News that she would be receiving some substantial funding came at a rather opportune time for Shalaya Valenzuela.
Valenzuela, a Tseshaht First Nation member, is one of five individuals this year who have been selected to receive the Team Canada Indigenous Award, through the Canadian Olympic Foundation.
Each recipient will receive $20,000 to help cover some of their expenses during the next two years.
Valenzuela was a member of the Canadian women’s rugby sevens club that captured the silver medal at last year’s Paris Olympics.
Valenzuela knows how she will spend a good chunk of her funding. She received a phone call last month that she was an award recipient mere days after tearing the ACL in her right knee, while playing pro rugby in Minneapolis.
Surgery to repair her ligament will be on July 16 in New Westminster.
“It was a big surprise,” Valenzuela said of her award. “And this was right after my ACL (injury). I just felt a weight off my shoulders because I knew I was going to be okay for this year, not having full insurance for the extras like physio and the extra treatments that are really good for your knee. That wouldn’t be covered. So, I’m using that money. I have the money now to be able to put into my recovery.”
Valenzuela was nominated for the Team Canada Indigenous Award by her national team coach Jocelyn Barrieau.
“I filled out my application and they gave me a call back and wanted to talk and go through my application,” Valenzuela said. “We went through it and they basically said ‘Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story and the obstacles you have overcome to get where you are’.”
Valenzuela added she was told award selection officials were impressed with how she had opened up and talked about her athletic journey.
“Then, at the end of the call, it was a surprise and they said I had been selected as a recipient and we’re not just going over your application with you,” she said.
Valenzuela, who is living in Abbotsford this summer, is now preparing for her surgery and what is expected to be a nine-month recovery period.
“I’ve seen a lot of these situations turn out good and people come back stronger and faster and more motivated,” she said. “So, I definitely know I’ll come out stronger.”
Because of her surgery, Valenzuela will be unable to suit up for the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds during their fall season. Last year she was a member of the squad that captured the national women’s university title.
UBC is hosting this year’s Canadian championships in late October and early November.
“I want to continue being a part of the program for this year,” Valenzuela said. “And they’re also a great support system. And just having this team dynamic I definitely think I’m going to need that energy for me while I’m recovering from surgery.
“I’m going to take full-time classes. I’ll focus on recovery and still be a part of the team.”
Valenzuela is hoping the Thunderbirds can defend their national title.
“That’s what I was really looking forward to, winning the nationals at home with them,” she said. “Unfortunately, I won’t be back in time. But I feel I can add some value on the sidelines and mentor and show leadership skills in other ways than just playing.”
Valenzuela plans to be as involved as possible with the squad. But her exact duties have yet to be specified.
“I’m not going to step on any toes,” she said. “But we’ll see what responsibilities the coaches want to give me. I’m just excited to get them to another national title.”
Valenzuela is obviously disappointed her pro career did not have a smooth start. She was playing in just her second game with the Minnesota-based Twin Cities Gemini when she tore her ACL.
The Gemini are one of six teams competing in the Women’s Elite Rugby, an American-based circuit which began this year.
“I was excited to get my foot in the door,” Valenzuela said. “And (my injury) happened unfortunately in the second week I was playing with them. So, things didn’t go as I had hoped.”
Valenzuela was participating in a match against the Chicago Tempest when an opponent tried to tackle her but only ended up grabbing one of her legs.
“My right leg continued with the momentum,” Valenzuela said. “It was just too much momentum and I was getting spun around. So, my leg just went down way too hard in a twisting motion. I heard two loud pops. Basically, I was off it for a whole week. And I got my MRI results back and it was a fully torn ACL.”
On a more positive note, Valenzuela is pleased to see more and more Indigenous athletes from across the country receive some recognition.
“I’m super grateful,” she said of her latest award. “And every year I stay with the program I see more opportunities for Indigenous athletes and more support for Indigenous athletes. So, I’m excited to see the support going in the right direction. And I’m super grateful to be in the position that I am and to receive the support to be nominated for these awards.”
Valenzuela is hoping to be back playing with the national team in early 2026.
“I’m hoping to make a return for the second half of the HSBC World Sevens Series,” she said. “Our season starts in December and goes until about the end of May. So, if everything goes okay with my timeline, I should be able to play the second half of the season.”
Valenzuela also has another goal.
“I’m going to continue pushing and being an Indigenous role model,” she said.
