Adapting to Change: What Sports Can Teach Us About Resilience

Resilience isn’t something you just stumble into — it’s earned. It’s built on moments that challenge your character and force you to adjust without losing your identity. As a former athlete, I’ve lived that journey.

There’s a humbling shift that happens when you go from being the go-to player to learning how to be a star in your role. I had to let go of ego and lean into contribution — to understand that winning doesn’t always come from scoring the most points, but from making the right plays for the team. That mindset shift? It’s resilience in action. Self-sacrifice for the greater good.

And this is something that’s deeply embedded in my family. My grandfather, Fred Thomas, was a Black pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII. He broke barriers in sport and service — at a time when Black excellence was often met with prejudice and aggression. He didn’t just survive — he thrived. And he didn’t wait for applause to keep going.

As someone who’s bi-racial, I’ve had to navigate a unique tension — being “too Black” for certain spaces, and “too white” for others. But I’ve learned to stop shrinking myself to fit in, and instead start standing taller in who I am.

This reflection isn’t just for athletes or educators — it’s for anyone navigating identity and change. So what can we take away?

• Redefine your role: There’s power in knowing where you thrive and how you elevate others.

• Lean into discomfort: That’s where growth and clarity live.

• Honor your history: Your past, your people, and your story matter.

• Share it: Representation changes lives. Someone out there is looking for a reflection of themselves in your resilience.

Resilience isn’t just bouncing back — it’s bouncing forward, better.