The athletic director at Nanaimo Christian School Breanne Quist is being honoured by BC School Sports, being presented with the Women in Sports & Leadership award at a ceremony in Kelowna on May 10. (Submitted)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

best in B.C.

‘I love this role:’ Nanaimo athletic director honoured for her leadership through school sports

May 10, 2024 | 10:11 AM

NANAIMO — A local athletic director is being honoured for being one of the best in the province.

Breanne Quist, athletic director at the Nanaimo Christian School (NCS), was recently chosen as the recipient of the 2024 Women in Sports & Leadership Award from BC School Sports (BCSS), comprised of 450 schools in the province.

Growing up in Ladysmith, Quist played almost any sport she could, with basketball eventually being her preferred passion as she obtained her teaching degree at VIU as a student-athlete.

“I’ve always loved sports, but never thought when I was doing my teaching degree would I become an athletic director…I love this role, it is honestly a dream to go to work every day and get to inspire athletes and work alongside athletes and help (them) reach their goals.”

The award recognizes Quist’s dedication, service and leadership of women participating in school sports, demonstrating a tangible impact and commitment to her role and is considered a role model to her peers and student-athletes alike.

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Quist has been the athletic director at NCS for the past eight years while doubling as a high school teacher.

She told NanaimoNewsNOW she was more than surprised when the BCSS called her to let her know she was being honoured.

“Completely out of the blue, I was very shocked. Anybody who knows me super well is not at all surprised to find out that I started crying or tearing up when I found out.”

Quist, (far left) has been the athletic director at NCS for eight years now, which she says is a dream to help train and coach her student-athletes and help them reach their goals. (Submitted)

Now married with two young daughters, Quist is excited to step back into the coaching role again to support her daughter’s athletic endeavours in a dual support role.

“It’ll be a mom role and coaching role also. I get to be front row and centre for all of my kids’ sports… to be there to really cheer them on from the coach’s seat, which is generally the best seat in the house. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”

While Quist can now use her skills and experience to inspire new generations of athletes, she gives credit to her former coaches for inspiring her.

She credits her former high school teachers and coaches Tony McCrory and Dave Mack, who she said always went above and beyond in their support.

“Even past graduation, Tony was still opening the gym for basketball so people could play. They’re two people, especially with my sports, throughout the years that I’m still in contact with and I’m still very thankful for everything they did for me when I was a high school student just figuring out what my passions were.”

School principal Jon Roper said they are thrilled Quist is being recognized for her efforts to “build a strong and varied athletics program at NCS.”

“Her impact extends far beyond our own gymnasium; Bre’s passion for athletics has allowed her to build strong connections with athletes, parents, coaches and athletic directors throughout the province. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as an integral member of our exceptional team at NCS.”

Quist will receive her award on the evening of Friday, May 10 at a ceremony in Kelowna.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow