25th Anniversary Alumni Profile - PCI Saints Shelby Smith (Marks)

After graduating from Portage Collegiate Institute with honours, Shelby went to Assiniboine Community College earning qualifications as an LPN, and then on to Red College for her Bachelor of Nursing. Shelby currently lives in her hometown of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, with her husband Connor and son Nolan.  

During her high school years, Shelby was a forward for the PCI Saints. A tenacious forward who won several team awards throughout her tenure with the team including a Coaches Award for her positive attitude and overall coach-ability in her graduating year. Coach Jo-Anne Clark-Gillespie has this to say about Shelby:  

“I coached Shelby for 3 seasons.  She was an excellent leader on and off the ice; and so, I named her an Assistant Captain in grade 11 and Captain in grade 12. She was an excellent student, and all-around athlete, playing fast pitch for PCI as well.”

We asked Shelby about her experience playing high school hockey, and she has recalled: 

"Playing hockey in high school was one of the most fun times of my life!  The bonds you build with your teammates, and the dedication, responsibility, work ethic. You wanted to work hard to make your teammates, coaches, teachers, school, family proud!

Thinking about all her fond memories, Shelby reflected. “I remember the bus rides together - and at PCI, we rode the bus for every road  game. The wins, the losses, the highs, and the lows.  Not sure I can pick one moment. They all made the experience what it was.  My high school hockey journey was one of my favourites in general. My husband and I often talk about team sports (we both played hockey). We hope our children are interested in playing because it helped shape us into the people we are today and provided us with such great memories and opportunities!"