Rachel Peters
Born and raised in Penticton, Rachel came out to the West Coast in 1997 to attend the University of Victoria. While at UVic, Rachel played competitive field hockey, earning the esteemed “Rookie of the year” award from the CIAU—a national award. “I had just been injured that year—I had had a stint of knee injuries—and it was really neat to receive that award after the latest injury.” Rachel graduated from UVic with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and history.
She spent the next year coaching at St. Margaret’s School, before discovering that Brentwood College School needed a field hockey coach. The next year, she became an intern at Brentwood, working not only as a coach, but also in admissions and as an executive assistant. Although she enjoyed her three years at Brentwood, Rachel had other plans in place. “I left Brentwood to do the NCI (National Coaching Institute) in Victoria for my Level Four in a field hockey specific programme. This opened up an opportunity to work with the national team for a five-game home series versus Chile in May.” Since her three knee surgeries had prevented her from playing field hockey after university, coaching became an important part of her life.
“When I was at the NCI, Mr. Robertson called me in January and asked what I was doing in the fall. He knew me from my time at Brentwood. I had a job at Shawnigan by March.”
Now happily settled at Shawnigan, Rachel works in several areas of the School. She is the head of our field hockey programme, Assistant House Director living in Renfrew North, and a University Guidance Councilor, with a focus on university visits and Canadian universities. “We had 63 universities visit Shawnigan from September to December this year,” says Rachel. “That was fun to organize.” Although she had little experience in this area before this year, Rachel has risen to the challenge and has undoubtedly fulfilled the job requirements. “Everyone has been so welcoming and trusting, and willing to help me in my job, which has been a huge help,” says Rachel of working with the University Guidance team.
Rachel poured much energy into our very successful Senior Girls’ Field Hockey team this fall. During the pre-season camp, she could already see the potential of her team. The girls went on to have a fantastic season, led by their caring and positive coach. “To come 5th at Provincials was awesome, and it really gets me excited for what’s ahead.”
Rachel’s role in the House is also a new experience for her, and a positive one. “Working with Debra and Robyn has been so great and lots of fun. We all read each other so well, and work together incredibly well. The girls in the House are way too fun for me to consider this a job,” says Rachel. Her positive and upbeat approach, as well as her fondness for Celine Dion, has brought the House together. Her enthusiasm for the Canadian singer has caught on, and now the girls in the House are demanding regular “Celine Nights”—a great opportunity for them to connect with Rachel!
“I have felt, from day one, that it is a refreshing opportunity to work at Shawnigan. There’s no way I’d want to be wearing any other colours right now,” proudly states Rachel. The staff at Shawnigan are thankful that she feels this way!