Kerry Hart has returned to the basketball
court.
While some may see this as just another story about a female
playing hoops, this adventure involves quite a bit more than your
average College student.
A graduate of Kenner Collegiate in Peterborough, then the
University of Prince Edward Island with a Business degree, Hart
isn't finished with her education or contributing to society in a
positive way.
In fact, it was her personal desire to help others in need that
contributed to her return to the classroom. Playing basketball, a
sport she adores, might also be a way of maintaining her tip-top
shape.
Hart is 39 years of age - a mother of two young boys and wife of a
Toronto surgeon.
On the hardwood, it has been awhile since Hart last played the
competitive game as a shooting and point guard. As for fitness,
even she admits to being in the best physical stage of her
life.
"I went from athlete and graduate to middle age stereotypical
woman," said Hart. "I wanted to study and learn more about women's
issues and then help people."
Basketball teammates may have wondered who she was at that first
practice not long ago, but they quickly found out about her talent
and desire to contribute to the team.
Hart, who in her high school days had a summer job working at a
YWCA in the Kawartha area, also remembers that time as being "a
scary experience".
Many years later, and having worked 10 years as well as raising her
family, Hart chose to return to schools - not to get to a third
graduation or earn a Diploma at George Brown College, but to learn
about helping women and children affected by violence.
Hart is in her first year of the Assaulted Women's and Children's
Counsellor/Advocate Program.
"I remember that summer job many years ago in Peterborough"
recalled Hart. "It was an experience I will never forget. I
consider myself to be a woman who is very fortunate and now want to
give back to those who can use my advice and assistance."
When it relates to assistance, and also being a College student,
Hart also didn't hesitate a return to the basketball court - even
if it might only be for a short term.
"As a mother of two boys, a wife and with lots of responsibilities,
toss in academics - you could say I'm busy," she said. "But I find
time, the desire to help people with addiction and mental health
issues are very important to me."
The likelihood is you won't be seeing Hart lead the team in
scoring, as the Huskies challenge for an OCAA playoff spot, but her
valuable past experience in the high school and university games
will show along with the perseverance to find the open player, set
up the big shot and contribute in more ways that scoring..
Hart joined the Huskies for a trip to Michigan over the Holiday
Break, then played briefly in a tournament and, in her first
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association league game, was 1-for-2 from
the free throw line playing just 2:51 of the game - one Centennial
College won, 62-60.
Source: George Brown College
Photo Credit: Michael Stefancic