“But even more daunting is the second kind of courage- the courage to act on the truth we find… One has to decide whether one’s fears or one’s hopes are what should matter most.” – Atul Gawande.
The timing of the release of this memoir couldn’t be more momentous. We find ourselves situated in a moment in time where TV shows like Heated Rivalry are at the forefront of the news. The PWHL and WNBA are finally finding their proper place in headlines. I am overjoyed that this book is being released in conjunction with a time full of forward movement in the promotion of LGBTQIA+ rights and representation in media. This memoir was nothing short of exceptional. I found myself educated, enraged, and motivated to speak out on the mistreatment of women and queer people in sport.
This volume highlights the egregious lack of support for high level athletes, particularly women in sport. We learn about the outrageous expectations of student athletes to maintain elite health oftentimes with no financial assistance for proper nutrition, medical or physiotherapy. When there is no access to a team physician, the athletes resort to taping themselves to help prevent injury. With no financial support to invest in adequate food, our athletes are surviving off cheese whiz and bread, yet they continue to push through and fight to represent our country in the sports they live and breathe. We are taken along Betty’s 1976 Olympic journey and treated to an inside scoop on what it really looks and feels like to be a part of this worldwide event.
The book is beautifully complemented with a middle insert of photos to illustrate Betty’s journey with the sport of volleyball. We get to experience photographs of her life in the sport beginning with her high school years in 1969 all the way to her activism days in 1990. These photographs provide a visual connection to the experiences described throughout the memoir and allow the reader to see Betty’s transformation both as an athlete and as an advocate.
In 1980, Betty became a pioneer in women’s sports as she was appointed the first woman to become a national team coach. A media frenzy followed, with outward excitement about the progression of women in sport. However, this was cut extremely short when Betty was abruptly fired without cause just 18 months later. In the months leading up to her dismissal, comments had been made insinuating that her assumed sexual orientation was concerning among her colleagues. Fear mongering ensued over an assumption of a woman’s sexual orientation whereas legitimate complaints about inappropriate behaviour of male coaches was ignored. It was an infuriating exhibition of the protection and preferential treatment afforded to men in sport that still exists today.
Fear mongering ensued over an assumption of a woman’s sexual orientation whereas legitimate complaints about inappropriate behaviour of male coaches was ignored. It was an infuriating exhibition of the protection and preferential treatment afforded to men in sport that still exists today.
The stark contrast between the of approval and adoration Betty initially received, to the disapproval that Betty later had to endure is unfathomable. One moment she was being celebrated and adored; the next, she was given ten minutes to clear her desk while she was followed by the president to ensure her prompt exit. No one acknowledged her as she left, and she was treated, in her words, with such “revulsion and disrespect.” This was devastating to read and illuminated the cruel prejudices that were so deeply rooted in sport at this time.
This abrupt change in life and discrimination would debilitate many, but Betty took her wrath and channeled it into something beautiful. Becoming an activist, Betty has spoken out against discrimination in sport while seeking equality for women and LGBTQIA+ athletes. Instead of allowing her experiences to silence her, Betty channeled them into a reason to fight for change. Her story demonstrates that courage is not simply the ability to endure difficult circumstances, it is also the willingness to act on the truth we find. Betty decided that her hope was what mattered most, and in doing so became an incredible advocate for athletes everywhere.
Her story demonstrates that courage is not simply the ability to endure difficult circumstances, it is also the willingness to act on the truth we find.
Betty Baxter was born in 1952 in Brooks, Alberta. Prior to turning thirty, she played Olympic volleyball and was one of the rare women to coach the sport internationally. She was a member of the National Advisory Council on Fitness and Amateur Sport for the federal government (1977–79) and a founder of Canadian Women & Sport (1981), and initiated the National Coaching School for Women (1987). Following her expulsion as Canada’s national coach in 1982, she became an outspoken activist for LGBTQ+ community and human rights. In 1993, she was the first open lesbian to seek federal office in Vancouver Centre, and in 2011 she was elected to her local school board, serving two terms. After many years as an educational and human rights consultant, she is grateful to live, write stories and care for her five horses and three dogs in xwésám (Roberts Creek, BC) on the unceded territories of the shíshálh and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people.
Publisher: Nightwood Editions (October 3, 2026)
Paperback: 6″ x 9″ | 256 pages
ISBN: 9780889715066.
Hello! My name is Cassie. I have a BSc in Neuroscience as well as a BA in Psychology. I spent my years in university writing everything from essays to scientific journal articles about G-protein coupled estrogen receptors in the hippocampus of mice (riveting, I know). That little experiment got me published though! Now, I am currently pursuing a Creative Writing Certificate. Additionally, I went to college for Paramedicine which is what I spend my days doing now. I love reading and writing as a creative outlet to escape from my day to day job.
- Cassie Barretthttps://miramichireader.ca/author/cassie-barrett/
- Cassie Barretthttps://miramichireader.ca/author/cassie-barrett/
