Carol Finlayson
“MANY ATHLETES AND SPORT
Carol is an accomplished coach. She was a player/coach with the Midland Malibu’s Volleyball Team in the early 1980’s, creating a positive and fun environment for adult women looking to stay involved in competitive sports.
Carol coached many different sports while teaching at Regent Elementary School: cross country running, cross country skiing, basketball, volleyball, track & field and soccer. Regardless of the sport, she built a foundation that shaped athletes and confident young people for life. This foundation included focusing on the fundamentals, trusting the process and the importance of each athlete.
If Carol wasn’t familiar with a sport, she sought out local community coaches to run clinics for her and her athletes providing them with the best possible experience. She was often found in the gym before school, during lunch hour and after school; not always with formal practices, but giving kids a safe and fun place to learn and play.
With this philosophy and dedication, it is not a surprise that her teams, particularly girls’ and boys’ volleyball achieved high levels of success at Area 3, Simcoe County and Provincial Cup.
In retirement, Carol continues to be an influential coach at the Midland and District Lawn Bowling Club (MDLBC). Many members, both experienced and inexperienced, have benefited greatly from her knowledge and experiences.
Her coaching style remains the same; focus on the fundamentals and success will come. Carol has coached many District winners that have gone on to compete at Provincial and National Championships.
Carol Beyond Coaching
Carol’s impact on the organization of sports in the Midland area started while teaching and continues today. While teaching she was instrumental in getting the funding required for a new gym at Regent. She was an Executive Member on the Area 3 and County Athletic Councils. This involved preparing resources for future conveners, planning Competition Guidelines and the yearly Calendar of Events. She convened countless tournaments and competitions at all levels within the County.
Carol was an integral part in the development and the continuing success of the Area Elementary Track and Field Meets. These events saw 500-600 students compete in 6 events, across numerous age groups, all in 1 day! The day runs smoothly because of her organization, preparation and teamwork. Other coaches say, “She makes it look easy”, knowing it is far from easy.
Since joining the MDLBC over 20 years ago, Carol has taken an active role in all areas of the Club. As Secretary on the Executive, chairing committees, member of committees, Draw Master, Spring Open House coordinator, running skills clinics, acting as principal contact for the Club, and even Draw Master for other Lawn Bowling clubs in the area. Carol’s passion, commitment, leadership and enjoyment is beyond evident.
Carol has brought these same values to the Midland Sports Hall of Fame Board for the many years she has been involved as Director, Treasurer and Secretary.
