Michelle Sawatzky-Koop
Story Of Overcoming Obstacles And Persevering “No Matter What” To Reach Her Dream – The Canadian Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team.
Michelle Sawatzky-Koop teaches people who dare to dream that they can overcome life’s obstacles.
Michelle began her athletic career when she was recruited to play volleyball with the University of Manitoba Lady Bisons from 1988 to 1993. At the University of Manitoba she was the starting setter as they won the National Championship in 1990, ’91 and ’92.
Internationally, Michelle was a member of the Junior National team in 1990 and also of two World Student Games teams in 1991 and 1992.
In 1995, she was part of the bronze medal finish at the Pan American Games in Argentina. The team qualified for the Olympic Games and in July of that same year, the team finished 9th at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
Michelle relates her inspiring story of growing up in Canada and against the odds achieving her dream of making it to the Olympics on the Canadian National Team. She was constantly being underestimated by coaches and team members because of her relatively short stature as a volleyball player.
But her love of the game and her determination to practice, train, and work hard toward her dream allowed her to navigate the obstacles.
Michelle is a co-founder of Heroes in our Midst podcast. In addition to the podcast, Heroes in Our Midst also offer services to help corporations and individuals achieve their potential through workshops, collaboration and training. Heroes walk among us; they are in our midst every day.
Motivation – Be the Best You Can Be
My Story – How I Got There
Having a Dream and Finding a Way to Get There
Make the Most of your Competition
Competition – Good or Bad?
Maintaining Motivation – There are More Mountains to Climb
Success – What is it and How Do We Reach It?
Pride in Your Community – How Important It Is
What Inspired Me on My Road to the Olympics
Volunteering – How Important It Is
“I would like to recommend Michelle as an outstanding public and motivational speaker. I have seen her presentation twice now and I personally feel after seeing many speakers in my career as athletics director and coach that Michelle’s talents are amazing.”
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School
“Michelle Koop gave one of the most inspiring speeches I have heard. Her message of never give up on your dreams was great. I think that many people dream big and sometimes they think they can not do it. When someone like Michelle speaks about how people told her she could not achieve her dream, then tells how she did it gives confidence to all those who dream big.”
Cal-HOSA
Investors Group
Rogers AT&T National Sales Conference
Dental Association of Manitoba
Xerox
Manitoba Agriculture
School Trustees of Manitoba Manitoba
Manitoba Association of Broadcasters
Western Canadian Association of Broadcasters