Sydnye Gagner, A Chatham-Kent Athlete Who Came baCK

Chatham-Kent sends athletes across Ontario, Canada, and the globe each year to compete athletically. Sponsored by baCK to Chatham-Kent, we’ll be featuring local athletes who have left Chatham-Kent, and are now baCK, living, working, and staying connected to our own vibrant sports community in CK.

This week, we feature Chatham’s Sydnye Gagner. A former NCAA Division I soccer standout with Oakland University, Gagner recently graduated from Oakland, and was hired by the Chatham-Kent Police Service.

Here are Sydnye’s responses to our baCK to Chatham-Kent athletes interview:

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up living in Chatham-Kent.

2. What is your favourite Chatham-Kent pastime?

My favourite Chatham-Kent pastime is participating in CrossFit and running.

3. What did you do after high school?

After high school I accepted a full ride scholarship to play D1 soccer at Oakland University. While at Oakland I completed my 4-year Undergrad in Kinesiology.

4. What are you doing now?

After graduating from University in this past April, I moved back home to Chatham. While doing so I was in the midst of the hiring process for the Chatham-Kent Police Service. Where I then accepted my offer of employment in August 2019. Now, I am looking forward to attending OPC (Ontario Police College) for my Basic Constable Training.

5. What has made you happiest, or been the best surprise about moving baCK to Chatham-Kent?

After moving back home in April, I continued to work for Athletes Fuel, which has kept me connected with the many athletes of Chatham-Kent. The best part of moving home was being hired by the Chatham-Kent Police Service.

6. What would you tell someone who is considering living in Chatham-Kent?

Chatham-Kent is a growing community that has many things to offer throughout the year. It allows for many activities for all ages to be involved in.

7. Why did you choose to move baCK to Chatham-Kent?

Chatham-Kent will always be my home, I have all my family and extended family in Chatham.

8. Describe your current sports involvement

My current sports involvement is more so trying to stay in shape. Chatham CrossFit has allowed me to maintain that high fitness level, while also staying connected with the community. Something I have always wanted to do was complete a ½ marathon, I got to check that off my bucket list last June when I participated in “Trot to The Beach”. Also, this past summer, I had the chance to help out with my little cousin’s Chatham Strikers soccer team. Hopefully this upcoming soccer season, I get to continue helping them out.