Dr. Grant cements cross-border legacy with hall of fame induction
In the 2023 Builders category, Field Hockey Canada proudly inducts Dr. Christine Grant, a pioneering figure whose contributions to the sport transcend borders and exemplify dedication. Her impact on field hockey is unmatched, and her inclusion in the Canadian Hall of Fame is well-deserved.
Dr. Grant was instrumental in the creation of the Canadian Women’s Field Hockey Association (CWFHA) and played a crucial role in establishing the first Canadian National Championship for women. Her extensive involvement as a coach, umpire, and builder of the sport earned her high regard in both Canada and the United States.
Dr. Grant’s field hockey journey began at the age of 12. She captained her senior school team and participated in three national tournaments while playing for Dunfermline College of Physical Education in Scotland. Though she was selected for the Scottish National Reserve team, an arm injury led her to shift her focus to coaching, umpiring, and organizing within the sport. She even organized the first Scottish Junior Girls summer camp during her tenure as president of the Central District Hockey Association.
Dr. Grant’s interest in Canada and its budding presence on the global stage led her to outline a strategic plan for the sport. She identified six key areas of focus: building a solid foundation for rules and umpiring, forming a National Association, developing a national team with full provincial representation, appointing a female national coach, organizing tournaments and camps for juniors, and using national tournaments to select teams for international competitions.
She arrived in Vancouver in 1961, just in time to umpire the league playoffs. She found that a solid foundation for rules and umpiring was already in place and quickly became one of only nine national umpires. By 1962, she was a strong advocate for establishing the CWFHA and its national team, which was selected from across Canada and competed in the world tournament in the USA. Christine herself served as the national coach for this team.
In 1964, Christine was the CWFHA’s publicity and promotions chair, where she promoted and secured funding for the first Ontario Hockey Summer Camp for junior girls. She continued her contributions by coaching two Ontario teams that became the backbone of the East team. Christine led these teams at the first Canadian National Tournament in Vancouver in 1965 and again at the national tournament in Toronto in 1966. The team members selected during these tournaments went on to compete in the World Tournament in Germany.
Looking back on her legacy, those who knew Christine Grant believe she should be remembered for laying the foundation of what Field Hockey Canada is today. She is seen as the cornerstone of the sport’s development in Canada, championing women’s rights and advocating for a national association, team, coach, tournament, and selection process.
Dr. Christine Grant’s remarkable accomplishments and unwavering dedication have secured her place in the Hall of Fame, and her contributions continue to inspire the field hockey community.
