply shifting into new territory.
As she put it best, “I’ll always find a way to be part of the sport — whether on the field or behind the mic.”
And for young Indigenous athletes watching her rise, that’s a victory all its own.
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