Nicky Trinca, 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 Nicky Trinca (Havens). Trinca was a multi-sport athlete growing up, before competing for four years with the Western University track and field team, where she won a bronze medal at the National championships with Western’s 4 x 800m team.
Now, Trinca is back living and working in Chatham-Kent.
Here are Nicky’s responses to our baCK to Chatham-Kent athletes interview:
1. Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Chatham, Ontario.
2. What is your favourite Chatham-Kent pastime?
As a youth growing up I loved playing tennis, baseball and soccer in the community leagues that were offered. I also attended the Legion track & field school every day in the summer which really spurred my love of running.
Currently I enjoy spending my free time on the water at our cottage in Rondeau Provincial Park. Sailing and paddle boarding are my favourite activities.
3. What did you do after high school?
After high school I attended Western University for 4 years and was a member of the track & field team. I ran the 600m and was also a member of the 4 x 800m relay team. In my graduating year (1994) our relay team won a bronze medal at CIAU’s in Manitoba which was a highlight. After that, I attended teacher’s college at The University of Maine. I them moved to New Zealand for 5 years where I taught high school Phys. Ed. and learned how to teachCricket and rugby along with kayaking and netball!
4. What are you doing now?
Currently I am an Itinerant Health & Phys. Ed. Teacher for the St. Clair Catholic School Board. I am a mom to two teenage girls and my husband is a teacher.
5. What has made you happiest, or been the best surprise about moving baCK to Chatham-Kent?
I have really enjoyed the time spent with my family since moving back to Chatham-Kent. Living overseas was an incredible experience but nothing compares to having our family members nearby and so influential in our girls’ lives. What has surprised me is the extent to which I have grown to love the “small town” familiarity of living in Chatham. I really enjoy running into people I have known for years on a daily basis.
6. What would you tell someone who is considering living in Chatham-Kent?
I would tell someone to most definitely make the move to Chatham-Kent! It is an ideal location with close proximity to Detroit for world class concerts and sporting events, Toronto only a short drive away, and of course, immediate access to beautiful lakes and beaches like Rondeau & Erieau. Chatham-Kent is an incredible, safe and affordable place to raise a family.
7. Why did you choose to move baCK to Chatham-Kent?
I chose to move back to Chatham-Kent from New Zealand when our oldest daughter was one so that she could grow up with her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins nearby. We also had a dream of buying a cottage in Rondeau Park on the lake which was fulfilled when she turned seven. Chatham-Kent is affordable to allow dreams such as this to become a reality!
8. Describe your current sports involvement?
Currently I love coaching various sports at my school such as volleyball, basketball and badminton. I had many incredible coaches as a child so enjoy paying it forward in this role.
Personally, I love running and also training at Blair’s Boot Camp with such a motivating team leading the workouts several times a week. As a family we are very involved in the Rondeau Yacht Club which is an incredible community organization. Our family spends our free time sailing and paddle boarding.