With a half century of coaching experience, Christine Laverty has a superb track record when it comes to her positive impact on athletes in Calgary and across the country.
And it turns out that positivity is a two-way street.
“Young people keep you young,” said Laverty, who was recently named the Calgary Booster Club’s 2025 Sportsperson of the Year.
“As long as they’re having fun, I’m having fun. And that’s what motivates me.”
While track and field can often be a solo competition, Laverty said she finds a way to encourage a team-like atmosphere among her pupils.
“It’s a one-on-one thing, but still I make it a team sport. So, they’re all there to support each other,” said Laverty, who went into coaching after competing in track and field in Quebec.
She mentored high school students in track, soccer, volleyball and basketball in both Quebec and Ontario and was the track meet director of the Greater Montreal Interscholastic Athletic Association from 1976 through 1987.
A move to Alberta resulted in Laverty focusing her efforts on working with young track athletes. She held several coaching positions over the years, including the head coach of the Royal Canadian Legion’s Alberta provincial team in the early 2000s. Laverty was named the Athletics Alberta Coach of the Year in 2001 and 2006. In 2012, she was named an Honoured Athletic Leader by the Calgary Booster Club. That same year, Athletics Alberta recognized her as their Volunteer of the Year.
On the national stage, Laverty has been Team Canada’s distance coach for the World Youth Championships; the World Cross Country Championships; the World Junior Championships; and the Commonwealth Youth Games. She also worked at the Commonwealth Youth Games as the head coach. Laverty served as the chair for the Canadian National Championships, as well. She remains an active leader with Athletics Alberta and Calgary Track and Field.
“Christine Laverty’s coaching experiences with Calgary Track West, Calgary Track and Field, and the Calgary Spartans have not only elevated individual athletes but have also positively impacted the broader track and field community in Calgary. Her ability to mentor and develop athletes who have gone on to achieve great success on the international stage is a testament to her exceptional coaching abilities,” said Jason Lindsay, senior coach with Calgary Track & Field.
When she learned she won the Sportsperson of the Year award – the most prestigious honour handed out by the Calgary Booster Club – Laverty couldn’t believe it.
“I was quite surprised to be nominated for this award,” Laverty said.
“I coach because I love coaching — not because there was ever a tangible reward at the end of it. I’m so honoured. I can’t believe the Calgary Booster Club choose me.”
Recent winners of this award include Pat Jarvis, Greg Peterson, Ron Logan, Don Young and Lawrence King.
Award winners will be officially recognized on Sunday, April 27th at the Calgary Booster Club’s 71st annual gala. Tickets for the reception at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino are available at 71sportgala.eventbrite.ca.
Related Link: https://calgaryboosterclub.com/2025/04/10/calgary-booster-club-names-major-award-winners/.