Ringette athlete Leah Partridge showcases her agility and game sense while navigating the ice, keeping tabs on the ring, her teammates, and the unfolding action ahead, often without auditory awareness of players behind her. A fourth-year psychology student, Partridge serves as the assistant team captain for the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks. Despite being born profoundly deaf in both ears, she has been actively involved in ringette since the age of four. Recently, she and the Golden Hawks participated in the Canadian University Ringette Challenge Cup, a prestigious national tournament for university teams.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the sport, Partridge appreciates the intense pace and dynamic nature of ringette games. Due to her profound deafness, relying on hearing aids poses challenges, as they are prone to malfunction due to sweat exposure during matches. Consequently, Partridge has honed her gameplay by adapting to visual cues to follow the game flow and communicate effectively with her peers, enhancing her overall performance on the ice.
Hailing from Londesborough, Ontario, Partridge eagerly pursued ringette at the university level upon joining Wilfrid Laurier University. Inspired by her sister’s involvement in the sport at Brock University, she embarked on her own university ringette journey with the Golden Hawks. Abby Breckles, the team’s head coach, noted Partridge’s swift integration into the team, with her hearing impairment initially going unnoticed during tryouts. Upon discovery, the team implemented various strategies to accommodate Partridge’s needs, such as direct face-to-face communication and creating quiet spaces for extended discussions.
Despite occasional challenges, Partridge’s experience and resilience have fortified her confidence on the ice. Recognizing the unwavering support of her teammates, she emphasizes their positivity and encouragement, attributing her success to their collective efforts. As she embraces a leadership role as assistant team captain in her final year, Partridge’s upbeat demeanor and camaraderie significantly contribute to team dynamics and morale.
Looking ahead, Partridge envisions continuing her ringette journey post-university, potentially exploring opportunities in leagues like the National Ringette League. Despite falling short in the Canadian University Ringette Challenge Cup consolation final, where the Golden Hawks contested for the bronze title against the University of Western Ontario’s Mustangs, Partridge’s dedication and passion for the sport remain unwavering.